Key stages, riders to watch, and a short guide to go cheer them on.
The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift returns from August 1 to 9 with an edition that promises to be one of the most exciting to date. Nine days of racing, a demanding route, and a truly stellar lineup will shape a week in which the best riders in the world will battle to wear the yellow jersey.
After the race’s spectacular growth in recent years, the Tour de France Femmes has established itself as the premier event in women’s cycling. In 2026, the route once again offers a balance of opportunities for sprinters, punchy stages, a decisive time trial, and high mountains that will prove decisive for the general classification.
Once again, Gobik will be present in the battle for overall victory alongside two of the strongest teams in the peloton: Movistar Team and FDJ United-SUEZ.
The favorites
The spotlight will once again fall on some of the leading names in women’s cycling.
Demi Vollering (FDJ United Suez)
The Dutch rider once again starts as one of the main contenders for the yellow jersey. A climber, explosive, and with a huge ability to manage grand tours, Vollering heads into the Tour aiming to conquer the race again alongside a squad built to fight for the general classification from day one. Without a doubt, our candidate to win atop Mont Ventoux.
Marlen Reusser (Movistar Team)
If there is one rider capable of making the difference on every terrain, it is Marlen Reusser. Her power in the time trial and her great consistency in the mountains make her one of the most dangerous rivals for the general classification, but for everyone she is the leading candidate to win the individual time trial in Dijon.
Alongside them, riders such as Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, Kasia Niewiadoma, Elisa Longo Borghini, and Cédrine Kerbaol also aim to play a leading role in a race that, on paper, promises to be wide open.
Stages you can’t miss
Stage 1 | Lausanne – Lausanne
The Tour de France Femmes begins with an explosive day, ideal for measuring the form of the favorites from the very first stage. A nervous route where it will be important to avoid losing time and to start well positioned.
Stage 4 | Gevrey-Chambertin – Dijon (Individual Time Trial)
The first major turning point of the race.
The kilometers against the clock can begin to shape the general classification, especially with specialist riders like Marlen Reusser, one of the best time trialists in the world.
Stage 7 | La Voulte-sur-Rhône – Mont Ventoux
The queen stage. For the first time, the mythical Mont Ventoux will take center stage in the Tour de France Femmes. With 15.7 km at an average of 8.8%, it is a legendary climb that could decide much of the general classification and where the climbers will have the opportunity to make significant differences.
Stage 9 | Nice – Nice
Nothing will be decided until the final day.
The final stage offers a demanding route around Nice, with four climbs of the Col d’Èze that provide one last opportunity to change the outcome of the race.
Thinking about coming to cheer?
If you are considering experiencing the Tour de France Femmes in person, there are two stages that, for us, are unmissable. The ascent of Mont Ventoux, where much of the general classification will be decided in one of the most iconic settings in cycling, and the final stage in Nice, a day that promises excitement right to the last kilometer and where the winner of the Tour will be crowned. Two unique opportunities to enjoy the best of women’s cycling from the roadside.
Tips for enjoying the race safely
Respect the riders. As the peloton passes, DO NOT touch them, DO NOT run alongside them, DO NOT step onto the road, and avoid filming them with your arm outstretched. They are competing at the highest level, and any small contact can cause a crash.
Respect road closures. The road will not reopen until the green flag vehicle has passed. Always follow the instructions of the organizers and the security forces.
Be careful on descents. On summit finishes, many riders later descend by bike to the team buses. If you hear the whistles warning of their approach, give them space and avoid obstructing the descent.
Do not forget warm clothing. If you are going to ride up climbs like Ventoux, remember to bring an extra layer for the descent. After waiting for hours, the way down can be long, fast, and much colder than expected.
Whether from the roadside on Ventoux, in the streets of Nice, or following each stage from home, the Tour de France Femmes once again shows that women’s cycling is experiencing one of the most exciting moments in its history.
At Gobik, we will be supporting Movistar Team and FDJ United - SUEZ through every kilometer of this adventure, backing two teams that represent our way of understanding cycling: performance, innovation, and a passion for competing.
See you on the road.
