Switzerland and the Giro d’Italia: alpine elegance

The story linking Switzerland — which celebrates its National Day today — and the Giro d’Italia has been written in three shades of pink. Hugo Koblet became the first Swiss winner in 1950, his trademark grace making even the huge gears of his era appear effortless, almost like a dance. Four years later, Carlo Clerici produced one of the greatest surprises in Giro history, while in 1995 Tony Rominger completed the Swiss trilogy, riding into Milan as the undisputed master of the race.

More recently came another cycling icon: Fabian Cancellara. The ‘Bern Locomotive’, who conquered almost every major prize the sport had to offer, came within just 28 seconds of completing the rare feat of winning stages in all three Grand Tours. His closest opportunity came in the 2016 Chianti time trial, the day many cycling fans first witnessed the emergence of Primož Roglič. Today, Cancellara continues to shape the sport from the team car as owner of Tudor Pro Cycling, whose riders honoured his legacy at the 2026 Giro d’Italia with Michael Storer finishing seventh overall and Mathys Rondel emerging among the race’s brightest young talents.

Mäder, the unforgettable smile

If one rider embodies the affection shared between Switzerland and the Giro d’Italia, it is Gino Mäder. His memorable solo victory at San Giacomo in 2021, where he crossed the line with arms outstretched before pulling on the Maglia Azzurra as leader of the mountains classification, secured him a permanent place in the race’s history. When his life was tragically cut short two years later, the Giro mourned one of its most admired protagonists, a rider remembered as much for his generosity and kindness as for his talent on the bike.

Swiss cycling has continued to leave its mark on the Corsa Rosa. Silvan Dillier triumphed at Terme Luigiane in 2017 after a courageous long-range breakaway, while Mauro Schmid claimed the first professional victory of his career on the white roads of Montalcino in 2021. This year, Jan Christen wore the Maglia Bianca and, fresh from becoming Switzerland’s new national champion, the 22-year-old looks ready to carry his country’s proud tradition into the future.

Carì, an Alpine masterpiece for Emperor Vingegaard

The Giro itself returned to Switzerland only a few weeks ago. On 26 May 2026, the Bellinzona–Carì stage crossed into the heart of Ticino, tackling more than 3,000 metres of climbing through the spectacular Val Leventina before finishing atop the demanding ascent to Carì.

There, Jonas Vingegaard, already wearing the Maglia Rosa, claimed the fourth of his five stage victories in the race, taking a decisive step towards securing the Trofeo Senza Fine. It was a triumph achieved on Alpine roads that, as the Danish champion himself admitted after the finish, feel almost like a second home to the ‘Fisherman’.