For the first time in history, the Swiss race starts from Italy: Valtellina takes centre stage
The Tour de Suisse is one of the most important stage races on the world cycling calendar and, for the 2026 edition, it chooses Italy for its Grand Départ for the very first time. Sondrio, the capital of Valtellina, hosts this historic event, becoming the starting point for the first stage of the Swiss race, now in its eighty-ninth edition, on June 17, 2026.
The city experiences an entire day dedicated to top-level sport, with the start of both the women's and men's races. The strongest teams on the international scene will gather in the centre of Sondrio, where the Piazza Campello area and the streets of the capital will transform into a large race village, 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 centre of Sondrio offers local flavours, live music, and entertainment, combining 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 for the entire Valtellina, a region 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 centre of the Valtellina capital hosts the start of the first stage, for both women and men, on a day entirely dedicated to the sport, music, and flavours of Valtellina.
Throughout the day, the centre of Sondrio will host music, local flavours, 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 centre (SO), Piazza Campello area and streets of the capital.
Sondrio is reachable by train (Milan–Tirano line) and by car via the SS38. Road traffic modifications are planned during the event: it is recommended to prioritize the train and use car parks on the outskirts of the centre.
Free event, open to all. Info: Infopoint Municipality of Sondrio, tel. 0342 526299, [email protected].
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Centro città di Sondrio
Piazza Garibaldi, 23100 Sondrio