Bahrain Victorious line up for the 2026 edition of the Tour de Suisse, scheduled from 17 to 21 June, as the team continues its build-up towards the Tour de France.

The race takes on a new five-day format this year, with the men’s and women’s races taking place across the same dates and following broadly parallel route designs. The men’s race covers 634.5 kilometres, starting in Sondrio, Italy, and finishing with the queen stage in Villars-sur-Ollon.

Antonio Tiberi and Lenny Martinez lead the Bahrain Victorious line-up with a focus on the general classification. Tiberi returns to racing after a short break and a strong block of altitude training in Teide, while Martinez also comes into the race following a period of preparation at altitude.

Kamil Gradek will provide important support and experience across the week, with Attila Valter adding strength in the key climbing phases. Afonso Eulálio returns after a standout Giro d’Italia and will support the team’s protected riders, particularly in the mountains. Alec Segaert will target the stage four individual time trial in Aarburg, while Pau Miquel gives the team another option for stage opportunities, especially if the race opens up on stage three.

The five-stage route offers little time for the general classification to settle. The opening two days in Sondrio and Locarno are hilly and suited to strong climbers and punchy riders, while stage three in Bad Ragaz could offer different race scenarios depending on how the teams approach the day. Stage four is a 23.8km individual time trial in Aarburg, before the race concludes with the queen stage in Villars-sur-Ollon, featuring more than 4,000 metres of climbing.

Antonio Tiberi said:

“I’m really happy to be back racing at the Tour de Suisse after a period without competition. I had some time to rest, and then I went to Teide for a good training block. Now I feel good and ready to race again.

I’m curious to see where my condition is before the Tour de France. I want to use the Tour de Suisse to test myself, to understand my shape, and to find good sensations again on the bike in a race situation.

We go there with a very strong team, with Lenny and the rest of the guys. I was also together with Lenny in Teide and he was really strong, so I’m confident for this Tour de Suisse. We will try to enjoy it, do our best every day, and honour an important race for us.”

Sports Director Roman Kreuziger added:

“This year’s Tour de Suisse has a different format, going from eight stages to five, so it will be intense from the start. There are also some transfers involved, which will make recovery and organisation important for every team during the week.

The first two stages are suited to strong climbers with punch, so we can expect racing straight away. Stage three could be an opportunity for the breakaway, but there are also teams with fast riders who may try to control it. Then we have a very nice time trial in Aarburg, mostly flat and smooth, where it will be about aerodynamics and pushing hard.

The final day in Villars-sur-Ollon is the queen stage, with a lot of elevation and some technical sections, so it will be a very important test. Weather can also play a role in Switzerland at this time of year, so we will need to stay focused and adapt day by day.

We have a strong and balanced group here. Antonio looks sharp and motivated after a good training camp on Teide, and I think the course suits him quite well. A top five is a realistic goal, and if everything comes together, we can also fight for the podium. With Lenny, we want to be flexible and take it day by day. We know that when he pins on a number, he is a racer, but the most important thing is that he comes through the race with good feelings and builds towards the next goals.

The rest of the team gives us good support and options. Kamil is a rider we really rely on, Attila has shown good progress and can be important in the key moments, Afonso is motivated after his big Giro d’Italia and can help us a lot in the mountains, Alec has the time trial as a clear objective, and Pau can look for opportunities depending on how the race develops. The goal is to stay competitive every day, support our leaders well, and be ready when chances come.”

The Tour de Suisse forms an important part of Bahrain Victorious’ preparation towards the Tour de France, with the team aiming to stay competitive in the general classification while remaining alert to stage opportunities throughout the five days.