Tour de France 2026 Stage Four Starts Amid Extreme Heat

The third stage of the race began at 12:10 pm BST (1:10 pm local time) with a 181.9‑km route from Carcassonne to Foix. The climb to Foix was the main challenge, and the stage’s start time was announced early to allow teams to prepare for the demanding ascent. Riders were expected to tackle the steep gradients and variable weather conditions that the Pyrenean region is known for.

Fourteen riders, including Jasper Stuyven and Mads Pedersen, broke away from the peloton early, but the chase group remained in close pursuit. Despite the lack of ITV coverage—which also meant the absence of the usual theme music—the race unfolded with intense competition as the leaders fought for position on the final climb. The lack of broadcast coverage has left many fans missing the live action and the accompanying commentary.

Following the stage, fans were encouraged to follow the event’s official TikTok channel and to email Andy174km for updates. However, the post‑race analysis on Channel 5 was noticeably weaker than the ITV4 coverage that previously accompanied the event, leaving viewers disappointed with the limited commentary and depth of insight.