Stage five of the Tour de Suisse featured the queen stage. During the 185-kilometer route between La Punt and Santa Maria in Calanca, riders were faced with four categorised climbs. The finale included a double ascent of the steep Santa Maria.  

After an intense battle for a spot in the early breakaway, five riders managed to establish a meaningful lead. The group held out for a long time, but their effort came to an end at the foot of the final climb. In the group of u, Onley and João Almeida proved to be the strongest. The stage victory went to the young Brit.  

Tijmen Graat was the first Team Visma | Lease a Bike rider to cross the finish line. The team now sets its sights on the final weekend. “It was a tough day,” said the 22-year-old Dutchman afterward. “Right after the start, we started climbing. Our goal was to join the early break, but unfortunately that didn’t work out. After that, we positioned ourselves well in the peloton with an eye on the finale. The double ascent to Santa Maria was hard. Tiesj (Benoot) brought me to the foot of the climb, and from there I tried to get the most out of it. After a difficult day yesterday, I was eager to perform better. In my first pro year, I can be satisfied with an 18th place finish in the queen stage of the Tour de Suisse.”