The 2026 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is set to be the most challenging edition to date, spanning 1,175 kilometers with a total elevation gain of 18,795 meters. The race kicks off in Lausanne, Switzerland, and concludes in Nice, France, featuring a mix of flat, hilly, and mountainous terrains. (letourfemmes.fr)
Stage 1: Lausanne to Lausanne
The opening stage is a 138 km circuit around Lausanne, Switzerland. The route includes a 2.5 km climb at a 4.6% gradient, followed by two additional ascents: Villars-le-Comte (4 km at 5.8%) and Vulliens (3 km at 5.3%). This profile favors punchy riders capable of handling short, sharp climbs. (lequipe.fr)
Stage 2: Aigle to Geneva
On the second day, the peloton covers 147.9 km from Aigle to Geneva. Departing from Aigle, the route features a series of short, sharp climbs in the mid-section. The stage is expected to conclude with a sprint finish along the banks of Lake Geneva on the Quai du Mont-Blanc. (bikeradar.com)
Stage 3: Geneva to Poligny
The third stage extends over 156.5 km, transitioning into France. The route includes the 11.4 km Col de la Faucille, averaging a 6.3% gradient, followed by additional climbs before a flat run-in to Poligny. This stage presents opportunities for breakaways or a sprint finish, with a total elevation gain of 2,400 meters. (bikeradar.com)
Stage 4: Gevrey-Chambertin to Dijon (Individual Time Trial)
Stage 4 is a 21 km individual time trial through the vineyards of the Côte d’Or. The course features a 1.8 km climb with a 6.9% average gradient, followed by a rolling downhill to the finish in Dijon. This time trial favors riders with climbing abilities over flat specialists. (bikeradar.com)
Stage 5: Mâcon to Belleville-en-Beaujolais
Covering 140 km, Stage 5 includes 2,850 meters of elevation gain in the Beaujolais wine region. The final 3 km features a 7.7% climb of Mont Brouilly, located just 10 km from the finish line, likely to split the field or favor a solo winner from a breakaway. (bikeradar.com)
Stage 6: Montbrison to Tournon-sur-Rhône
This 153.4 km stage includes the 8.6 km Col de Lalouvesc, averaging a 5% gradient. The narrow descent following this climb may provide opportunities for breakaways to gain an advantage. (bikeradar.com)
Stage 7: La Voulte-sur-Rhône to Mont Ventoux
Stage 7 is the queen stage of the race, featuring a 146.8 km route culminating in a summit finish on Mont Ventoux. The final 15.7 km ascent from Bédoin averages 8.8%, presenting a formidable challenge for climbers. This stage is also the venue for the Étape du Tour de France Femmes. (letourfemmes.fr)
Stage 8: Sisteron to Nice
The longest stage of the race, Stage 8 covers 171.9 km, including the Col de Toutes Aures before descending into Nice. Two challenging climbs precede the finish, with the Côte de la Ginestière reaching a 13.6% gradient just 6 km from the finish on the Promenade des Anglais. This stage may favor a lone puncher holding off a sprint finish. (bikeradar.com)
Stage 9: Nice to Nice
The final stage is a 99.2 km circuit in Nice, featuring four loops through the city and an ascent of the Col d’Èze. The last lap includes a 6 km detour at a 7.6% gradient, with a section at 12%, adding complexity to the descent into the city. This stage may favor a breakaway or a puncher arriving solo. (bikeradar.com)
The 2026 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift promises a dynamic and demanding route, testing the versatility and endurance of the peloton across diverse terrains and iconic climbs.