Barcelona will host the Grand Départ of the 113th Tour de France on 4 July 2026. The opening stage, along with the second and third stages, will take place on Catalan territory.
This marks the second Spanish Grand Départ in just four years, following Bilbao’s hosting in 2023. The Tour last began in Spain in 1992, when Spanish cyclist Miguel Induráin won the prologue in San Sebastián.
A brief history of the Tour de France
The Tour de France, established in 1903, is the oldest and most prestigious multi-stage cycling race in the world. Originally conceived to boost the sales of the French newspaper L’Auto, the race quickly grew in popularity and international significance. It spans three weeks each July, covering thousands of kilometres across diverse terrain, including mountains, flatlands, and time trial stages. Over the decades, the Tour has become a symbol of endurance and competition, attracting top cyclists and millions of spectators. Iconic moments include Eddy Merckx’s dominance in the 1970s and the dramatic mountain battles between legendary riders such as Bernard Hinault and Greg LeMond.
Barcelona’s cycling legacy
Barcelona’s city council highlighted the significance of hosting the event, describing it as “one of the ten biggest international sporting events” and a chance to position Barcelona as the “world capital of cycling.” This will be the fourth time Tour stages have passed through the city, with previous visits in 1957, 1965, and 2009. Most recently, Barcelona hosted the start of the Vuelta a España in 2023.
Boosting cycling and healthy lifestyles
The city council aims to use the event to encourage cycling among residents, promote healthier lifestyles, and reinforce Barcelona’s reputation as a hub for global cycling. The Tour de France is broadcast in 190 countries through over 100 channels, including 60 providing live coverage. This extensive media reach will offer significant exposure for the city.
Financial agreement
Barcelona’s hosting rights come at a cost of €9.68 million, including VAT. The agreement with Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the race organiser, allocates €8 million for hosting rights, with an additional €1.68 million in VAT. Payments will be staggered over three years: €3.03 million in 2024, €3.63 million in 2025, and €3.03 million in 2026.
Years of negotiations
Negotiations between Barcelona’s city council and ASO took years to finalise. In June 2023, the agreement was signed with Tour director Christian Prudhomme, securing the world’s most prestigious cycling race for Barcelona in 2026.
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