Tour de France 2026: Grand Départ

In the first three days of the Tour de France, the riders race through Catalonia. Stage 1 is a team time trial featuring a punchy uphill finish on Montjuïc, while the 2nd stage also serves up a compelling finale on the iconic hill overlooking Barcelona. On day three, the peloton crosses the Pyrenees into France, delivering – this early in the Tour – a full-on mountain stage.

First published on 25 June 2026

What: Tour de France route, Grand Départ
Race dates: Saturday 4 July – Monday 5 July
Race type: TTT, hilly stage, mountain stage

Stage-by-stage: Grand Départ Tour de France 2026

[click on the italic links for full stage descriptions]

Stage 1 – 19.6 kilometres, 200 metres of elevation gain
The Tour de France opens with a Barcelona TTT over 19.6 kilometres, with riders’ individual times counting towards the GC. The finale features two short and sharp climbs. The first rises over 1.1 kilometres at an average of 5.1%, followed by an 800-metre ramp averaging 7%, which also serves as the finish. GC contenders are expected to be launched by their teammates at the foot of the final climb.

Also see: Stage favourites

Stage 2 – 168.5 kilometres, 2,500 metres of elevation gain
The riders travel from Tarragona to Barcelona on the second day. Following a predominantly flat opening along the Mediterranean, the race reaches its climax on the Montjuïc circuit, which revolves around two punchy climbs. The first is a 1.6-kilometre ascent at 9.3%, while the second rises over 700 metres at an average of 7%. The duo is tackled three times, with the final passage of the 700-metre climb serving as the finish. In short: a perfect course for puncheurs.

Also see: Stage favourites

Stage 3 – 195.5 kilometres, 3,850 metres of elevation gain
The riders face a Pyrenean stage as early as stage 3. After three classified climbs en route, including the brutal Collada de Toses, the stage finishes uphill in Les Angles. Over the final 4.7 kilometres, the road climbs at 4.6% towards the ski resort, with the last 1.7 kilometres intensifying to 6.5%.

Also see: Stage favourites.