Tour de France Tour de France 2026 route rumours

[Jan the Man]

So many good combos in the Alps not sure what obsession with x2 Alpe stages is

 

[Netserk]

So many good combos in the Alps not sure what obsession with x2 Alpe stages is

It's a reaction to the rumours, not an obsession.

 

[Red Rick]

Alpe d'Huez-Col de Solude-Alpe d'Huez or get out of my Tour

 

[Jan the Man]

It's a reaction to the rumours, not an obsession.

Not suggesting you were obsessed about ASO shoehorning x2 Alpe or Alpe on two days

 

[gavia88]

Alpe d'Huez-Col de Solude-Alpe d'Huez or get out of my Tour

Solude is an awesome climb! That would make 3x HC and a borderline 3rd/2nd category within 70 or so. But never going to happen of course with the gravel part being quite long.

 

[hayneplane]

Solude is an awesome climb! That would make 3x HC and a borderline 3rd/2nd category within 70 or so. But never going to happen of course with the gravel part being quite long.

If they can do the Finestre then wouldn’t it be possible

 

[Devil's Elbow]

If they can do the Finestre then wouldn’t it be possible

The narrow, partially unlit tunnels on the paved section are the bigger problem with Solude. Then again Puy de Dôme returning was also supposed to be impossible...

 

[houtdffan]

Although I feel it's good to have atleast one mountain stage over 200k, like the Giro tends to do. I actually don't have an issue with short mountain stages, as long as they are well designed, I think a sub 150k mountain stages can be good entertainment.

a good mix would be 2 long mountain stages, 3 intermediate mountain stages, and 2 short mountain stages

 

[houtdffan]

Quick, what was the longest mountain stage this tour in terms of duration and how exciting was it?

the best mountain stage in recent years was Stage 11 of 2024. 211km

 

[Red Rick]

the best mountain stage in recent years was Stage 11 of 2024. 211km

Still under 5 hours, and it was mostly due to the finale rather than overall distance.

 

[ashhutch1997]

Alpe d'huez via the Col de Seranne is very overatted IMO.

 

[Lorzenz08]

the best mountain stage in recent years was Stage 11 of 2024. 211km

Nah the best one was stage 15 of 2024 (PdB) by far

 

[Netserk]

This should be the best option that fits the rumours for the Vosges:

Mulhouse > Le Markstein

156.0 km, +4114 m. Bike ride in Ruelisheim, Grand Est

ridewithgps.com

 

[gavia88]

This should be the best option that fits the rumours for the Vosges:

Mulhouse > Le Markstein

156.0 km, +4114 m. Bike ride in Ruelisheim, Grand Est

ridewithgps.com

They can do Grand ballon also just after the start from Cernay, instead of in the final. Start ---> Grand Ballon ---> first time finish ---> firstplan, Petit Ballon, Platzerwazel, col du Haag, Markstein

 

[Netserk]

They can do Grand ballon also just after the start from Cernay, instead of in the final. Start ---> Grand Ballon ---> first time finish ---> firstplan, Petit Ballon, Platzerwazel, col du Haag, Markstein

Yes, that is also an option. I'd prefer GB in the finale from its hardest side.

 

[Krzysztof_O]

The organizers had better make sure Alpe is at the end of a very difficult mountain block or mountain stage. They probably don't want Teddy to go too quickly, do they? This year the heat (and pacing) saved Riis' record on Hautacam.

 

[Rob5091]

They probably don't want Teddy to go too quickly, do they? This year the heat (and pacing) saved Riis' record on Hautacam.

First 15 stages to be sprint stages. That'll keep up the GC excitment!

 

[ashhutch1997]

I can't remember being this close to the presentation and still not knowing the full route, credit where credits due to ASO for keeping this secret. Even Thomas Vergouwen hasn't been able to predict the whole route on Velowire yet.
Although I've also never seen such a lack of interest in a TDF route, maybe due to Pogacar's dominance.

 

[pman]

Yeah, quite a few pieces are missing from the puzzle even for Thomas Vergouwen who usually seems to have everything pegged a week or so out.

 

[Netserk]

Stage 17 has been leaked. Breakaway/sprint.

Stage 6 is rumoured to finish at the village of Gavarnie, so without the last 5 steep km. This is my biggest hope, as long as they'll do Tourmalet or Gaborisse.

 

[Krzysztof_O]

Stage 6 is rumoured to finish at the village of Gavarnie, so without the last 5 steep km. This is my biggest hope, as long as they'll do Tourmalet or Gaborisse.

And epic views on top of that. Gavarnie area (and cirque) is one of the most beautiful valleys I've seen (and I've seen quite a lot!). Early spring here:

 

[YavorD]

Stage 17 has been leaked. Breakaway/sprint.

Stage 6 is rumoured to finish at the village of Gavarnie, so without the last 5 steep km. This is my biggest hope, as long as they'll do Tourmalet or Gaborisse.

I would say stage 6 is a bit too early to ensure action on penultimate climb, but rather them take the risk then just go for an uphill sprint/Pogistomp.

 

[Cycling111]

Everything that's coming off the route is absolute garbage. There are hardly any high mountains and very short stages. They want to level the gap; that's a mistake.

 

[Netserk]

I would say stage 6 is a bit too early to ensure action on penultimate climb, but rather them take the risk then just go for an uphill sprint/Pogistomp.

Stage 6 over the Tourmalet is just perfect, especially if there's no fear of a counter on a hard climb afterwards this time around.

 

[Peyroteo94]

Everything that's coming off the route is absolute garbage. There are hardly any high mountains and very short stages. They want to level the gap; that's a mistake.

In 3 hours we will know. I still think Pogacar will win with a 5 minutes gap regardless the route.