"First two days decisive for overall win"
The four stages of the Tour de Suisse will take place in the Swiss canton of Vaud this season. There, the riders will encounter a challenging and difficult course. "The first stage is very difficult right from the start. The distance of the stage may be little at 59 kilometres, but the Col de la Croix is immediately very difficult," said Van der Breggen. "This is immediately a tough stage."
"The climbing time trial on the second day from Aigle is 15.7 kilometres long, but also very tough. The necessary altimeters have to be overcome here too. Actually, it is an atypical build-up of a stage race. The first two stages will largely determine what the classification will look like. Then we will know how to go into the last two beautiful stages."
Of course, Team SD Worx-Protime will miss Marlen Reusser at the Tour de Suisse. Last year, the Swiss champion managed to win the round on home soil. Now she is recovering from a fever infection. "With Marlen, with this stage schedule with a tough time trial, you always have a favourite in the house. For Demi, this round in Switzerland also feels a bit like a home race. After the Spanish block, she took some rest, after which she trained well again. This is also a challenging course for her where she will come into her own."
Vollering will be joined in Switzerland by Niamh Fisher-Black, Mischa Bredewold, Femke Gerritse, Chantal van den Broek-Blaak and Marie Schreiber. "Last year, Niamh managed to win a stage in Switzerland. That opportunity can definitely present itself again now. Niamh has also had a good training block. There are also chances for Femke and Mischa on this route. Although the first two rides will determine what will be our tactics for the last two nice stages.