Pogacar leads the overall classification of the 2026 Tour de Romandie after stage 4.
/ UAE Team
The 2026 Tour de France has altered the route of its second stage, originally scheduled for Sunday, July 5, between Tarragona and Barcelona, cutting the distance by approximately 16 km. The stage, initially set at 182.4 km, will now be run over 168.4 km.
The change was made at the request of the Government of Catalonia to avoid passing through the Collserola Park, which is currently a restricted area due to an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF). The modification also ensures that the entire route can accommodate spectators, which would not have been possible in the originally planned section through the natural park due to current restrictions.
Specifically, at around the 123 km mark, riders will leave Molins de Rei and continue along the N-340 road to reach Plaça Espanya, bypassing Collserola as envisioned in the original route. The entry into Barcelona will therefore be more direct after leaving behind the municipalities of the Baix Llobregat region.
The modification was proposed by the city council at the request of the regional government and agreed upon with the Tour organization. According to the institutions involved, the goal was to alter the planned route as little as possible while ensuring the stage retains its character as a grand public celebration of cycling.
Under the new route, the race will extend its passage through Molins de Rei, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, and Sant Just Desvern, and will also traverse L’Hospitalet de Llobregat and Esplugues de Llobregat before entering Barcelona.
The Catalan government defended the need for strict management of the African swine fever outbreak, which involves access restrictions to natural areas in the affected zone. The aim is to prevent the spread of the virus, limit the dispersal of wild boars, and facilitate the work of professional teams tasked with eradicating the disease.
African swine fever is a severe viral disease affecting domestic pigs and wild boars. It does not transmit to humans, but its high virulence, rapid spread, and significant economic and trade impact require strict control measures in line with European regulations.
This is not the first time the Tour de France has had to adjust a stage due to a health crisis. Last year, a section of the route in French territory was also altered because of contagious nodular dermatosis.
Map showing the new route of the second stage of the 2026 Tour de France.
/ Government of Catalonia
### Three Stages in Catalonia
The Grand Départ Barcelona 2026 will feature three stages in Catalonia. The first will take place on July 4, a 19 km team time trial in Barcelona, starting from Parc del Fòrum and passing iconic landmarks such as the seafront and the Sagrada Família, before a demanding finale with a double ascent to the Estadi Olímpic de Montjuïc.
On July 5, the second stage between Tarragona and Barcelona will conclude with a climb to Montjuïc Castle. A day later, on July 6, the third stage will depart from Granollers and finish in the French town of Les Angles.
Before the race begins, on July 2, Barcelona will host the traditional official presentation of the participating teams.
