Tour de France is to start with a team time trial in Barcelona, Spain, for the first time in the race’s history. The Tour organisers, ASO, confirmed some of the details of the Spanish Grand Départ on Tuesday evening.

(This Feb. 25 story has been corrected to clarify it's the first time since 1971, not the first time in the race's history, in paragraph 1) (Reuters) - The 2026 Tour de France will begin with a team time-trial as the opening stage for the first time since 1971,

Tour de France will begin with a team time-trial in Barcelona, Spain, marking the first time this format opens the race. The 'Grand Depart' will occur on July 4, featuring a 19.7-kilometre course. Following stages will continue in Barcelona and surrounding areas,