Ella Gibbs

The 2026 Tour de France Femmes will begin in Lausanne and cover 1,175 kilometres over nine stages, including the race's first ascent of Mont Ventoux. Defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Prevot is among the leading contenders, but Demi Vollering and 2024 winner Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney are expected to challenge her, particularly with a team time trial added to the route. British riders include Tour debutant Zoe Backstedt, her sister Elynor, and several other competitors, while Cat Ferguson will miss the race because of ankle fractures. Justine Ghekiere, Mavi Garcia, Lorena Wiebes, Elisa Balsamo, Charlotte Kool and several younger riders are identified as contenders for the climbing, sprint and young-rider jerseys.

Tadej Pogacar enters the 2026 Tour de France as the overwhelming favourite, aiming to secure a record-equalling fifth title. The race begins in Barcelona and features key contenders including Jonas Vingegaard, Isaac del Toro, Paul Seixas and Remco Evenepoel. Seven British riders participate, with Tom Pidcock leading his team and Adam Yates seeking stage opportunities. Top sprinters such as Jasper Philipsen and Biniam Girmay compete for the green jersey. Off the bike, Andres Iniesta’s NSN Cycling team debuts while ongoing discussions about cycling’s financial model and anti-doping measures continue, including a feasibility study on using power data to support testing.

Tahnee Seagrave has ended her World Cup downhill mountain biking season early due to ongoing injuries from pre-season training, including an elbow injury that hampered her opening event and prevented participation in the second race. She said stepping back will allow her to recover and aim for the World Championships in August, where she seeks her first world title.