The 2025 edition of the Tour de Suisse Women has released the details for the route and promises another test for the women’s peloton. Staged before the men’s event for the first time, this four-day tour from the 12th to 15th of June combines prestige with punishing routes. It’s set to be the longest and toughest edition since the race’s inception in 2021, covering over 500 kilometres and amassing almost 7,000 metres of climbing.
According to Sports Director David Loosli, “With over 500 kilometres and almost 7,000 metres of altitude to conquer spread over four stages, the Tour de Suisse Women 2025 is the longest and therefore probably the toughest women’s Tour since its launch.” Indeed, the stages feature a variety of terrain, from rugged mountain passes to flatter roads that still involve over 1,000 metres of climbing. Anyone hoping to contend for the overall title will need to excel on challenging ascents such as the Jaun Pass, Schallenberg, and the steep slopes of the Michaelskreuz.
Another first is the final stage coinciding with the men’s opening circuit around the Rigi on what Loosli calls “Super Sunday.” This shared route ensures an explosive finale, with the women fighting for yellow on the same roads as the men begin their campaign.
Below is an overview of the four stages that make up this latest 2025 edition.
2025 Tour de Suisse Women Route
Stage 1 – Thursday, 12th June 2025
- Route: Gstaad → Gstaad
- Distance: 96.4 km
- Elevation: 1,578 m+
- Category: Mountain stage
- Difficulty: 4/5
The Tour hits the mountains immediately. After the official start at kilometre zero, the riders face the uphill drag to Saanenmöser, followed not long after by the pivotal climb of the Jaun Pass. As Loosli warns, “Anyone starting the tour with tired legs will have a difficult day ahead of them and may already have to kiss goodbye to any hopes of General Classification glory.” This early test of climbing prowess sets the tone for a race that offers little respite.
Stage 2 – Friday, 13th June 2025
- Route: Gstaad → Campus Sursee, Oberkirch
- Distance: 164.6 km
- Elevation: 2,203 m+
- Category: Mountain stage
- Difficulty: 3/5
Stage 2 stretches the limits of a single day’s racing for the women’s peloton at nearly 165 km. The route traverses the hilly Emmental region, highlighted by the Schallenberg climb. “With over 2,200 metres of elevation gain, this is the most challenging stage on paper,” explains Loosli. Riders then navigate the UNESCO biosphere of Entlebuch, where multiple smaller climbs can sap energy in rapid succession. A final mountain prime about 20 km from the line could break up the field before Campus Sursee.
Stage 3 – Saturday, 14th June 2025
- Route: Campus Sursee, Oberkirch → Küssnacht
- Distance: 122.6 km
- Elevation: 1,225 m+
- Category: Flat stage
- Difficulty: 2/5
Billed as a “flat” stage, the day’s 1,225 metres of climbing ensures it’s no free ride. A rolling approach takes the peloton through the cantons of Zurich and Zug before reaching Küssnacht. This could be the sprinters’ best chance at a stage victory, though a well-timed attack or breakaway could upset the script. “This stage is also ideal for a strong breakaway group to secure a victory,” says Loosli. Teams with fast finishers will work hard to chase down any moves as the GC battle continues.
Stage 4 – Sunday, 15th June 2025
- Route: Küssnacht → Küssnacht
- Distance: 127.2 km
- Elevation: 1,939 m+
- Category: Hilly
- Difficulty: 4/5
Dubbed “Super Sunday,” the closing stage runs on the same circuit that kicks off the men’s Tour de Suisse. The key feature is two ascents of the Michaelskreuz, known for its steep gradients that will test even the best climbers. “Only the best climbers will be able to vie for the stage win and with it, most likely, the yellow jersey,” Loosli notes. Riders who have conserved energy in the previous days might have one last burst to shake up the General Classification. The scenic loop around the Rigi also presents opportunities for breakaways looking to carve out a memorable final act.
Main photo credit: Getty
