The Tour de France Femmes 2026 is underway, and stage six promises an exhilarating day of racing. With 144km to go, the route takes the peloton through some stunning French countryside, featuring six categorised climbs and 2,600m of vertical ascent. The stage is a crucial part of the race, offering a chance for the GC riders to rest before the formidable challenge of Mont Ventoux on Friday.
One of the standout moments of the race so far has been the trio of Demi Vollering, Marlen Reusser, and Kasia Niewiadoma's collaboration on stage five. Their teamwork showcased the power of unity in cycling, and it's a strategy that could pay dividends today. However, the Tour de France Femmes is known for its unpredictability, and confident predictions are a fool's game.
The stage begins with a neutralised rollout at 13.35 CET/12.35 BST, and the riders will face their first climb, the Côte de Périgneux, a 1.4km category-four ascent with an average gradient of 6.2%. The race will then wind its way through the parched and wildfire-threatened landscapes of France, finishing on the banks of the Rhône river in the Ardéche department.
Unfortunately, Barbara Malcotti (Human Powered Health) and Monica Trinca Colonel (Liv-Alula-Jayco) have withdrawn from the race, reducing the number of riders to 134. The official withdrawals page provides further information on these withdrawals.
Despite the challenges ahead, the Tour de France Femmes is an event that promises excitement and drama. With the race taking place in France, a country renowned for its cycling culture, the event is sure to attract a large audience. The live coverage on TNT Sports at 2.30 pm UK time (BST) will provide a great opportunity for fans to follow the action in real-time.
In conclusion, stage six of the Tour de France Femmes 2026 is a must-watch for cycling enthusiasts. With the race taking place in France, the home of cycling, and the promise of thrilling racing, it's an event that will not disappoint. So, tune in to TNT Sports at 2.30 pm UK time (BST) to catch all the action as the peloton battles through the challenging route.
