The countdown is over. The Tour de France 2026 rolls out on July 4 with a historic Grand Départ in Barcelona, ushering in three weeks of elite cycling, tactical battles and relentless mountain racing before the iconic finish on the Champs-Élysées in Paris on July 26.
While the world’s best riders will battle across 21 stages and approximately 3,333 kilometres, one storyline stands out ahead of the 113th edition: Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe’s bold decision to field two genuine General Classification (GC) leaders instead of one.
In a race where strategy can matter as much as strength, the German outfit believes having both Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz at the front could become its biggest advantage.
A Tour Designed to Reward Complete Teams
Unlike editions dominated by long individual time trials, the 2026 Tour de France offers a route that demands versatility.
The race opens with something cycling fans haven’t witnessed since 1971—a 19.6km team time trial around Barcelona. However, unlike traditional formats, individual riders will receive their own finishing times, encouraging aggressive racing from the opening day.
The course then transitions through:
- Fast sprint stages
- Challenging Pyrenean climbs
- Brutal Alpine mountain finishes
- A decisive 26.1km individual time trial around Lac Léman on Stage 16
- A spectacular final stage featuring the climbs of Montmartre before reaching the Champs-Élysées
With only one relatively short individual time trial, climbing strength, tactical flexibility and team support could prove decisive in determining the yellow jersey.
Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe Betting on Two Leaders Instead of One
Most Tour contenders arrive with one designated captain.
Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe is taking a different route.
For the first time, Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz will share leadership responsibilities throughout the race.
Both riders already boast remarkably similar Tour résumés:
- Third overall in previous editions
- Winners of the Best Young Rider classification
- Proven performers over three-week Grand Tours
Rather than forcing one rider into a supporting role, the team intends to exploit their contrasting strengths across varying terrain.
Chief of Sports Zak Dempster believes modern Tours demand collective excellence.
“The Tour is no longer won by an exceptional rider alone, but by an exceptional team. We believe we are bringing one of the most complete squads to the start.”
The philosophy reflects the growing importance of squad depth in today’s Grand Tours, where mountain domestiques, tactical options and race management often decide championships.
Evenepoel Ready for Another Shot at Cycling’s Biggest Prize
The 2026 Tour marks Remco Evenepoel’s third consecutive appearance, with the Belgian arriving after tailoring his season around July.
Known for explosive attacks, powerful time trialling and fearless racing style, Evenepoel remains one of the sport’s biggest stars.
Instead of carrying sole leadership responsibilities, he welcomes the shared approach.
“Sharing the leadership is something I’m quite excited about. It’s going to be a different approach, but I think it’s better for us to have multiple guys up there to fight against these strong riders. Florian and myself are ready to race together.”
Lipowitz Continues His Rapid Rise
Few riders have progressed as quickly as Florian Lipowitz.
After impressing during his breakthrough Tour campaign, the German arrives for his second Tour de France with growing confidence and increasing expectations.
Rather than viewing dual leadership as a complication, Lipowitz sees it as an opportunity.
“Having two leaders takes a little bit of pressure away. We’re two different riders, so we can really benefit from each other. If we race together and make a good plan, I think we can really enjoy these three weeks in France.”
His climbing consistency could become especially valuable during the demanding mountain stages.
One of the Deepest Teams in the Race
Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe isn’t relying solely on its two captains.
The team also features Jai Hindley, another proven Grand Tour podium finisher, giving the squad exceptional GC depth.
Supporting them are:
- Maxim Van Gils
- Mattia Cattaneo
- Jan Tratnik
- Nico Denz
- Tim van Dijke
The lineup combines experienced climbers, versatile all-rounders and riders capable of controlling breakaways, protecting leaders and adapting to unpredictable race situations.
Sports Director Patxi Vila believes that balance could become invaluable over three demanding weeks.
“Every Tour develops its own dynamic, and with this team we have an answer to almost every possible scenario.”
Special Edition Jersey Marks Team Milestone
To celebrate its 13th Tour de France appearance, Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe will race in a special-edition kit.
The jersey features an oversized inverted number 13 integrated into a striking white-to-deep-blue gradient, visually connecting with the team’s new S-Works Tarmac SL9 bike design.
The distinctive look ensures the squad will stand out throughout the Tour.
Tour de France 2026 at a Glance
- Dates: July 4–26, 2026
- Grand Départ: Barcelona
- Finish: Champs-Élysées, Paris
- Stages: 21
- Distance: Approximately 3,333 km
- Teams: 23
- Opening Stage: 19.6km Team Time Trial
- Individual Time Trial: Stage 16 (26.1km around Lac Léman)
- Key Mountains: Pyrenees and Alps
- Final Stage Highlight: Montmartre climbs before Paris finish
Can Dual Leadership Deliver Tour Glory?
The 2026 Tour de France promises another fierce battle for cycling’s most prestigious title. But while many rivals will pin their hopes on a single leader, Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe enters with a different blueprint.
With Remco Evenepoel, Florian Lipowitz, and Jai Hindley backed by one of the deepest squads in the peloton, the team has assembled a roster capable of responding to almost any race scenario.
Whether that tactical flexibility translates into the coveted yellow jersey will become clear over 21 demanding stages—but one thing is certain: Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe’s two-pronged leadership strategy will be one of the defining storylines of the Tour de France 2026.
