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Cycling’s grand mass! This Thursday, October 23, at the Palais des Congrès in Paris, the cycling world gathered to discover the routes of the Tour de France 2026 and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2026. Organizers, male and female riders, journalists, broadcasters, sports directors… everyone was present for the grand presentation orchestrated by Christian Prudhomme and Marion Rousse. And of course, 3Bikes was there…
By Jeff Tatard – 3Bikes.fr / Photos ©3Bikes
Our idea: not just to recount the routes, but to gather immediate reactions from those who will experience them from the inside (or almost) – athletes, staff, observers, media.
One question:“What is your opinion, in one sentence, on these two 2026 routes, men’s and women’s?” |
Words from the peloton
Anthony Turgis – TotalEnergies rider
“As tough as the 2025 one, with many difficulties that won’t be easy!“ The TotalEnergies rider expects a dense and demanding Tour, in line with the previous edition.
→ Editor’s note: Turgis isn’t joking: if it’s “as tough as 2025”, the climbers will be sweating early.
Vincent Lavenu – former AG2R La Mondiale manager
“Magnificent, as with every Tour presentation. So much to discover, so many emotions… It’s always a very powerful moment. Whether it’s the men’s or women’s race, the Tour remains very demanding. Spectacle in perspective, and as usual, a wonderful sporting event.” The AG2R La Mondiale manager did not hide his enthusiasm for these 2026 routes, which he considers inspiring.
→ Editor’s note: Lavenu, true to his love for the Tour: clear-sighted, moved, and always passionate.
Adrien Petit – former Intermarché-Wanty rider
“Can’t wait for July!“ Short, simple, and effective: the Intermarché-Wanty rider shows his impatience… but this time as a spectator
→ Editor’s note: Three words, one state of mind: Adrien sums up the peloton better than anyone.
Sandy Dujardin – TotalEnergies rider
“Two very beautiful routes! But the women’s one is even more beautiful, because a stage finishes in the town where I live. Even for the men, it’s not bad, there will be something for everyone. I’m happy and satisfied to have discovered this.“
→ Editor’s note: Chauvinistic, perhaps, but we understand him: a “home” finish changes everything.
Thierry Gouvenou – Tour de France race director
“Especially the men’s Tour! We feel a long build-up for this edition.” The Tour de France race director clearly sets the tone.
→ Editor’s note: Gouvenou keeps the suspense… but we sense he has an explosive scenario in mind.
Pierre Rolland – L’Équipe 21 consultant, former Tour de France climber
“Both routes are very beautiful, very tough, with new features for each. The Ventoux for the women and the double ascent of Alpe d’Huez, that’s going to be something!“
→ Editor’s note: When Rolland talks about the Alpe, it’s from experience: he knows what he’s talking about.
Jean-Étienne Amaury – President of Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) group
“I think it’s brilliant! The regions are magnificent. I’ll especially talk about the Tour Femmes, which we worked on in close collaboration with Marion Rousse. We’re going to feast from Lausanne to Nice, passing through Ventoux, Beaujolais… and even a time trial in the hairpins of Marcianet. Every day, something will happen: the difficulties won’t let up on the riders from start to finish.“
→ Editor’s note: A happy boss, it shows. The tone is enthusiastic, almost eager.
Joop Zoetemelk – winner of the Tour de France 1980
“Two very difficult Tours de France, I think, because there’s a lot of mountains. We’re going to have a great show!“
→ Editor’s note: At 78, Zoetemelk still has the climber’s eye: he’s already spotted the suffering to come.
Georges Hincapie – former rider, cycling ambassador
“Magnificent, demanding routes, with mythical ascents that will offer great battles.“
→ Editor’s note: The American has lost none of his passion for the mountains… nor his sense of showmanship.
Jean-Michel Monin – Tour regulator and 1996 Olympic champion (track)
“In one sentence: it’s going to be tough, but it’s going to be good! A rendezvous with mythical places.“
→ Editor’s note: Monin sums up the spirit of the Tour: suffer, but smile.
National Gendarmerie motorcyclist – official Tour escort
“Very beautiful, very demanding routes, with a nice start abroad for both Tours, and especially a first for the women.“
→ Editor’s note: They too experience the Tour at full throttle — in every sense of the word.
Unibet rider – ProTeam formation
“Very impressed by the show… and a little scared of the stage before the Champs!“
→ Editor’s note: If he’s already scared in October, imagine him at the foot of Alpe d’Huez.
Loïc Manceau – writer, cycling specialist
“Super tough! I’d be surprised if teams bring many sprinters for the men. For the women, everything will be decided on the last stage: that could be a big decider.“
→ Editor’s note: Manceau is right: 2026 smells of mountains, not siestas.
Nicolas Geay – France Télévisions journalist
“The highlight is obviously the Ventoux for the women: so mythical! When you see what PFP has done, we can expect a festival. But beware: the time trial can reshuffle the cards, because riders like Vollering are true time trial specialists. That will rebalance the forces for a very exciting finale around Nice. For the men, I love the last weekend, with Alpe d’Huez and Sarenne, a pass I scouted for my book Col des Légendes 3. The only question is: will Pogacar have already won the Tour long before then? But the Tour is very well designed.”
→ Editor’s note: The keen eye of a true connoisseur. Nicolas Geay, always precise, sees it right: the Ventoux and the Alpe, two beacons of the 2026 spectacle.
Morgan and Priscilla – cycling enthusiasts
Morgan, owner of Morgan Cycle store in Nîmes: “I haven’t analyzed everything yet, but I have a feeling of renewal. We won’t get bored! The women’s route is very challenging and it’s becoming more and more serious. For the men, crazy landscapes… and perfect for the world napping championships! In short, pure enjoyment.“
Priscilla, sports doctor and former cycling champion: “Very hilly men’s route, and for the women, superb stages, especially the Ventoux one. And a little extra: a superb Zwift Ride open to amateurs — I’m really looking forward to participating!“
→ Editor’s note: A radiant and passionate duo. Between humor, lucidity, and excitement, Morgan and Priscilla embody the popular fervor that is the essence of the Tour.
Christophe Riblon – L’Équipe consultant, former stage winner at Alpe d’Huez
“A route tailor-made for climbers, with strong symbols like Alpe d’Huez. It makes you want to get your bike out again!“
→ Editor’s note: When “Riblon at the Alpe” speaks, we listen. A nod to his exploit and a route that puts the mythical climbs back at the center of the game.
Mark Cavendish – cycling legend, record holder for stage wins on the Tour de France
“I think you’ll have to be strong this year… not many sprints in prospect, but the big mountain stages are going to be incredible.“
→ Editor’s note: The sprinter with 35 wins is not mistaken: 2026 smells of high altitude. Fewer straight lines, more legends to write.
THE 2026 TOUR AT A GLANCEMEN’S TOUR DE FRANCE21 stages – 3,333 km – 54,450 m D+ WOMEN’S TOUR DE FRANCE8 stages – 1,175 km – 18,795 m D+ Presentation venue: Palais des Congrès, Paris Porte Maillot
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Read also…
=> All official info on the Tour website: THE 2026 TOUR
=> Details of the Tour de France Femmes 2026 avec Zwift: THE 2026 WOMEN’S TOUR DE FRANCE AVEC ZWIFT ON 3BIKES.FR
=> And the complete route of the Men’s Tour de France 2026: THE MEN’S TOUR UNVEILED ON 3BIKES.FR
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