For the first time in history, the Swiss race starts from Italy: Valtellina takes center stage
The Tour de Suisse is one of the most important stage races on the world cycling calendar and, for its 2026 edition, it is choosing Italy for its Grand Départ for the very first time. Sondrio, the capital of Valtellina, will host this historic event, becoming the starting point for the first stage of the Swiss race's eighty-ninth edition on June 17, 2026.
The city will experience an entire day dedicated to top-level sport, with the start of both the women's and men's races. The strongest international teams will gather in the center of Sondrio, where the Piazza Campello area and the streets of the capital will transform into a large race village, complete with a Fan Zone, Festival Village, music, and entertainment for audiences of all ages.
The event is not just about competition; it's a widespread celebration showcasing Valtellina and its excellences. Between stage starts, the center of Sondrio will offer local flavors, live music, and entertainment, blending great sport with local culture to introduce the province of Sondrio to an international audience.
Hosting the Grand Départ of the Tour de Suisse is a unique opportunity for Sondrio to gain visibility: a global showcase for the capital and the entire Valtellina region, an area long associated with cycling thanks to its legendary Alpine passes. The event, free and open to all, is promoted by the Tour de Suisse organization in collaboration with the Municipality of Sondrio.
For the first time in its 89-year history, the Tour de Suisse starts from Italy, and it does so from Sondrio. On June 17, 2026, the center of the Valtellina capital will host the start of the first stage, for both women and men, on a day entirely dedicated to sport, music, and the flavors of Valtellina.
Throughout the day, the center of Sondrio will host music, local flavors, and entertainment. Further information on routes and technical details will be published closer to the event on the official channels.
Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from morning to evening.
Sondrio city center (SO), Piazza Campello area and streets of the capital.
Sondrio is accessible by train (Milan–Tirano line) and by car via the SS38. Road closures are expected during the event; it is advisable to prioritize train travel and use parking areas on the outskirts of the center.
Free event, open to all. Info: Sondrio Municipality Infopoint, tel. 0342 526299, [email protected].
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Centro città di Sondrio
Piazza Garibaldi, 23100 Sondrio