Tour de France 2026: For the first time in history, the Tour de France will start with a team time trial (TTT) when the 2026 race begins in Barcelona on July 4. But what is a time trial, and why is this change important?
What is a Time Trial in Cycling?
A time trial is a race against the clock, where cyclists (or teams) start at different times instead of racing in a large group. The aim is to finish the course as quickly as possible, without the advantage of drafting behind other competitors.
There are two main types of time trials:
- Individual Time Trial (ITT): Riders compete alone, focusing on their speed, endurance, and aerodynamics.
- Team Time Trial (TTT): Teams ride together, working in a formation to achieve the fastest time.
How will the 2026 Team Time Trial work in Tour de France 2026?
Each team will ride a 19.7-kilometer course in Barcelona.
The team’s finishing time will be based on the first rider to cross the line, unlike the usual format where the time is taken from the fourth or fifth rider.
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For the general classification (GC), each rider’s own finishing time will count, meaning gaps between riders could open up right from the beginning.
Why is this a big deal?
The first stage of the Tour de France 2026 usually has a mass-start format or an individual time trial, but a Team Time Trial (TTT) opener is something new.
This format, first tested in the 2023 Paris-Nice race, could lead to early drama as riders may struggle to keep up with their teams.
With the 2025 Tour starting in Lille, the 2026 race will return to Spain, with Barcelona hosting the Grand Départ for the first time. Fans can look forward to an exciting opening weekend, with Stage 2 finishing in Barcelona and Stage 3 starting in Granollers.
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