South African Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio, the unexpected winner last year, defends her title against ambitious Dutchwoman Demi Vollering. The Swiss riders will play a decisive role.
The second Women’s Tour de Romandie, which kicks off this Friday in Yverdon, promises an intense duel for victory. South African Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio, last year’s unexpected winner, will defend her title against the ambitious Dutchwoman Demi Vollering.
The top Swiss riders of the moment, Marlen Reusser, Elise Chabbey, Petra Stiasny, and Jolanda Neff, will be present to referee the competition, or perhaps more.
Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio (37 years old) has not rested on her laurels; although she has not secured a significant victory since her crowning last year, her sixth place in the Tour de France shows she remains competitive in stage races.
She will have a tough battle to retain her title against Demi Vollering (26 years old), possibly the best rider of the 2023 season. In addition to her triumph at the Tour de France, the most Swiss of the Dutch riders – she lives in Thalwil – has added victories at Liège – Bastogne – Liège, the Amstel Gold Race, La Flèche Wallonne, and the Strade Bianche. She also won the silver medal in the road race at the World Championships in Glasgow.
Local competitor Elise Chabbey (30 years old) is arriving in great shape, as evidenced by her winning the mountain jersey at the recent Tour of Scandinavia. An achievement she also accomplished in June at the Tour of Switzerland. The Geneva native is still in search of that major success since her victory in the first stage of the Tour of Switzerland in 2021.
The first stage will consist of a loop race around Yverdon. The next day, the course moves to the mountains between Romont and Torgon with a total elevation gain of 2021 meters, featuring the crossing of the Col des Mosses and the final ascent toward the Valais station.
The race will conclude on Sunday, September 17, between the Geneva municipality of Vernier and Nyon with a loop in the Vaud countryside.
All stages will be broadcast live on RTS.
2nd Women’s Tour de Romandie. Stage plan. Friday, September 15, first stage: Yverdon – Yverdon (144 km). Saturday, September 16, second stage: Romont – Torgon (110.8 km). Sunday, September 17, third stage: Vernier – Nyon (131.9 km).