Bet on cycling

The Tour de Suisse is Switzerland’s national stage race and always inspires some great racing through breathtaking mountains and valleys.

The nine-day race, recognised as the fourth most important stage race after those of France, Italy and Spain, visits every part of Switzerland to find difficult climbs or visit major cities. As in many cycling friendly countries, the race is a special event for the people along the route with spectators on every section of road to see the riders and enjoy the free show.

In 2009 national hero Fabian Cancellara took a fairytale overall victory with huge crowds cheering him to success. Cancellara won the opening prologue time trial, rode strongly in the mountains and then won the final time trial stage in his home town of Bern to seal his first major stage race success.

Race organisers International Management Group (IMG) have planned the details of the 2010 race with care and attention.

After several starts in the northeast of Switzerland, it will be Lugano, in the Italian-speaking southern-most canton Ticino, which will host the 2010 start. Following an opening prologue along the lakeshore, the race will head to Ascona, where a sprint finish is likely, before a tougher finish in the French-speaking Sierre in Valais. Other stages take the race north and then south again via Fribourg, Schwarzenburg and Wettingen. The second half of the race is packed with mountains, and the finish at La Punt will be especially tough before the ride to Wetzikon. This year’s race ends with a time trial around the town of Liestal, close to Basel.

All the Swiss cycling fans will be cheering for a second victory from Fabian Cancellara. It will be fascinating to see if he can pull it off.