The Tour de Suisse wants to keep up with the times and, paraphrasing Tamara de Lempicka, create a trend rather than follow it. Many could end up taking inspiration from how the Swiss stage race has decided to structure itself for the 2026 edition, a year in which the organizers have thought of introducing some innovations with the idea of making the event more interactive, more visible, and more in line with the "modern staging of international cycling".

Guided by this intent, the figures managing the Tour de Suisse have decided that this year the stages of the men's and women's races will take place on the same days and on the same race routes, will have start and finish in the same locations, and will have a predominantly circuit-based development.

In addition, it was announced that the red-cross event, scheduled from June 17 to 21, will start for the first time in its history from Italy, specifically from Sondrio, in Valtellina (an area historically linked to the nearby Grisons Canton), and will cross three linguistic regions of Switzerland, thus confirming, on one hand, its international dimension and, on the other, its commitment to diversity.

"This new format allows us to characterize each stage very clearly," commented Tour de Suisse Sports Director David Loosli.

"We combine selective profiles, tactical variety, and iconic landscapes - from alpine passages to explosive finales. The increased presence of circuits promises more interaction and more cycling for all spectators. With two races a day, the 2026 route will offer great sporting moments daily".

Regarding the route, with the aim of connecting areas and regions with different characteristics, after starting from Valtellina, the Tour de Suisse will stop for the third time in Bad Ragaz (start and finish location of the third stage) and will conclude in French-speaking Switzerland in the picturesque location of Villars-sur-Ollon.

"Villars-sur-Ollon is synonymous with performance, character, and international resonance - values that perfectly align with the Tour de Suisse. Hosting the finale of the 2026 Tour de Suisse is a strong signal for sport and the entire region," declared Sergei Aschwanden, a deputy of the Canton of Vaud and former Olympic judoka, who, like the others present, will be able to applaud in the small village over 1200 meters above sea level those who will succeed Joao Almeida and Marlen Reusser, winners of the 2025 edition.