Julien Bernard, Tobias Foss, Ethan Vernon and Juan Ayuso with the distinctive jerseys for the Tour de Romandie in 2023. IMAGO/MANUEL GEISSER / Imago / Panoramic
The 77th edition of the Tour de Romandie starts this Tuesday April 23 and will run until Sunday April 28. Injured since the Tour of Flanders at the end of March, Julian Alaphilippe returns to the professional circuit.
What is Romandy?
Better known as French-speaking Switzerland, it is the French-speaking part of Switzerland, on the western part of the Swiss country. This area does not have an official boundary. It extends from the Jura massif to Valais, passing through the cantons of Vaux, Neufchâtel, Geneva and Fribourg. These are the territories that the runners will cross, from the prologue this Tuesday, April 23, until the 5th and final stage, Sunday, April 28.
What racing profiles?
Apart from the short prologue time trial (2.28km), the Tour de Romandie route will alternate between the 1st and 5th stages more suited to punchers, and stages where the altitude difference will increase. The main differences in the general classification will be made on the 2nd and 4th stages. On Thursday, the runners will pass through Les Mosses (13.3km at 4.1%) then end the day with Les Marécottes (7.8km at 7.3%). On Saturday, the arrival at Leysin (14km at 6% average slope) will probably act as a judge of the peace between the best climbers. Be careful, however, not to neglect the 15km time trial on Friday, which will give some competitors a few precious seconds.
Who are the favorites?
This year, the Tour de Romandie is quite undecided due to the absence of real big names. Several names seem capable of winning this 77th edition. Juan Ayuso, fresh winner of the Tour of the Basque Country, is in great shape. His teammate at UAE Adam Yateswinner last year, will try to retain his title. Damien Caruso knows the event well, he who finished 9th in 2021, 6th in 2022 then 3rd in 2023. Aleksandr Vlasov, often well ranked and winner in 2022, is also among the contenders. The relief will probably not be steep enough to allow Egan Bernal to impose oneself. Julio Cicconnebest climber of the 2023 Tour de France, is making his comeback after his perineal cyst but will probably be too tight to play spoilsport.
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What are the best French chances?
Who in the peloton is best able to succeed Laurent Jalabert, the last Frenchman to win this event in 1999? If they are not climbers, Remi Cavagna et Bruno Armirail will boldly play their luck in the two individual time trials. Despite his victory in the Tour du Jura, David Gaudu does not seem in the best shape of his life, just like Guillaume Martin and Julian Alaphilippe who returns to the professional circuit for the first time since his fibula head injury at the Tour of Flanders. The best tricolor luck turns out to be Lenny Martinezauthor of four victories this season and of whom the peloton will perhaps be less wary.
Why don’t the big names take part in this event?
No Geraint Thomasby Romain Bardet, by Ben O’Connorof Tadej Pogacarni de Cian Uijtdebrocks will not be at the start. The Tour de Romandie calendar does not please all the riders. Many of them are already focused on the Giro which will begin on May 4, whether for the general classification or for stage victories. The best example of this choice remains Julian Alaphilippe. Supposed to skip the Tour de Romandie to prepare as best as possible for his first Giro, the Frenchman finally comes to Switzerland to test himself after his injury.
Where to watch the Tour de Romandie?
Two channels share the broadcast of the Swiss race. The Team Channel as well as’Eurosport 2 who will broadcast the race around 3:30 p.m. during the weeket 2:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
