Grand Départ in Barcelona: Pogačar the favourite — 19-year-old Paul Seixas makes his Tour debut

Barcelona – July 1, 2026: On July 4, the 113th Tour de France will begin in Barcelona with a 19-kilometer team time trial. This stage is expected to create the first gaps in the general classification. The organizers will guide the peloton through an urban loop, with iconic locations such as Montjuïc shaping the early scenery. Wind, pace coordination, and precise cornering will play a major role, making the opening days technically and tactically demanding.

From a sporting perspective, attention is focused on Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), who is considered to be in peak form after a dominant spring season. His team is generally regarded as strong, and the Slovenian’s time trial ability could bring him the yellow jersey early on. Traditionally strong time trial teams such as Visma–Lease a Bike are also a threat, while other general classification contenders are betting on avoiding time losses in the opening stages.

In France, particular attention is being paid to Paul Seixas, who will make his Tour debut at the age of 19 as part of Decathlon CMA CGM. The young Frenchman has shown toughness and an instinctive feel for racing in demanding one-day races. He is not yet considered a top contender for the general classification, but he is expected to ride aggressively on rolling stages and support his captain. For the team, the early team time trial offers an opportunity to organize its lineup and clarify roles.

The route presents an early tough test: on July 6, Stage 3 enters the Pyrenees and finishes in Les Angles—a first real challenge for climbers and leaders that could reveal the hierarchy among the favorites. With the yellow jersey needing to be defended early in the mountains, tactical reserves and the quality of support riders become more important than ever. Anyone who loses time in the opening event will be under pressure before even reaching the first high mountain pass.

In terms of organization and atmosphere, the start in Catalonia is also expected to bring dense crowds and a high pace. Teams with a balanced mix of rouleurs and climbers will have an advantage in controlling both the time trial and the transition stages. Paris is scheduled for July 26, but the foundations of the general classification could be laid in the first ten days—whether through an early move by Pogačar or challengers using the Pyrenees to shift the balance of power.