The Tour de Suisse 2026 is the final fitness test for some of the stars of the upcoming Tour de France. Leading the pack: Tadej Pogačar. After a lengthy training block, the Slovenian wants to test his legs under race conditions once more and heads to Switzerland as the hot favourite. Last year, his team-mate João Almeida won the race, but he won’t be on the start line this time. Pogačar therefore has the chance to defend his team’s title and, at the same time, win the short stage race for the first time.
The Tour de Suisse favourites, ranked by stars*
***** Tadej Pogačar
**** Lenny Martinez
*** Primož Roglič, Tom Pidcock
** Richard Carapaz
* Enric Mas, Ilan Van Wilder
* The more stars a driver receives, the higher their chances are considered to be
Please note: At the time of publication, the final start list has not yet been 100 per cent confirmed. It is possible that some of the riders mentioned here may not take part.
The favourites for the Tour de Suisse
At this year’s Tour de Suisse, one name clearly stands out above all others: Tadej Pogačar. The Slovenian is using the tour as his final major test of endurance ahead of the Tour de France and arrives in such fine form that he is the undisputed favourite. In the mountains, Pogačar is currently the benchmark for the peloton, and an overall victory is primarily in his own hands. Only the unpredictability of such preparatory races poses a certain risk, as was recently seen at the Tour Auvergne – Rhône-Alpes, where Paul Seixas was forced to withdraw from the race following a crash. However, if Pogačar stays in the saddle, he is likely to be virtually unbeatable in Switzerland.
The young Frenchman Lenny Martinez is considered the first serious challenger. The climbing specialist has established himself at the very highest level in recent months and put in a particularly impressive performance at the Tour de Romandie, where he emerged as Pogačar’s strongest rival behind Florian Lipowitz. Martinez has the freshness and explosiveness to give Pogačar a run for his money, at least in individual stages; in the general classification, he is likely to be the clear second-strongest contender.
An open battle for the podium
Primož Roglič, on the other hand, seems to be falling slightly behind the younger generation at the moment. The veteran is finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with the high base pace set by the younger riders. For him, therefore, the battle for a podium place at the Tour de Suisse is of greater interest. There, he is clearly ranked behind Martinez, even if his experience and racing intelligence continue to make him a dangerous rider. Third place remains a realistic prospect for the Slovenian, though it is by no means a foregone conclusion.
However, a field of top-class contenders is likely to battle it out for that very third place. Tom Pidcock is returning to racing fresh after his break since Eschborn–Frankfurt and could benefit from being well-rested. The Brit is versatile, explosive and always capable of launching an attack, particularly on demanding stages.
The highlight of the season is approaching
Enric Mas, on the other hand, is under pressure. Following a disappointing Giro d’Italia, the Spaniard needs to step up his game significantly if he is to be competitive in the Tour de Suisse. Whilst he is known for his consistency in the mountains, he is currently lacking the necessary top form.
The same applies to Ilan Van Wilder. The Belgian is still waiting to make a real mark this season. Of the stage races he has contested so far, he has only managed to finish the UAE Tour, with a rather average eleventh place. Right now, just before the Tour de France, this would be the ideal opportunity to regain his confidence and form.
One particularly exciting factor is Richard Carapaz. The Ecuadorian only recently returned to racing following an operation, but immediately demonstrated his class once again by finishing third at the GP Gippingen. In a strong field, he immediately proved himself to be competitive once again. Carapaz is known for his aggressive riding style and his willingness to attack – qualities that can be decisive, particularly in a short stage race like the Tour de Suisse. If his form continues to improve, he is a serious contender for the podium. However, there is still a slight question mark hanging over his name, particularly with regard to the Tour de France. There, he will have to deliver as his team’s captain.
Leon Weidner
Editor