After the high drama of the Tour de Suisse, the alpine nation is now due to host two rounds of the most popular cycle race in the world: the Tour de France. Here’s where you will be able to watch the action, the route through Switzerland and the official dates for 2022.
The Tour de France is a multi-stage cycling race that covers the length and breadth of France. Over 23 days, 200 cyclists race over 3.200 kilometres, beating time trials, hill climbs and each other, to be crowned the winner. One of the quirks of the tour is the special stages which sees the competition visit other nations in Europe.
For the race in 2022, the Tour de France is heading to Denmark and Switzerland. Much like in the UK, Spain and other host nations, the race will come to Swiss cantons for two race stages over two days. As Switzerland boasts some steep and imposing mountains, both races will feature hill climbs and adrenaline-fuelled descents.
Here’s what you need to know about the Tour de France in Switzerland in 2022.
The cycling stages in Switzerland will take place on July 9 and July 10, 2022. Stage 8 will start in Dole, France at 1.05pm on July 9 and end in Lausanne at 6pm. Stage 9 will start at 12.30pm on July 10 in Aigle, and finish across the French border in the Haute-Savoie region at around 5.18pm.
Stage 8 is classified as a lighter mountain stage, with a length of 192,9 kilometres. Of particular interest to cycling enthusiasts is a brand new 12 percent incline near the end of the race, as riders scale the 1 kilometre rise from Ouchy to the finish line at the Stade Olympique in Lausanne. Definitely not to be missed!
Stage 9 is described as the “first authentic mountain test” of the tour, with riders having to adjust to the unforgiving climbs and drops that the stage offers. The circular route around the Swiss Alps will offer spectacular views for spectators and riders alike as they navigate the 192,2-kilometre stage.
Reaching speeds of up to 41 kilometres an hour, the racing at the Tour de France is full of adrenaline which needs to be seen to be believed. If you want to see the riders yourself, here is a basic guide to the route through Switzerland.
The first cycling stage in Switzerland - Stage 8 - will start at 1.05pm on July 9 in the French town of Dole. The preliminary caravan is due to arrive in Switzerland at 2.06pm at the border post near the village of Bois-d'Amont. The fastest riders are expected at 3.51pm.
The competitors will then go through the Parc naturel régional Jura Vaudois before arriving at Morges on Lake Geneva at around 4.23pm. The cyclists will then race along the lake to Lausanne, where the last rider is expected to cross the line at the Stade Olympique at around 5.53pm.
Video: Tour de France / YouTube
In Stage 9, the cyclists are due to start at 12.30pm in Aigle - the site of the famous Swiss castle. From there, the route cuts a path through the Lavaux wine region, reaching Montreux at 1.05pm and Vevey at 1.14.
From there, the cyclists scale the mountains of Canton Vaud, reaching Gruyères at 2.10pm at the earliest. A swift descent will see them return to Aigle at 3.22pm, before reaching the border with France at the Pas de Morgins at 5.18.
Video: Tour de France / YouTube
If you can’t make the race in person, don’t worry! The whole of the Tour de France will be covered by sports channels across the alpine nation. Bars, restaurants and sports clubs will be keeping a beady eye on what is set to be one of the all-time best cycling tours.