The organisers of the Tour de France Femmes avec ZWIFT have unveiled a monumental and record-breaking route for the 2026 edition, and we at The Route are already counting the days.
Spanning 1,175 kilometres, the biggest one ever, featuring a staggering 18,795 metres of elevation, the event is set to be the toughest yet, culminating in an unmissable mountain stage finish on the mythical Mont Ventoux.
For the third year running, the event will start outside of France with a three-day Grand Départ in Switzerland, before twisting through France and finishing on the spectacular Côte d’Azur in Nice.
And for our followers, here’s the best news: The Route team will once again be riding every single kilometre of the professional route, one day ahead of the peloton! Consider this your ultimate guide to the nine incredible days of riding and spectacle that await us all in August 2026.
The Route Stage-by-Stage
| Stage 1 | Fri | 31-Jul | Lausanne – Lausanne | 137km |
| Stage 2 | Sat | 01-Aug | Aigle – Geneve | 149km |
| Stage 3 | Sun | 02-Aug | Geneve – Poligny | 157km |
| Stage 4 | Mon | 03-Aug | Gevrey Chambertin – Dijon | 21km |
| Stage 5 | Tue | 04-Aug | Macon – Belleville en Beaujolais | 140km |
| Stage 6 | Wed | 05-Aug | Montbrison – Tournon sur Rhone | 153km |
| Stage 7 | Thu | 06-Aug | La Voulte sur Rhone -Mont Ventoux | 144km |
| Stage 8 | Fri | 07-Aug | Sisteron – Nice | 175km |
| Stage 9 | Sat | 08-Aug | Nice | 99km |
Key Stages
The Giant Awaits: Mont Ventoux (Stage 7)
Friday, August 7th, will be the day our team faces the ultimate test: the ‘Giant of Provence.’ The 15.7km climb from Bédoin, averaging 8.8%, is known for its exposed, barren landscape and punishing heat. We will be climbing to 1,910m above sea level, focusing solely on reaching the summit safely and completing the ‘Queen Stage’ of our charity ride. This is the stage that will require the most careful pacing, hydration, and grit.
The Relentless Côte d’Azur Finale (Stage 9)
There is no easy finish! The final day in Nice is short (99km) but packed with climbing. The four ascents of the Col d’Èze will be physically and technically demanding. With heavy legs from the previous eight days, navigating the steep ramps (including a 12% section) and the descents for the fourth time will be a severe mental hurdle before we can cross the final finish line on the Promenade des Anglais.
The Record Challenge
The 2026 route is a record for the Tour de France Femmes avec ZWIFT, making it a record charity challenge for The Route team:
- 1,175 km: The longest distance we’ve ever covered in the event.
- 18,795 m: The most elevation gain, demanding continuous climbing preparation.
Are you ready to join us and take on The Route? 2026 is going to be our biggest EVER team, with 75% spaces already filled!
