(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,

Barcelona will host the start of the Tour de France in 2026 with three days of racing unveiled by organisers and local officials on Tuesday showing off the Catalan region at its best. The 2025 Tour de France will be raced exclusively in France for the first time since the 2020 race as it starts in northern captal Lille.