D-100: yellow reflections on the waters of Lake Geneva

IN THE LAND OF ALPINE LEGENDS

When it came to choosing the location of the Grand Départ of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2026, « Lausanne quickly stood out as an obvious choice. It is a city deeply connected to sport, the Olympic movement, and cycling, just like the cities of Aigle and Geneva » confirms Marion Rousse, director of the race. Switzerland, too, was an obvious choice. It was only a matter of time before this Alpine-shaped land would be crossed by the peloton. It is fully embedded in the cycling ecosystem, not least because the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the World Cycling Centre (WCC) are based in Aigle. Every year, pages of sporting history are written on Swiss slopes, which host major races, including two on the Women’s World Tour: the Tour de Suisse and the Tour de Romandie. The winner of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2023, Demi Vollering, has even added both races to her list of achievements. The country is also familiar with the Tour de France in it's men version, which first visited in 1907, before hosting stage starts/finishes from 1911 onwards, and even a Grand Départ in Basel in 1982. Lausanne 2026 will be the second time in three years that the women’s peloton celebrates a Grand Départ abroad.

INSPIRING TOMORROW’S CHAMPIONS

Shaped by mountains, « Switzerland offers an exceptional playground, both demanding and spectacular, » explains Marion Rousse. It is a fertile ground for emerging talent. The 1996 road world champion Barbara Heeb was one of the earliest examples. Her title was followed by those of her compatriot Karin Thürig in the time trial (2004–05), while Nicole Brändli dominated the Giro Donne (2001–03–05). They serve as role models for today’s riders. Winner of two stages of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, Bern rider Marlen Reusser followed in Thürig’s footsteps by claiming the rainbow jersey in the time trial last September. A month earlier, Geneva’s Élise Chabbey won the polka-dot jersey for best climber of the Tour. No coincidence: the colours echo the Swiss flag. Marion Rousse hopes that this 2026 edition will « leave a lasting legacy. That means inspiring younger generations and developing local cycling. We want this Grand Départ to make people want to ride, to get involved in sport, to dare. If, in a few years, we see new Swiss champions emerging who were inspired by this event, that will be a real success. » Élise Chabbey agrees: « Having the Grand Départ in your own country is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’m looking forward to having my family and supporters by the roadside. I hope it will create excitement around women’s cycling in Switzerland. »

LAKE GENEVA AS A LINK

There was a time when Lake Geneva gave its name to one of the country’s oldest cycling races, held 79 times along its shores between 1879 and 2005. A Franco-Swiss lake, it is cross-border—just like Stage 3, which will run from Geneva to Poligny. But on Thursday, April 23, bicycles gave way to three traditional lateen sailboats, emblematic of navigation on the lake, bringing together officials from the Swiss Grand Départ cities, the two cantons, and members of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift organisation. « Lake Geneva brings together our cities, our regions and our countries. It is a powerful symbol to mark 100 days to go before the Swiss Grand Départ and to launch the countdown, » said Émilie Moeschler, municipal councillor for the City of Lausanne in charge of sport and social cohesion. At 2:15 p.m., participants officially launched the countdown in a festive and cheerful atmosphere: just 100 days to go before the women’s peloton arrives here for its first three days of racing!

ONE HUNDRED DAYS OF ACTIVITIES AND A LABEL AWARDED

During these 100 days of anticipation, the cities will offer a wide-ranging sports and cultural programme: cycling classes and book exhibitions, film screenings, repair workshops, and even guided recon rides led by cycling groups from French-speaking Switzerland. « Beyond the competition itself, such events are powerful tools for promoting sport among the population, particularly among girls and women, » emphasised Marie Barbey-Chappuis, administrative councillor of the City of Geneva. On the last weekend of May, the three cities will come alive to celebrate cycling, each offering its own programme with initiations, exhibitions, athlete meet-and-greets, and bike markets. « Cycling is a fantastic way to get around daily, discover our regions or compete at a high level, » added Grégory Devaud, mayor of Aigle. « We work year-round to promote it and make it easier to use every day. » On the occasion of the 100-day mark, the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift organisation awarded Lausanne its « Tour de France Cycle City » label, with the highest rating (4 bikes). Launched in 2021, this initiative recognises cities that host (or have hosted) the race and highlights their commitment to cycling through infrastructure development, awareness campaigns, school programmes, and support for local clubs and associations. « It is a great source of pride to receive this label. It is the result of a proactive policy led by the Municipality in support of cycling and the promotion of physical activity. Moreover, cycling trips are increasing every year, thanks to more than 130 km of cycling routes and infrastructure, » said Émilie Moeschler.

MARION ROUSSE: « AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE HISTORY »

« I expect intensity right from the first days, » warns Marion Rousse from a sporting perspective. Could Switzerland crown the next Queen of the Tour? The Grand Départ will certainly be selective. Stage 1 will form a loop around Lausanne, which Marion Rousse describes as « demanding, with a finale suited to attacking riders. We’re thinking of riders like Marlen Reusser or Élise Chabbey, who know this terrain perfectly. […] From a sporting standpoint, it will already be decisive, with a course that can create gaps. » A « more open scenario » awaits riders the following day between Aigle and Geneva, on a route passing by the UCI headquarters. The peloton will then leave Geneva for France on Stage 3, cheered on by crowds ready to energise the local riders. And why not a first Swiss Yellow Jersey? Backed by their fans in 2024, Dutch riders won the first three stages on home soil, even securing a 100% Dutch podium on Stage 2. « Racing at home, with Swiss fans, can give an extra boost. This Grand Départ is a real opportunity for them to make history from the very first kilometres, » says Marion Rousse eagerly. Switzerland’s National Day, celebrated on August 1, 2026, could hardly ask for a better celebration. The date is set: see you in 100 days in Lausanne.