The Tour de France starts in Italy. With the recent announcement that the 2026 edition will start in Barcelona foreign starts are now more than a curiosity, they’re almost the norm. The potential for big crowds and a chunky hosting fee make it an attractive option for the organisers.
The Tour de France starts with a tough opener, don’t call it Tirreno-Adriatico in a day but it is a succession of climbs that’s almost coast to coast. Firenze to Rimini, Michelangelo to beach lounger in a day and the yellow jersey awaits.
France may be on the verge of a political crisis but the anticipated four-way battle between Tadej Pogačar, Jonas Vingegaard, Primož Roglič and Remco Evenepoel is on. The cards have been shuffled this season by fate but they’re all here.
Recent recon rides in France have seen that the sunflower crop is only a few centimetres tall right now after a damp and grey start to summer. But sans sunflowers you know it’s July when you see the polka dot jersey. He’s a look at the riders who might be sporting it soon.
A look at the points competition in the Tour de France, the contenders for the green jersey and a wider preview of the sprinters.
Want to know when every Tour de France stage is on and need to plan daily life around them? Here’s the calendar to view or download to your phone.
Eddy Merckx, The Cannibal by Daniel Friebe
Having reviewed “Eddy Merckx The Cannibal” soon after publication a decade ago, it’s been back on this summer’s reading list in the light of Tadej Pogačar’s results and frequent comparisons to Eddy Merckx. Plus it’s Merckx’s birthday today, 79 years old..
As teams turn over as many stones as possible in search of performance gains, what if they were able to buy their own bikes rather be tied to sponsors and find the best combination for frames, wheels, components and tires for them, even to be able to make choices to suit individual riders?
Want all the Tour de France stage profiles on one page? Here you go with some commentary on each stage too.
