A spectacular race against the clock to open the competition
The grand sports event gets under way on 4 July 2026 with a team event against the clock covering 19.7 kilometres to be held entirely in Barcelona. The competition starts at the Parc del Fòrum and will take in some iconic points around the city such as the seafront and the Sagrada Família, before a demanding final section with two consecutive climbs as far as the Estadi Olímpic de Montjuïc, where the inaugural day concludes. The classification will be decided by the times of the fastest riders from each team, although individual times will also be recorded for the general classification.
Tarragona and Barcelona in the limelight for the second stage
The competition continues with a stage covering 178 kilometres between Tarragona and Barcelona on 5 July. The stage sets off from Tarrgona and follows a route that takes in municipalities such as Torredembarra, El Vendrell, Vilanova i la Geltrú and Sitges before heading inland and passing through Begues and finally arriving in Barcelona. The last stage will repeat the spectacular ascent to Montjuïc Castle, with three climbs that will put the favourite riders for the event to the test.
Granollers hosts the third stage
The third stage starts from Granollers on 6 July, but the definitive route will be announced at a later date along with the rest of the stages of the Tour de France 2026. Before the start of the competition, the traditional official presentation of the competing teams will be held in the Catalan capital on 2 July.
Barcelona as the world capital of cycling
The event reaffirms Barcelona as an epicentre of major international sports events. The Tour de France is one of the most widely followed competitions on a global scale, bringing together cyclists from all over the world and mobilising thousands of enthusiasts and visitors.
The start of the Tour in Catalonia represents a great opportunity for the international profile of the territory, consolidating it as a leading destination for sports events.