Barcelona hosts 2026 Tour de France start « Euro Weekly News
Barcelona to host the 2026 Tour de France Grand Départ: Cycling’s biggest event hits Spain
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Exciting news for cycling fans everywhere: Barcelona has been chosen to host the Grand Départ of the 113th Tour de France on 4 July 2026.
This will be the second time in just four years that Spain hosts this prestigious event, following Bilbao’s turn in 2023.
Tour de France makes historic return to Spain for 2026 Grand Départ
The Grand Départ in 2026 will see Barcelona play a key role, with the first three stages of the race taking place in Catalonia. The Tour has not started in Spain since 1992, when Miguel Induráin famously won the prologue in San Sebastián. This marks a new chapter for Spain in the Tour’s long and storied history.
Barcelona isn’t new to the Tour de France. The city has hosted stages before in 1957, 1965, and 2009, but hosting the Grand Départ is a major leap forward in solidifying its status as one of the world’s cycling capitals. For the city, it’s not just about the race—it’s an opportunity to promote cycling culture, encourage healthier lifestyles, and give Barcelona more international exposure.
What You Need to Know:
- Grand Départ date: 4 July 2026
- Stages in Catalonia: Barcelona will host the first three stages of the race.
- Cycling legacy: This is a significant moment for Barcelona’s long-standing cycling tradition.
- Second spanish Grand Départ: Following Bilbao’s hosting in 2023.
Economic and cultural benefits of hosting the Tour de France in Barcelona
The city of Barcelona paid a total of €9.68 million for the hosting rights. This includes a series of staggered payments spread across three years, culminating in 2026. The Tour de France’s global reach, broadcast in 190 countries, will give Barcelona huge exposure, boosting tourism and cycling tourism in particular.
After years of negotiations, the deal was finalised in June 2023 with Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), and now the world’s most prestigious cycling race is officially headed to Spain again. Barcelona is ready to show off its vibrant cycling scene and make the most of this incredible opportunity.
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