For the first time ever, the women’s peloton have the opportunity to race the Tour de Romandie in 2022. Taking place from October 7-9, the race spans three stages, with the standout spectacle being on stage two, when the peloton will climb to the summit of Thyon 2000. On either side of this mountain day, there are two rolling stages which will provide a good opportunity for some aggressive, attacking racing.
The majority of the biggest stars in the women’s peloton are expected to be on the startline in Lausanne where the race kicks off, including newly-crowned World Champion Annemiek van Vleuten. She’ll be challenged by the likes of Elisa Longo Borghini, Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig, and Demi Vollering and we can expect a fierce battle between the best climbers in the bunch for the honour of being crowned the first ever winner of the Tour de Romandie Féminin.
Read on for everything you need to know about the 2022 Tour de Romandie Féminin, including Rouleur’s prediction of the race winner.
Route and stages
STAGE ONE – LAUSANNE LUTRY TO LAUSANNE QUAI D’OUCHY, 134.4KM
Image: Tour de Romandie Féminin
The first stage of the Tour de Romandie Féminin kicks off in Lausanne with a punchy route which levels out at the end. Riders are hit with the first, third-category climb just 8km into the stage, and this is closely followed by a second ascent, meaning there will be little recovery time for the lesser climbers in the peloton. The stage continues roll for the next 37 kilometres, which could give time for a breakaway to establish itself or we might see a regroup of the main peloton. Another third category climb comes after 56 kilometres of racing, and then two more follow after 90 kilometres and 105 kilometres of racing respectively. With approximately 24 kilometres to go, the peloton will descend back towards Lausanne before a flat 14 kilometre run-in to the finish.
While the final climb of the day could provide a springboard for some brave attacks, the final stretch to the finish line could prove difficult for a lone rider or small breakaway. This means that today could be a stage for those who are able to hold on to the wheels over the climbs but can pack a punch at the finish. None of the climbs are so challenging that they will cause time splits and the general classification is unlikely to be decided today, but in a three-day stage race, these repeated efforts could cause fatigue in the tail-end of the event.
STAGE TWO – SION TO THYON…