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

Barcelona – 01.07.2026: On 4 July, the 113th Tour de France begins in Barcelona with a 19-kilometre team time trial, which will likely establish the first gaps in the general classification. The organisers lead the peloton around an urban circuit, with distinctive points such as Montjuïc shaping the opening-stage setting. The first days of the Tour will therefore be technically and tactically demanding, as wind, pace management and clean cornering will play an important role.

From a sporting perspective, all eyes are on Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), who arrives as the man of the moment after a dominant spring season. His team is considered strong and cohesive, and the Slovenian’s time-trial abilities could earn him the yellow jersey early on. Threats may come from teams traditionally fast in time trials, such as Visma–Lease a Bike, while other general classification contenders aim not to lose time in the opening stages.

In France, particular attention is focused on Paul Seixas, who is riding his first Tour at the age of 19 with Decathlon CMA CGM. The young Frenchman has shown in demanding one-day races that he is resilient and instinct-driven. He is not yet considered a contender for the top positions in the general classification, but his profile promises attacking moves on rolling terrain and the ability to support team leaders. For his team, the opening team time trial is an opportunity to organise the lineup and clarify roles.

The route offers early tests: as soon as 6 July, the third stage heads into the Pyrenees with a finish in Les Angles – an initial test for climbers and team leaders that could clarify the hierarchy among the favourites. Since the yellow jersey will have to be defended in the mountains so early, tactical reserves and the quality of support riders are more important than ever. Anyone losing time in the opening stage will come under pressure before even reaching the first high-mountain passes.

From an organisational and atmospheric perspective, the start in Catalonia promises large 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 26 July; however, depending on how the race unfolds, the foundations for the final classification will be laid in the first ten days – either through an early strike by Pogačar or challengers using the Pyrenees to shift the balance.