Each new day in Switzerland brings slightly more vertical metres, and it’s no different when the riders clip into their pedals in Aesch. The riders face an elevation gain of 3,150 meters on the third day of action.
The climbing virtually starts from the gun on a 3 kilometres ascent with an average gradient of 7%, after which the road continues to slope gradually for 8 more kilometres. The route then descends onto a flat phase before the trickiest part of the day begins after 50 kilometres.
Within about 40 kilometres the riders are to conquer three climbs. The first one is 9.3 kilometres long and averages 4.1%; the second 4.2 kilometres at 6.3%; and the last one climbs for 7.2 kilometres at 6.7%. The first half of that latter ascent is by far the hardest part of the route with several sectors at more than 10%.
Still 92 kilometres to go at the top. As said, the toughest part is done, although there are two more uphill sectors. Yet, the gradients are modest.
The riders enter the flat finishing circuit with 27 kilometres remaining. Sprinters or attackers?
The first three riders on the line gain time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds, while the intermediate sprints come with 3, 2 en 1 seconds.
Ride the route yourself? Download GPX stage 3.
Another interesting read: results 3rd stage 2022 Tour de Suisse.
Tour de Suisse 2021 stage 3: route, profile, more
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