Aleksandr Vlasov will aim for a small Slam on the occasion of the Tour de Suisse, which begins on Sunday. Winner of the Tour de Romandie, the Russian can claim a prestigious double on Swiss roads.
The Russian will find on his way a formidable Ineos-Grenadiers team with Geraint Thomas at his head and an ambitious Remco Evenepoel. The danger will also come from Gino Mäder, 2nd in the Tour de Romandie, potential successor to Fabian Cancellara, the last Swiss winner of the Tour de Suisse, in 2009.
Pascal Richard is the last rider to have chained victories in the Tour de Romandie and the Tour de Suisse in 1994. Vlasov, surrounded by a very strong Bora team, will find a ground designed for his qualities.
Mäder to confirm
For his 3rd season with the pros in 2021, the Bahrain team rider has taken a step forward as proven by his stage success at the Giro and his good run in the Tour de Suisse. Admittedly, the Bernese did not make it to the final podium but he took 3rd place in the Oberalp time trial before winning the queen stage in Andermatt. He confirmed at the end of the season with a 5th final rank in the Tour of Spain. In addition to Mäder, around twenty Swiss riders will take the start, including Stefan Küng, Stefan Bissegger and Marc Hirschi.
ats/tzing
