Tour de France Femmes 2026: Start in Switzerland

The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is continuing its internationalisation. After starting in Rotterdam in 2024, the fifth edition of the prestigious stage race will begin in Switzerland in 2026. The organisers of the A.S.O. announced that Lausanne will be the venue for the Grand Départ on 1 August 2026. The first stage will be a circuit through the city on Lake Geneva. A stage from Aigle to Geneva is planned for the second day of the race. The Tour thus symbolically links the headquarters of the UCI cycling organisation with one of cycling's most traditional cities. Geneva was the second foreign city ever to host a stage of the men's Tour back in 1913. The third stage will also start in Geneva before the race moves on to France.

Challenging start in Lausanne

The opening circuit in Lausanne promises an exciting race and could provide a selection on the first day. This means that the favourites for overall victory are likely to be directly challenged. Swiss riders Marlen Reusser and Elise Chabbey have a great opportunity to showcase themselves in front of their home crowd. The second stage from Aigle to Geneva over 150 kilometres, on the other hand, has the potential to be a sprint finish. The riders can therefore expect a varied start with different challenges.

>> All stages of the Tour de France Femmes 2025 at a glance

The Tour de France Femmes 2026 will be held from 1 to 9 August and comprises nine stages. The organiser is thus sticking to the tried and tested format. The Tour organisation will announce the other stage locations and the exact route in the coming months.

Tour de France Femmes 2026: Stages at a glance