Tour de Romandie (SUI) - 01-06.05.2007

The Tour de Romandie is a short stage race but the rolling hills of the French-speaking region of Switzerland tests rider’s all round ability. The six-day race always includes two flat stages for the sprinters, a time trial, rolling stages in the hills and a tough mountain finish in the breathtaking Alps. This year it has been decided not to use circuits at stages, thus giving them a more classic feel. The weather in late April can sometimes be difficult but makes the race even more spectacular and shows off the beauty of the Swiss countryside. After a technically demanding prologue in the centre of Geneva in recent years, the 2007 edition of the race starts in Fribourg in 2007 and finishes with a time trial in the Olympic city of Lausanne. In 2006 Australia’s Cadel Evans snatched overall victory from Alberto Contador and Alejandro Valverde with a strong ride in the final time trial in Lausanne. Because of his ability in stage races Evans will again be a contender, along with fellow Australian Bradley McGee and many of the riders coming from the Ardennes classics or using the race as final preparation for the Giro d’Italia.