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The Tour de France will reintroduce the team time trial (TTT) in 2026, starting in Barcelona, Spain, for the first time. This marks only the third instance of the race beginning in Spain, following previous starts in San Sebastián (1992) and Bilbao (2023). The TTT, a fan-favorite discipline absent since 2019, will kick off the 113th edition of the race on July 4th, 2026, with a 19.7km course culminating atop Montjuïc, a legendary cycling venue known for its steep climbs and Olympic heritage.
Race organizers confirmed that the TTT will employ a timing strategy first tested at Paris-Nice in 2023, where teams race collectively but individual times are recorded. This innovation ensures that the battle among race favorites begins on the very first day, adding a strategic layer to the event. The second stage, a 178km road race, will also finish in Montjuïc, offering back-to-back days of intense racing with uphill finishes likely to shake up the standings.
Barcelona’s selection as the host city for the big start brings with it a rich cycling history, having previously hosted stages of the Tour de France in 1957, 1965, and 2009, but never as the starting point. The city’s vibrant culture, scenic routes, and passionate fans make it an ideal location to launch the race. Montjuïc, in particular, has been a key venue for the Volta a Catalunya, Vuelta a España, and past world championships and Olympic events.
The Tour’s return to the TTT is a nod to tradition, with the discipline last featured in 2019 in Brussels. Jumbo-Visma (now Visma-Lease a Bike) won that stage, with Mike Teunissen claiming the yellow jersey. The 2026 TTT promises to reignite team dynamics and strategy, as squads balance cohesion and individual performance.
Stage 3 on July 6th will start in Granollers, though the destination remains unknown, setting the stage for further drama as the race progresses.
Barcelona’s big start is expected to draw global attention, combining the city’s iconic landmarks, steep climbs, and cycling heritage with the Tour’s prestige. Fans and riders alike can look forward to an electrifying opening weekend, with the TTT setting the tone for what promises to be a thrilling edition of the Tour de France.
