Watch Tour de France Stage 1 — Florence to Rimini Free.

What's at Stake

The 113th edition of the Tour de France begins with a prestigious Grand Départ in Italy, offering the rare opportunity for a puncher or climber to secure the first Yellow Jersey. With a demanding profile through the Apennines, this stage serves as an immediate test for General Classification contenders who cannot afford to lose time on the very first day of racing.

Form Guide

Heading into the 2026 season opener, the peloton arrives following the traditional build-up of national championships and the Critérium du Dauphiné. Momentum is high for the elite versatile riders who have shown they can handle significant elevation gain early in a three-week tour, while teams focused on the overall title are prioritizing safety and positioning in what is expected to be a high-intensity start.

Key Players to Watch

• Tadej Pogačar — The Slovenian remains a perennial favorite for hilly terrain and will likely look to exploit the steep climbs to gain an early advantage.
• Wout van Aert — A versatile powerhouse who excels on undulating profiles and possesses the sprint finish necessary to win from a reduced group.
• Remco Evenepoel — Known for long-range attacks, his ability to navigate technical descents and short, sharp inclines makes him a major threat for the stage win.

Prediction

The challenging route from Florence to Rimini is likely to shed the pure sprinters well before the finish line, leading to a battle between an elite group of puncheurs. Expect a high-octane finale where a small selection of favorites contests the sprint, with a versatile climber taking the victory and the first Maillot Jaune of the race.