Barcelona is set to make history as it prepares to host the 2026 Grand Départ of the Tour de France on 4 July 2026. This will be the first time the Tour kicks off in the Catalan capital and will mark a major milestone for both the city and the iconic race.
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A Southernmost Start
Barcelona will set a new record as the southernmost starting point in the history of the Tour de France. The city, known for its rich cultural heritage and love for sports, will be the focal point of the world's greatest cycling race. The first two stages will take place in Catalonia, and the third stage will cross into France.
This isn't Barcelona’s first time hosting a major sporting event. The city has a long history of being at the heart of international sports. In fact, Mayor Jaume Collboni proudly stated that Barcelona will become the only city in the world to host the Olympics, World Cup, America's Cup, and now, the Tour de France. This cements Barcelona's status as a global sports hub.
Previous Tour de France Visits to Spain
The 2026 race will be the third time Spain has hosted the Grand Départ. The previous two times were in San Sebastian in 1992 and Bilbao in 2023. Barcelona itself has welcomed the Tour before, with stages held in the city in 1957, 1965, and 2009.
Why Barcelona?
Aside from its sporting heritage, Barcelona has a unique setting for the start of the Tour. With its breathtaking architecture, like the Sagrada Família, set to be completed in 2026, and its deep love for cycling (home to the Volta a Catalunya, one of the oldest cycling races), it’s the perfect city to host the race's opening stages.
What's Next?
While cycling fans eagerly await the 113th edition of the Tour de France, all eyes will be on Jonas Vingegaard, who won the Tour in 2022 and 2023, and will be aiming for his third consecutive victory in the 2024 edition, set to start in Florence, Italy.
