The prestigious Tour de France cycling race might make a comeback to L'Alpe d'Huez in the year 2026, following routes through the Massif Central and Vosges mountain ranges.
Barcelona to Host 2026 Tour de France: Massif Central, Vosges, and L'Alpe d'Huez Expected
The 2026 Tour de France is gearing up for a thrilling return, with Barcelona, Spain set to host the grand start on July 4, 2026. This marks the first time the Tour has started in Spain since 1992.
The race organiser, ASO, has confirmed that the full detailed route will be officially presented in Paris on October 23, 2025. However, some key details have already emerged.
Mountain stages are expected to include significant climbs in the Massif Central and the Vosges Mountains, with a probable stage finish on the famous alpine climb, L'Alpe d'Huez, and a mountain time trial on the Plateau de Solaison in Haute-Savoie.
The Tour is expected to run from July 4 to July 26, 2026, following the typical three-week Grand Tour format. The race's conclusion is yet to be confirmed, with a potential alternative to the traditional finish in Paris under consideration.
The anticipated rivalry between Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) promises to make the competition fierce.
As for the first week, it's likely to end in Ussel in the Massif Central. L'Alpe d'Huez may return in the 2026 Tour de France after a four-year absence. A mountain stage similar to this year's is expected on July 14 from Aurillac and Le Lioran.
A visit to the Pyrenees early in the Tour de France is also possible. The second day of the Tour will start in Tarragona and finish in Barcelona.
The Haute-Savoie region may be visited in the 2026 Tour de France to preview the course of the 2027 Super World Championship, with Sallanches set to host the road races.
Mont Ventoux returned in this year's Tour de France after a similar absence, adding another layer of excitement to the race. Stay tuned for more details as the October announcement approaches!
| Aspect | Confirmed / Expected | |---------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | Start city | Barcelona, Spain | | Finish city | Traditionally Paris, but potential alternative not yet confirmed | | Significant climbs | Massif Central, Vosges, L'Alpe d'Huez (likely) | | Special stages | Mountain time trial on Plateau de Solaison (expected) | | Duration | July 4–26, 2026 | | Key contenders | Tadej Pogačar vs. Jonas Vingegaard (anticipated) |
Sports enthusiasts can look forward to cycling events like the 2026 Tour de France, where Barcelona, Spain will host the grand start. This sports event expects mountain stages with significant climbs in the Massif Central and the Vosges Mountains, with L'Alpe d'Huez potentially making a return, marking a thrilling competition defined by top athletes such as Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard.
