For the first time Tour de Suisse viewers will be given an instantaneous insight into live rider data and can compare what shape the riders are in at any moment, as well as their performance potential, right there on their TV screens. The confirmed starts of Geraint Thomas (Sky), Tejay van Garderen (BMC) and Simon Spilak (Katusha), alongside the existing challengers Rui Costa (Lampre-Merida), Andrew Talansky (Cannondale), Laurens Ten Dam (Giant-Alpecin) and Swiss rider Mathias Frank (IAM), promise a hard-fought battle for the overall victory in the 80th Tour de Suisse. So nothing else stands in the way of an entertaining festival of world-class racing.
Collaboration with Velon, the joint marketing company of 11 WorldTour-teams, enables the organisers of the Tour de Suisse to tread new ground in the field of live TV transmission. For the first time rider data will be projected live onto the TV screen in graphic form, enabling viewers to make a direct comparison between individual riders in terms of such factors as pulse rate and performance. Every day some of the riders will be equipped with specially designed sensors, which will transmit the data to the viewers' screens in real time. "This will enable viewers to experience the tremendous effort of the professional riders at close quarters," says Tour-Director Olivier Senn, looking forward to this world premiere at the Tour de Suisse.
Geraint Thomas is looking for revenge
The field of riders has been considerably reinforced by a few start confirmations in recent days. For example Geraint Thomas (Sky) will be another challenger for the overall victory, particularly as he has a score to settle. Last year he missed out on the Tour win by just five seconds. Meanwhile, Slovenian rider Simon Spilak (Katusha) intends to repeat his overall victory from last year. BMC will also be bringing a strong leader to the anniversary edition in the form of Tejay van Garderen. Along with the entries of Andrew Talansky (Cannondale), Laurens Ten Dam (Giant-Alpecin) and Mathias Frank (IAM) announced earlier, these are the top riders who want to foil the record attempt by Portuguese rider Rui Costa (Lampre-Merida). Rui Costa is the only rider who could win the Tour de Suisse for the fourth time within five years.
17 Swiss riders in the line-up
Both the participating Swiss cycling teams will be flying the flag. In all probability Mathias Frank of WorldTour-Team IAM Cycling will be starting what is unfortunately to be the team's last Tour de Suisse alongside four Swiss riders, Martin Elmiger, Reto Hollenstein, Marcel Wyss and Oliver Zaugg. Pro-Continental-Team Roth, which will be taking part in the Tour de Suisse thanks to its wildcard, has six Swiss riders in its line-up. From Team BMC , Swiss Champion Danilo Wyss, Michael Schär and Silvan Dillier, who has just recovered from a broken finger, will also be there at the start. Fabian Cancellara will be riding for Trek-Segafredo, along with Cham local rider Gregory Rast, and Michael Albasini will be appearing for Orica-GreenEdge.
19,622 metres of altitude gain and 16 mountain prizes
On their way to an overall victory the riders will tackle nine extremely demanding stages, covering 1,220 kilometres, climbing 19,622 metres and with 16 mountain prizes. This was confirmed by the riders attending this year's media conference, Fabian Cancellara (Trek-Segafredo), Michael Albasini (Orica GreenEdge) and Simon Geschke (Giant-Alpecin) unisono.
While the prologue in Baar is perfectly tailored to the abilities of Fabian Cancellara, the hilly circuit on the second stage could be something for Michael Albasini. In contrast, German rider Simon Geschke is looking forward to the difficult mountain stages from stage five onwards. His climbing abilities have been widely known since his win on the mountain stage to Pra Loup in last year's Tour de France.
A festival mood is guaranteed
Following last year's positive experiences and the large numbers of spectators, the organisers from InfrontRingier have once again expanded the entertainment activities at the two hubs in Baar and Davos, as well as in the towns hosting the stages. The team presentation on Friday in Baar (6.30 p.m.) is once again to be a carnival occasion, following the impressive example set by Risch/Rotkreuz last year.
Some attractive exhibitors will be inviting visitors to stroll around the Bike Expo and talk shop. Another magnetic attraction of the expanded Kids World will be the new mascot "Tourli", which will get the kids' hearts beating faster. "Tourli" is also the patron of a new children's competition, in which children can win some great prizes. Even the tiniest kids will experience the feeling the professionals and enjoy the loud cheers of the spectators in the new "Jumbolino Kids Challenge" race over 150 metres on their balance bikes on the finishing straight.
For the adults, the "TdS Challenge" enters its second round. The programme includes the "Cornèrcard Cancellara Challenge" (11.6.), an individual time trial on the original TdS route, the "Morgarten Memorial" (12.6.), a circuit in the Zug region, the "Ötztal Challenge" (17.6.), a mountain race right up to the Rettenbach glacier at 2,669 metres above sea level, and the "Cornèrcard Alpine Circle" (19.6.), a high alpine circuit on the original TdS route via the Albula and Flüela passes. It is still possible to register.
More information about all the activities surrounding the Tour de Suisse can be found on the website at www.tourdesuisse.ch.