Reusser dominates the final time trial in Suisse

Marlen Reusser (Movistar Team) stormed to a dominant victory on home soil, powering through the final stage time trial of the Tour de Suisse Women 2026. The Swiss time trial specialist was in a class of her own, completing the course in a time of 29:36.

The powerful ride saw her finish 11 seconds clear of her nearest rival, Zoe Backstedt (CANYON//SRAM), who produced an excellent performance to take the runner-up spot. Loes Adegeest (Lidl-Trek) rounded out the podium in third place, a further 43 seconds adrift.

The final stage was a pure race against the clock, with riders setting off one by one to set their best time over the course. As an individual time trial, the day was about sustained power and pacing, with many of the general classification contenders looking to solidify or improve their positions.

Early benchmarks were set, but the times began to fall as the specialists took to the course. Strong rides from Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ) and Franziska Koch (FDJ United-SUEZ) saw them occupy the hot seat, but all eyes were on the final starters.

Zoe Backstedt was phenomenal, flying through the course to set a new fastest time that looked difficult to beat. However, last off was the home favourite and European champion, Marlen Reusser. She was fastest through the intermediate checks and maintained her advantage all the way to the line, stopping the clock with the day's winning time to the delight of the Swiss crowds.

• Marlen Reusser's victory was a perfect demonstration of her world-class ability in the time trial discipline. On home roads, she was simply untouchable, confirming her status as one of the very best against the clock.
• Zoe Backstedt's second place is a huge result for the young CANYON//SRAM rider. To get so close to a specialist like Reusser shows her immense talent and potential for the future in this discipline.
• The time gaps behind the top two were significant. With nearly a minute separating Reusser from third-placed Loes Adegeest, it's clear that the winner and runner-up were operating on another level.
• UAE Team ADQ showed their collective strength by placing three riders in the top seven, with Longo Borghini, Brodie Chapman, and Maeva Squiban finishing fifth, sixth, and seventh respectively. It's a testament to the team's high-level preparation even for an individual event.