Tour de France: Pyrenees beckon after Barcelona start

The Tour de France peloton faces its first major Pyrenean challenge on July 5, 2026, with a 195.9-kilometer stage from Granollers to Les Angles. This marks the race's entry into French territory after its Grand Départ in Barcelona.

The route includes the first first-category climb, the Col de Toses, situated 68.2 kilometers from the finish line. Following this, the riders will navigate a Pyrenean valley with two third-category ascents in France: Calvaire and the finish at Les Angles. The final climb, a short 1.7-kilometer ascent with an average gradient of 6.5%, could be a site for attacks, though the stage profile appears more suited for a breakaway.

Authorities decided to proceed with the stage despite a wildfire in the area. However, public access and the advertising caravan have been canceled to ensure safety. The stage presents a total positive elevation gain of 3,850 meters, the fourth highest of the current edition, promising a demanding day for the riders.