The 1st stage is a hilly loop around Küsnacht. The riders tackle the lap four times, accounting for a race of 177.6 kilometres with an elevation gain of 2,810 metres.
Stage 2 serves more of the same. The Challpass is the last climb, 6.2 kilometres at 5.5%, with the summit 14.3 kilometers before the finish.
Most of the hills on the 3rd stage are clustered in the heart of the route, while the finale is virtually flat.
Stage 4 presents the flattest route of this year’s Tour de Suisse. Sprinters are likely to shine, although a 2.8 kilometres climb at 8.7% provides a challenge inside the last 20 kilometres.
In the 5th stage it’s back to the hilly specialists. The second half of the route is played out on a lumpy circuit. The ultimate climb, 2.1 kilometres at 8.3%, is crested with 8 kilometres to go before the last 2 kilometres rise at 3.5% to the line.
Arguably, the 6th stage is the hardest of the entire race. The riders are to conquer an elevaton gain of 4,208 metres. Two huge climbs account for the lion’s share of the hardship. Firstly, the Nufenen Pass – 24.5 kilometres at 5.5% – and secondly, the climb to the line. Which is the Moosalp, 17.6 kilometres long and with an average gradient of 7.5%.
Stage 7 presents the second and last opportunity for the pure mountain goats. After three intermediate ascents – one long, one medium, one short – the last 14.4 kilometres climb at 8.6% to the line in Malbun in dwarf state Liechtenstein.
Liechtenstein also forms the backdrop of the ITT on the last day of action. The 25.6 kilometres route features 113 vertical metres, so that’s as good as flat, certainly for Swiss standards.
Tour de Suisse 2022: route, profiles, more
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