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Tour de France 2026 Underway With Spain Grand Départ and Team Time Trial Opener

Beginning on 4 July, the 21-stage, 3,333 km race opened with a 19.6 km team time trial that elevates the value of strong teams.

Overview

  • The race began on 4 July in Madrid with a 19.6-kilometre team time trial, the first Tour edition to start in that format since 1971.
  • Organizers have scheduled 21 stages covering 3,333 km and 54,450 metres of climbing that traverse the Pyrenees, Massif Central, Vosges, Jura and Alps and cross into Spain.
  • A total of 184 riders from 23 teams are competing this year, with two German squads entered and a dozen German riders on the official start list.
  • German rider Florian Lipowitz is a named contender after finishing third last year and sharing captain duties within his squad, and the team time trial places early emphasis on strong collective performance.
  • In Germany ARD and Eurosport are carrying daily live coverage and streams under an ASO rights deal through 2028 while ZDF will not resume live Tour broadcasts until 2027.