Fast and furious finish
Finally we come to something a lot more straightforward and typical of what almost every first-week stage at the Tour used to look like. There is nothing to concern anyone as the race starts to turn south, so expect lots of sunflower shots, a long and probably fruitless breakaway and the sprinters going elbow to elbow at the finish. Mark Cavendish will have particularly happy memories of Châteauroux, as he claimed his first Tour stage win in the town back in 2008. Winner of four stages that year, this is one of just half a dozen opportunities he'll get in this edition.
Details -
Distance: 218 km
Highest point: 178m
Category: Flat
Bernhard Eisel says...
"The GC battle starts the following day but as this is pan-flat, it's a massive stage for the green jersey. Haven't seen the finish yet, but regardless of what other teams do, we work. We have the best sprinter so it's our responsibility to make it come together."
Stage map
Stage profile
-
Cycling transfers – All the latest news and announcements for the 2026 season
The ultimate guide to the pro cycling transfer window, tracking every move across the men's and women's WorldTours -
'Everything is going to plan' – Visma-Lease a Bike unfazed by Vingegaard's narrow lead on Almeida before Vuelta a España final week
'Of course, we would have liked to have a bit more of a gap already, but Almeida is really strong, so for the moment, we are happy' says Head of Racing Niermann -
'People are doing it for a reason, it's horrible what's happening' – Vuelta a España leader Jonas Vingegaard voices understanding for pro-Palestine protesters
Dane comments on continued demonstrations at Grand Tour after Javier Romo was caused to crash by protester on stage 15, as organisers deny that final stage is at risk -
'The numbers were quite high' – Remco Evenepoel positive about form as build up to World Championships continues
Belgian planning further high-intensity training after Tour of Britain Men second place
