The Tour de Suisse is set to kick off, and despite the absence of Demi Vollering, the race promises an exciting lineup of contenders. This year's edition, running concurrently with the men's race, features a five-stage format, starting on Wednesday and concluding on Sunday. Among the standout names are Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, the 2024 Tour champion, and Elisa Longo Borghini, a two-time Giro winner. However, the real intrigue lies in the riders returning from extended layoffs or the Giro, such as Kim Le Court-Pienaar, who's back after a crash-induced wrist fracture, and Cédrine Kerbaol, aiming for a strong showing at the Tour de France. The time trial, a critical stage, will be a battleground for riders seeking to gauge their form ahead of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in August. The race also welcomes back defending champion Marlen Ruesser, who aims to defend her title after a strong showing at the Giro, despite a recent injury. The EF Education-Oatly team's Cédrine Kerbaol seeks to lead the American squad at the Tour de France, while FDJ United-Suez's Juliette Labous and Lauren Dickson will be key to their team's strategy. The UAE-Team ADQ's Elisa Longo Borghini, fresh off a Giro stage victory, seeks stage wins and a strong showing in the time trial. Brodie Chapman and Maeva Squiban also return to the peloton, with the latter fresh from the Vuelta a Burgos. This Tour de Suisse preview highlights the diverse talents and strategies of these riders, offering a glimpse into the world of women's cycling and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for these athletes.
