2026 Tour de France to open with historic team time-trial in Barcelona

BARCELONA: For the first time in Tour de France history, the prestigious race will begin with a team time-trial, organisers announced on Tuesday. The 2026 edition of cycling’s most famous event will kick off on July 4 in Barcelona, marking a historic “Grand Depart” for Spain.

The opening stage will feature a 19.7-kilometre team time-trial, a format previously seen in the 2023 Paris-Nice. Unlike traditional team time-trials, the stage will determine team times based on the first rider to cross the finish line. However, individual general classification standings will be based on each rider’s actual time.

The second stage will see riders take on a 178km route from Tarragona to Barcelona, while the third stage starts in Granollers, with further details yet to be confirmed.

Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni expressed his excitement about the Tour’s arrival, stating, “It is a very special day for the city of Barcelona and the whole of Catalonia. Thank you for your trust and belief in Barcelona.”

The 2026 Tour de France promises a thrilling start with this innovative format, setting the stage for an exciting three weeks of racing.