Tour de France 2026 draws rider challenges and team‑size debate

Belgian champion Remco Evenepoel said he has completed his training and reached his target weight ahead of the 2026 Tour de France, which starts on 4 July in Barcelona. He aims to become the "third troublemaker" in a race expected to be dominated by Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard, and criticised the lack of battle on the road, noting that few riders try to follow Pogačar's attacks.

UCI President David Lappartient, speaking at an online meeting, outlined a proposal to change the composition of the Tour's peloton. He suggested moving from the current 22–23 teams of eight riders each to 25 teams of six riders to make the race less controllable and more unpredictable. Lappartient also warned that without a budget‑cap system, wealthier teams could monopolise top riders, threatening smaller squads. He highlighted the rapid growth of women’s cycling, citing rising salaries and increased TV exposure as key factors for the sport’s development.

Both comments come as the race approaches, shaping expectations for the competition and possible future reforms to its format.