The first 20 kilometres are a downhill treat before the riders cycle on the flat to the first – and longest – climb of the day. The Monte Ceneri adds up to 5 kilometres and the average gradient sits at 6.7%. The other hills will be something else entirely.
But first a flat section that leads well into the second half of the stage.
In Mendrisio, with 80 kilometres to go, the riders enter a local circuit with a plentitude of short climbs. It partly overlaps with the World Championships road race of 2009. The one that saw Cadel Evans ride into the rainbow stripes.
A 2.1 kilometres climb at 8.3% is likely to be decisive. The riders have tackled it twice when they take it on one last time in the finale. There are 8 kilometres remaining at the top.
After the descent and a section on the flat the last 2 kilometres rise at 3.5% to the line in Novazzano.
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 5.
Another interesting read: results 5th stage 2022 Tour de Suisse.
Tour de Suisse 2021 stage 5: route, profile, more
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