Tour de France begins in Barcelona on Saturday

The 2026 Tour de France opened on Saturday with a celebratory stage in Barcelona, Spain, marking the first time the men's race began outside France. The opening circuit, a 30‑kilometre criterium around the city’s waterfront, drew thousands of spectators and was broadcast live to a global audience. Organizers highlighted the event’s cultural significance, with local music and fireworks punctuating the start.

A field of 22 professional teams, each fielding eight riders, took the line at the iconic Plaça de Catalunya. The stage, designed to showcase Barcelona’s landmarks, was expected to be a sprint finish, with the peloton racing around the harbor and the historic Gothic Quarter. The route will continue through Catalonia, eventually crossing into France for the traditional mountain stages in the Alps and Pyrenees.

The race’s inauguration in Barcelona underscores the Tour de France’s growing international appeal and its partnership with Spanish organizers. Riders and teams are now preparing for the demanding 21‑stage tour, which will culminate in Paris’s Champs‑Élysées. The event promises to combine high‑level competition with the vibrant atmosphere of one of Europe’s most beloved cities.