(This Feb. 25 story has been corrected to clarify it's the first time since 1971, not the first time in the race's history, in paragraph 1) (Reuters) - The 2026 Tour de France will begin with a team time-trial as the opening stage for the first time since 1971,

As the Tour de France unveiled its fourth foreign start in five years in Barcelona this week, organizers pointed to the financial logic of starting the event abroad while fending off political criticism from those who believe the world's greatest cycling race should exclusively showcase its home country.

Barcelona will kick off the 2026 Tour de France, with organizers and local officials unveiling three days of racing on Tuesday that will showcase

This stage will feature a format first introduced on the 2023 Paris-Nice, where the team’s time is determined by the first rider to cross the finish line.

Organizers announced that the 2026 Tour de France will start with a team time trial for the first time in the race’s history.  The 2026 Tour de France wil

Tour de France will begin with a team time-trial in Barcelona, Spain, marking the first time this format opens the race. The 'Grand Depart' will occur on July 4, featuring a 19.7-kilometre course. Following stages will continue in Barcelona and surrounding areas,