Bytager the publication "Presentation of the Tours 2026: words from the peloton"
The big cycling 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 Tour de France Women with Zwift 2026Organizers, runners, journalists, broadcasters, sports directors… everyone was present for the big 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 tell the stories, but collect the immediate reactions of those who will experience them from the inside (or almost) – athletes, staff, observers, media.
Just 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 runner
« As tough as 2025, with many difficulties that will not be easy!« The TotalEnergies rider expects a dense and demanding Tour, in line with the previous edition.
→ Editor's note: Turgis is not joking: if it is “as hard as 2025”, climbers will sweat early.
Vincent Lavenu – former manager AG2R La Mondiale
« Magnificent, as with every presentation of the Tour. Lots of things to discover, lots of emotions... It's always a very powerful moment. Whether it's men's or women's, the Tour remains very demanding. A spectacle in perspective, and as usual a wonderful sporting event" The AG2R La Mondiale manager did not hide his enthusiasm for these 2026 tracks, which he considers inspiring.
→ Editor's note: Lavenu, faithful to his love of the Tour: lucid, moved, and always passionate.
Adrien Petit – former Intermarché-Wanty runner
« Can't wait for July!« Short, simple and effective: the Intermarché-Wanty runner 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 runner
« Two very beautiful courses! But the women's is even more beautiful, because one stage is coming to the city 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: Chauvin, perhaps, but we understand: an arrival “at home” changes everything.
Thierry Gouvenou – race director of the Tour de France
« Especially the men's Tour! We feel a long build-up to this edition. » The race director of the Tour de France clearly sets the tone.
→ Editor's note: Gouvenou keeps the suspense going... but we feel that he has an explosive scenario.
Pierre Rolland – consultant for L'Équipe 21, former Tour de France climber
« Both courses are very beautiful, very challenging, with new features for each. 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 Alps, it's from experience: he knows what it's all about.
Jean-Étienne Amaury – President of the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) group
« I think it's fantastic! The terrain is magnificent. I'm going to talk especially about the Women's Tour, which we worked on in close collaboration with Marion Rousse. We're going to have a blast from Lausanne to Nice, via Ventoux, Beaujolais... and even a time trial in the Marcianet hairpin bends. Every day, something will happen: the challenges will not let go of the riders from start to finish.«
→ Editor's note: A happy boss is obvious. The tone is enthusiastic, almost greedy.
Joop Zoetemelk – winner of the 1980 Tour de France
« Two very difficult Tours de France, I think, because there is a lot of mytagWe're going to have a great show!«
→ Editor's note: At 78, Zoetemelk still has a climber's eye: he has already spotted the suffering to come.
Georges Hincapie – former cyclist, cycling ambassador
« Magnificent, demanding courses, with legendary climbs that will offer great battles.«
→ Editor's note: The American has lost none of his passion for the world.tagneither… nor his showmanship.
Jean-Michel Monin – Tour regulator and 1996 Olympic champion (track)
« In a nutshell: it's going to be tough, but it's going to be good! A rendezvous with legendary places.«
→ Editor's note: Monin sums up the spirit of the Tour: suffer, but smile.
National Gendarmerie motorcyclist – official escort of the Tour
« Very beautiful courses, very demanding, with a nice start abroad for both Tours, and above all a first for the women.«
→ Editor's note: They too are experiencing the Tour at full throttle – in every sense of the word.
Unibet Runner – ProTeam Training
« Very impressed by the show... and a little scared of the previous day's stage at 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 the teams bring back many sprinters for the men. In the women's race, everything will come down to the final stage: it could be a big decision.«
→ Editor's note: Manceau is right: 2026 smells like the moontagno, not the nap.
Nicolas Geay – journalist for France Télévisions
“The highlight is obviously the Ventoux for the women: so legendary! When you see what PFP did, you can expect a festival. But be careful: the time trial can reshuffle the cards, because women like Vollering are real time trial specialists. It will rebalance the forces for a very exciting finale in Nice. For the men, I love the last weekend, with Alpe d'Huez and Sarenne, a pass that I spotted for my book Col des Légendes 3. The only question is: won't Pogacar have already won the Tour long ago? But the Tour is super well marked out.”
→ Editor's note: The keen eye of a true connoisseur. Nicolas Geay, always precise, sees clearly: Ventoux and Alpe d'Azur, two beacons of the 2026 show.
Morgan and Priscilla – cycling enthusiasts
Morgan, owner of the Morgan Cycle store in Nîmes: « I haven't analyzed everything yet, but I have a feeling of renewal. We're not going to be bored! The women's course is very challenging and it's getting more and more serious. For the men, there were some crazy landscapes... and for the world nap championships, perfect! In short, a blast.«
Priscilla, sports doctor and former cycling champion: « A very steep men's course, and for the women, there are some superb stages, especially the Ventoux. And a little extra: a superb Zwift stage open to amateurs—I can't wait to participate!«
→ Editor's note: A radiant and passionate duo. Combining 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 designed for climbers, with powerful landmarks like Alpe d'Huez. It makes you want to get back on your bike!«
→ Editor's note: When “Riblon à l'Alpe” speaks, we listen. A nod to his achievement and to a route that puts the legendary slopes back at the center of the game.
Mark Cavendish – cycling legend, record holder for stage wins in the Tour de France
« I think I'll have to be strong this year... not many sprints in sight, but the big stages of mytagare not going to be amazing.«
→ Editor's note: The sprinter with 35 medals makes no mistake: 2026 is a year of high altitude. Fewer straight lines, more legends to write.
THE 2026 TOUR IN BRIEFMEN'S TOUR DE FRANCE21 stages – 3,333 km – 54,450 m D+ WOMEN'S TOUR DE FRANCE8 stages – 3,333 km – 54,450 m D+ Presentation location: Congress Center, Paris Porte Maillot  |
Also read…
=> All official information on the Tour website: THE 2026 TOUR
=> Details of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes with Zwift: THE 2026 WOMEN'S TOUR DE FRANCE WITH ZWIFT ON 3BIKES.FR
=> And the complete route of the 2026 Men's Tour de France: THE MEN'S TOUR UNVEILED ON 3BIKES.FR
