In 2026, Barcelona will serve as the starting point for the Tour de France, and the atmosphere in the city is noticeably calmer than previously anticipated. This change is due to the Israel-Premier Tech team’s decision to change its name and abandon its former identity. This move helped avoid potential conflicts that could have overshadowed the major sporting event in Catalonia.
The Barcelona City Council had previously expressed concerns about the participation of a team with Israeli symbols, especially after the events at the 2025 Vuelta, when mass protests in Madrid led to the cancellation of the final stage. Now, with the team set to compete under a new name, city officials note that the risk of political incidents has been minimized.
Tour de France organizers have also supported the changes, emphasizing that the revised team lineup contributes to a more peaceful environment. According to organizers, recent international developments, including the truce in Gaza, have reduced tensions surrounding the race.
Last year, there were already isolated protests at the Tour related to the presence of the Israeli team, particularly in Toulouse. However, these incidents were minor compared to the large-scale demonstrations that later took place in Spain. Barcelona authorities stress that they are not questioning the staging of the race, but believe it is important to eliminate any symbols that could provoke disagreements among spectators and participants.
The 2026 Tour de France is expected to kick off on July 4 with a team time trial through the streets of Barcelona. The second stage will finish at the iconic Montjuïc climb, a legendary hotspot for decisive moments in Catalonia’s cycling history. The third stage will depart from Granollers, taking the peloton towards the French border, where riders will face the first mountain finish of the race.
Barcelona will become the third Spanish city to host the Tour de France Grand Départ, following San Sebastián and Bilbao. Local sports officials report overwhelming interest in the event, as fans eagerly anticipate top riders battling it out, especially along the challenging Catalan sections of the route.
Organizers are confident that, with political tensions resolved, the public’s focus will shift entirely to the competition itself. The Tour de France is once again set to be a stage for spectacular achievements and a unifying event for cycling fans worldwide.
