The cycling stars are in the final weeks of preparation for the Tour de France 2026 (July 4th to 26th). Former German professional and current TV expert Jens Voigt makes it clear in advance why the France loop will be particularly exciting this year.
If Jens Voigt has his way, the 113th edition of the most important stage race in road cycling will enter new spheres.
“I’m telling you: This year the tour will be the very best, ever! In capital letters: EVER!”, said the 54-year-old in the “Jan Ullrich Ultras” podcast.
The reason: Not only are all the top stars this year “healthy” and in “best shape”. In the big France loop, “they meet with different preparations,” but also at “different times in their careers.” Voigt summed up: “The tour is extremely important for everyone. I can hardly wait.”
Cycling spectacle inevitable: “And then everyone meets on the tour”
Defending champion and last year’s dominator Tadej Pogacar decided to skip the Giro d’Italia this year. Instead, he will ride the Tour de Suisse (June 17th to 21st). Italy, meanwhile, was able to claim overall victory and the coveted pink jersey for challenger Jonas Vingegaard for the first time. Now the Dane wants to aim for his third success in the Tour de France.
With a view to the other competitors, Voigt explained: “Seixas had a tough spring, then a break and a kind of rebuilding and is driving the Dauphiné. Florian Lipowitz is driving the smaller, lighter, shorter Tour of Slovenia (June 17th and 21st, editor’s note) – only as a final test of form. Remco isn’t racing at all. And then everyone meets at the tour.”
Evenepoel, who along with Lipowitz is one of the captains of Red Bull – Bora-Hansgrohe, recently completed a short altitude training camp in Tenerife to prepare for the rigors in France.