One of the most prestigious races on the calendar, a race in which Soudal Quick Step has won no fewer than 16 stages: it is the Tour de Suisse which will take place this year from June 17 to 21. The World Tour race has been reduced to just five stages, compared to eight in previous years, but even under these conditions the organizers have found a way to touch the German-speaking, Italian and French-speaking regions of the country.

The first two stages will favor the fastest riders, before the third brings the sprinters to compete for what will certainly be their only opportunity of the week. The final two stages of the 89th edition, a 23.7 km individual time trial and a summit finish at Villars-sur-Ollon, will be decisive for the general classification of the last World Tour race before the Tour de France.

The race brings with it excellent news for the Wolfpack and all Landa supporters: Mikel Landa will return to racing after the injury he suffered at the Itzulia Basque Country that ended his objectives for April and May. For the 36-year-old, this will be only the second participation in his career at the Tour de Suisse, and Mikel is enthusiastic about being able to wear his race number again.

«The Tour de Suisse is an ideal race for climbers, so I'm happy to be at the start. It hasn't been a great season so far, I've had some bad luck and I arrive at this race having missed a few days of racing, but I'm pleased to participate, return to racing and improve my condition» said Landa.

He will be joined by Alberto Dainese, Gil Gelders, Maximilian Schachmann, Ilan Van Wilder, Louis Vervaeke and the winner of the Tour of Sardinia Filippo Zana.

«It's a different Tour de Suisse, with only five stages on the program and different scenarios for each day. Our riders are motivated to give their best, so we hope for a positive week with good results» said sports director Sep Vanmarcke.