For the first time Tour de Suisse viewers will be given an instantaneous insight into live rider data and can compare what shape the riders are in at any moment, as well as their performance potential, right there on their TV screens. The confirmed starts of Geraint Thomas (Sky), Tejay van Garderen (BMC) and Simon Spilak (Katusha), alongside the existing challengers Rui Costa (Lampre-Merida), Andrew Talansky (Cannondale), Laurens Ten Dam (Giant-Alpecin) and Swiss rider Mathias Frank (IAM), promise a hard-fought battle for the overall victory in the 80th Tour de Suisse. So nothing else stands in the way of an entertaining festival of world-class racing.

Collaboration with Velon, the joint marketing company of 11 WorldTour-teams, enables the organisers of the Tour de Suisse to tread new ground in the field of live TV transmission. For the first time rider data will be projected live onto the TV screen in graphic form, enabling viewers to make a direct comparison between individual riders in terms of such factors as pulse rate and performance. Every day some of the riders will be equipped with specially designed sensors, which will transmit the data to the viewers' screens in real time. "This will enable viewers to experience the tremendous effort of the professional riders at close quarters," says Tour-Director Olivier Senn, looking forward to this world premiere at the Tour de Suisse.

Geraint Thomas is looking for revenge

The field of riders has been considerably reinforced by a few start confirmations in recent days. For example Geraint Thomas (Sky) will be another challenger for the overall victory, particularly as he has a score to settle. Last year he missed out on the Tour win by just five seconds. Meanwhile, Slovenian rider Simon Spilak (Katusha) intends to repeat his overall victory from last year. BMC will also be bringing a strong leader to the anniversary edition in the form of Tejay van Garderen. Along with the entries of Andrew Talansky (Cannondale), Laurens Ten Dam (Giant-Alpecin) and Mathias Frank (IAM) announced earlier, these are the top riders who want to foil the record attempt by Portuguese rider Rui Costa (Lampre-Merida). Rui Costa is the only rider who could win the Tour de Suisse for the fourth time within five years.

17 Swiss riders in the line-up

Both the participating Swiss cycling teams will be flying the flag. In all probability Mathias Frank of WorldTour-Team IAM Cycling will be starting what is unfortunately to be the team's last Tour de Suisse alongside four Swiss riders, Martin Elmiger, Reto Hollenstein, Marcel Wyss and Oliver Zaugg. Pro-Continental-Team Roth, which will be taking part in the Tour de Suisse thanks to its wildcard, has six Swiss riders in its line-up. From Team BMC , Swiss Champion Danilo Wyss, Michael Schär and Silvan Dillier, who has just recovered from a broken finger, will also be there at the start. Fabian Cancellara will be riding for Trek-Segafredo, along with Cham local rider Gregory Rast, and Michael Albasini will be appearing for Orica-GreenEdge.