Despite the best efforts of all concerned it has been decided that the alternative route via the Gotthard and Furka Passes, which was being considered for the Queen Stage, is also not feasible. Instead the 6th Stage will start on Friday 14th June at the Goms Nordic Centre in Ulrichen (VS).
According to the Uri and Valais snow clearing crews, a safe crossing of the Furka Pass is not guaranteed over the next few days. As a result the 6th stage of the Tour de Suisse will not cross the Nufenen or Furka Passes into Valais. “Safety is our top priority and this applies to the riders, support vehicles and spectators,” says Tour Director Olivier Senn. “Of course we are disappointed that the Queen Stage cannot take place as planned. But mother nature and the weather are beyond our control and we must accept that,” Senn added.
New Start at the Goms Nordic Centre in Ulrichen
The shortened stage without an Alpine pass starts at the Goms Nordic Centre – a biathlon and cross-country skiing hotspot in winter – which has made itself available as a start location at short notice. “We are delighted to have found an alternative start site with enough space for the entire Tour entourage so quickly,” says Olivier Senn.
The stage will now start at 15.00 o’clock, will cover 42.5 kilometres and 848 metres in altitude to Blatten-Belalp.
«We would like to take this opportunity to thank the local organisers in Locarno who have been most understanding with our decision not to hold the start in Ticino», said Senn.
Other alternatives – for example via the Simplon Pass to Valais – were examined but could not be implemented due to the Swiss Army’s inability to secure the route on the Italian roads.
Mountain Prize #rideforgino relocated to the Gotthard
The KOM planned in tribute to Gino Mäder on the Nufenen Pass will now be awarded on the Gotthard Pass on Stage 4.
