Key information on Stage 6 of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes
- Thursday, 6 August: Montbrison – Tournon-sur-Rhône
- 153.4 kilometres, 2,600 metres of elevation gain (hilly)
- Climbing sections: KM 20.2 (Category 4), km 26.6 (4th category), km 46.3 (3rd category), km 68 (4th category), km 105.6 (2nd category), km 137.5 (3rd category)
- Sprint classification: 63.5 km
- Bonus sprint: KM 144.2
- Start: 1.35 pm, Finish: approx. 5.41 pm
- Live updates and results
The route of the 6th stage of the Tour de France Femmes
Following a hilly section the previous day, Stage 6 is also characterised by constant ups and downs. It is the eastern foothills of the Massif Central that present the riders with a further 2,600 metres of climbing. Heading south-south-west, the route leads from Montbrison to Tournon-sur-Rhône in the Valence area, where last year’s European Road Championships were held.
After 27 kilometres, the route climbs to 800 metres via a three-stage ascent, which is divided into two Category 4 climbs, reaching the first summit. Descending again to just over 400 metres, there is a short flat section before the route climbs gradually once more to just under 1,100 metres in Saint-André-en-Vivarais. The Ardèche department is now reached; this is where the day’s greatest challenges lie.
Following a steep and winding descent, the Col de Lalouvesc (2nd category) – the longest climb of the day – lies ahead. Riders must tackle 8.6 kilometres at a gradient of five per cent. Following a 15-kilometre descent – which, including a short slight incline, stretches to 20 kilometres from the finish – the Côte de Boucieu-le-Roi (Category 3) presents the final challenge, before the remainder of the stage is predominantly downhill.
A sporting analysis of Stage 6 of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes
In the men’s race, this section would probably be classified as a classic breakaway stage. In the women’s race, however, the day could unfold differently. A small group is sure to form. But with the Solo victory for Sigrid Haugset (Uno-X Mobility) on Stage 3 It seems that any further successes from the breakaway group have now been ruled out. The Tour is too short to be giving away victories.
What’s more, this stage is hugely important for the general classification. Even though Mont Ventoux awaits the following day, the top women will be sizing each other up here. If one or two of them do have Ventoux in the back of their minds, that could mean they won’t go all out on the Col de Lalouvesc, but will hold back until the final climb of the day, around 15 kilometres from the finish. There won’t be a peaceful roll to the finish.
