2021 Tour de Romandie Race Preview
The details of this year's 2021 Tour de Romandie are falling into place. Find the latest route profiles and maps below, followed by our strategic preview of the race.
The 2021 Tour de Romandie arrives as one of the final major tune-up races before the Giro d'Italia and offers a fascinating glimpse at the form of several top contenders ahead of a busy grand tour season. The Swiss stage race, held in the French-speaking cantons of western Switzerland, has long been a favourite proving ground for climbers and all-rounders, and the 2021 edition looks set to continue that tradition with a demanding route that should reward the best in the peloton.
The race begins with a prologue in Aigle, home to the UCI headquarters, giving time trial specialists and overall contenders alike the chance to set early markers. From there the race winds through typically challenging Swiss terrain, with several summit finishes and punishing climbs that will test the legs of anyone harbouring ambitions of overall victory.
Geraint Thomas arrives as one of the headline names, the Welsh Ineos Grenadiers rider looking to build his condition after a difficult 2020 season interrupted by injury. Richard Carapaz, his teammate and reigning Olympic champion, is another dangerous presence, while Richie Porte will be eager to shine on roads that suit his climbing abilities. Defending champion Alexey Lutsenko will also be present, though his overall prospects may depend on how his Astana team structures its ambitions.
Primoz Roglic of Jumbo-Visma looms large over the entire race. The Slovenian is in exceptional form and will be difficult to beat across a race that combines time trialling and climbing, two disciplines in which he excels.
Expect the mountain stages to be where the race is ultimately decided, with the final days likely to spark the crucial attacks that separate the overall contenders.
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