While all eyes will be on the big favorite João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), runner-up in 2024 and already winner of the Tour de Romandie and the Itzulia Basque Country this year, the Israel-Premier Tech team is preparing to play its cards with its climbers Matthew Riccitello and Mike Woods.

This year's route, while featuring over 20,000 meters of total elevation gain , does not include any major high-altitude climbs. The real challenge will be a relentless series of climbs and a demanding final time trial that will close the eight-day race.

A race with an uncertain ending

'This year's Tour de Suisse feels different than usual,' said sports director Pat McCarty. 'There are a lot of intermediate stages where, depending on who controls the race and the dynamics of the race, things could get out of hand. Even the decisive stages for the classification aren't extreme - there are short, steep climbs, but not too many long mountains in succession.'

The 23-year-old American Riccitello, who achieved his best WorldTour result in 2024 with a fifth place in the general classification, said he was excited to return to racing in Switzerland: 'It's a race that I really like. It will be a tough race and I think a lot will be decided in the time trial on the last day. I've trained well and I feel in good shape for this second part of the season.'

The Return of Woods

For Woods, the reigning Canadian champion, the race will mark his return to competition after the injury he suffered in the Milan-Turin in March, where he suffered a non-displaced fracture of his left clavicle.

The opening stage will take place on a 127.2km circuit around Küssnacht, with two laps – one flat and one featuring the tough climb to the Michaelskreuz Chapel, which will be tackled twice, the second time just 15km from the finish.