2026 Tour de France Femmes: Preview of Stage 5: Winding through the vineyards

​Key information on Stage 5 of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes

• Wednesday, 5 August: Mâcon – Belleville-en-Beaujolais
• 140 kilometres, 2,900 metres of elevation gain (hilly)
• Mountain climbs: KM 12.6 (Category 2), KM 28.4 (Category 4), KM 33.7 (Category 4), KM 54.1 (Category 3), km 68.7 (2nd category), km 75.3 (4th category), km 109.7 (3rd category), km 129.4 (2nd category)
• Sprint classification: 39.5 km
• Bonus sprint: 125.8 km
• Start: 1.45 pm, Finish: approx. 5.41 pm
• Live updates and results

The route of the 5th stage of the Tour de France Femmes

As the crow flies, it is less than 25 kilometres from the start in Mâcon to the finish of Stage 5 in Belleville-en-Beaujolais. Following the course of the Saône, the total elevation gain along the direct route would also be very modest. But A.S.O. has other ideas. It is sending the women’s peloton on a 140-kilometre route with 2,900 metres of elevation gain through the Beaujolais – one of France’s most beautiful wine-growing regions.

South of Burgundy, just as on the third stage of the tour, the route heads straight into a mountain climb (2nd category) – the first of no fewer than eight. At just under ten kilometres, it is the longest climb of the day. As the stage progresses, there are two more Category 2 climbs, three Category 4 climbs and two Category 3 climbs to come.

The bulk of the mountain climbs and the elevation gain are concentrated in the first half of the race. However, Mont Brouilly (2nd category) presents yet another challenge eleven kilometres from the finish. Riders will have to tackle three kilometres there with an average gradient of 7.7 per cent. The second half, in particular, has gradients in the double digits almost throughout. The final kilometres to the finish are then mostly downhill.

A sporting analysis of Stage 5 of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes

Although none of the eight mountain climbs presents a particularly significant challenge on its own, the cumulative effect of the ascents ultimately makes for a tough day for the general classification contenders. The first half of the stage is a constant series of ups and downs that will shake off the sprinters. Mont Brouilly, ten kilometres from the finish, is likely to prove a spoilsport for the fast-finishing classics riders.

The GC contenders have shown so far in the race that they are prepared to flex their muscles even on short, steep climbs. At the very least to test the opposition, but if successful, also with the determination to see it through. The final kilometre and a half of the Brouilly climb averages almost ten per cent – easily enough to ensure a proper selection. The steep final stretch then offers little chance of making up much time. The stage win will probably be decided in a sprint from a small group.

Kim Le Court (AG Insurance Soudal Team), in particular, proved to be especially strong in similar situations throughout the tour. As she is unlikely to be in contention for a podium place in the general classification, the rider from Mauritius could also save a few reserves in the time trial compared to her direct rivals – reserves that could prove decisive on Stage 5.