20 teams will line up at the start of the 5th Tour de Suisse Women in Gstaad on June 12th. Highlights of this edition of the Tour are the inclusion of new top teams, local teams and Swiss cyclists.
13 UCI Women’s WorldTeams at the Start
“With 13 out of 15 of the world’s best women’s teams, we can expect a top-class field of cyclists and an enormously exciting Tour de Suisse Women,” says Tour Director Olivier Senn. And it’s not just the number of WorldTeams (top racing category) that promises an exciting race, but also the changes in team rosters. The supremacy of SD Worx – Protime is being challenged, and new top teams are looking to contest the Dutch team’s place in the spotlight.
The French racing team FDJ-Suez is currently favourite to become cycling’s new number 1. They have made six high-profile transfers. These include Elise Chabbey from western Switzerland and superstar Demi Vollering. The Tour de Suisse is virtually a home race for Dutchborn Vollering. Especially this year: “I’m delighted that we’ll be riding my training area in Central Switzerland at the Tour de Suisse. Spectators will see how beautiful the region is, with the lake, the many hills and the Alps in the background”.
Also sporting new colours is Swiss stand-out Marlen Reusser. Having switched to Movistar this season, she is taking on even more responsibility as leader: “I’ve settled in very well and my training performances combined with the cooperation with my teammates make me feel positive for a successful season”. When asked about the Tour de Suisse Women, Reusser says: “Riding in front of my home fans, friends and family is special every year and I’m really looking forward to it. It’s also an important last test before the Giro d’Italia Women at the beginning of July”.
All three teams (SD Worx – Protime, FDJ-Suez and Movistar) will start at the Tour de Suisse Women with their sights set on overall victory. An overview of the 2025 teams can be found here.
Never underestimate the underdogs
The seven other teams coming from the second and third highest levels will try to give the “big ones” a run for their money. Particular attention should be paid to the well-established UCI Women’s ProTeam EF Education-Oatly featuring Swiss cyclist Noemi Rüegg. As the current Swiss Champion, she proudly wears the Swiss cross on her chest and is an inspiration for the country’s cycling fans.
The newly created NEXETIS team is still relatively unknown. The Swiss team has set itself the goal of introducing aspiring female athletes to professional sport and will be able to showcase their skills at the Tour de Suisse this year. ” For our young team the Tour de Suisse is a great challenge but also a wonderful platform to present ourselves to the home crowd. We are really looking forward to the Tour!”, says Team Manager Anna Wiese.
