The Tour de France Femmes 2026 is underway, and stage six promises an exhilarating day of racing. With 144km to go, the route takes the peloton through some stunning, yet parched and wildfire-threatened, French countryside. The stage features six categorised climbs, including the Côte de Périgneux, a 1.4km category-four climb with an average gradient of 6.2%. This will be a challenging test for the riders, but it's the Tour de France Femmes, so anything can happen.
The race has seen its fair share of withdrawals, with Barbara Malcotti and Monica Trinca Colonel pulling out of the race. This means that 134 riders started the stage, and the neutralised rollout has been completed. The live coverage on TNT Sports begins at 2.30pm UK time (BST), so if you're in the UK, make sure you tune in.
Stage five was a thrilling affair, with Demi Vollering, Marlen Reusser, and Kasia Niewiadoma striking out together to fight for victory. The race was particularly challenging after Tuesday's individual time trial, and it's no surprise that a breakaway is likely today, allowing the GC riders a bit of respite before the gruelling test of tomorrow. However, in the Tour de France Femmes, confident predictions are a fool's game, and whatever happens, it's sure to be an entertaining spectacle.
The stage is set for an exciting day of racing, and with the Giant of Provence looming on the horizon, the peloton will be eager to make their mark. The Tour de France Femmes is a testament to the strength and skill of women's cycling, and it's an event that should not be missed.
