Tour de France Femmes: The sixth stage becomes a tactical test

Montbrison – 06.08.2026: The sixth stage of the Tour de France Femmes takes place on Thursday over 153.4 kilometres from Montbrison to Tournon-sur-Rhône. The profile points to a hilly day of racing, but the combined difficulties are likely to test the peloton significantly: around 2,600 metres of climbing, six classified ascents and roads that offer barely any extended recovery demand endurance, good positioning and tactical discipline.

The road starts climbing after just twelve kilometres. The Côte de Périgneux, 1.4 kilometres at 6.2 percent, and the Côte de la Prunerie, 2.9 kilometres at 4.9 percent, set the direction of the race early. Attackers will find their first opportunity here to form a breakaway group. At the same time, the teams of the general classification contenders must ensure that they do not let a dangerous rival get away.

After the Côte d’Aurec, which climbs for 3.3 kilometres at an average gradient of 6.1 percent, the Côte de Praneuf follows at kilometre 68. This sequence has its effect less through any one difficult ascent than through its constant strain. It can wear down domestiques long before the most demanding section begins. The intermediate sprint in Flaminges near Saint-Pal-de-Mons offers points for the first 15 riders, but no time bonuses.

The strongest selection is expected on the Col de Lalouvesc. The category-two climb measures 8.6 kilometres at an average of five percent and rises to an elevation of 1,092 metres. In the Ardèche, the roads become narrower, the descents more technical and the groups are likely to become smaller. According to the organiser, a breakaway group could establish a decisive gap here.

There is little time afterwards to reorganise the peloton. The route goes over the Col Robert Marchand to Saint-Félicien and then on to the Côte de Boucieu-le-Roi. This final classified climb is 3.8 kilometres long at an average gradient of 5.7 percent. Its summit comes 15.9 kilometres from the finish. Even a small deficit may be difficult to close on the following descent.

At kilometre 144.2, a bonus sprint awaits in Saint-Barthélemy-le-Plain, where six, four and two seconds are awarded. It would be of little relevance to a solo breakaway rider; in a small leading group, it could alter the tactics ahead of the finale. The final three kilometres first descend to the Doux and then run flat into Tournon-sur-Rhône.

The official start is scheduled for 13:35, with the finish expected at around 17:41. At the time of publication, the stage had not yet finished. The mountain finale on Mont Ventoux follows on 7 August, which is why the general classification teams must carefully manage their efforts in the Ardèche.