Bellinzona lies in the Southern part of Switzerland, close to the Italian border. If you’re traveling straight southward, you can’t miss Milan. Bellinzona is known as the most Italian city of Switzerland and is located near such Alpine passes as Sankt Gotthard, Lukmanier, San Bernardino and Nufenen. Because they’re busy cycling within the city’s perimeter, riders are leaving those giant at peace.
Starting at 227 altimetres the first part of the race is on a flat profile and straight roads. Halfway the road starts to go up and at 5.7 kilometres is the time zone. After 7 kilometres Artore is reached, the highest point at 406 metres, after a 2.5 kilometres climb at 7.3%. Following a technical descent the riders finish in Bellinzona, close to where they left around 15 minutes ago.
Last year, the Tour of Switzerland started with an individual time trial of 8.1 kilometers and in 2012 it was a prologue that fuelled the whole thing. Winners were Cameron Meyer and Peter Sagan, respectively.
The first rider starts at 13:54 (CET) and the last one at 16:51.
Tour de Suisse 2014 stage 1: Images and more
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