San Francisco is the start of the final stage, with the Golden Gate Bridge closed to vehicles to accommodate the riders. The May date should ensure that sun – not rain – will greet the riders as they cross the iconic structure. Though don’t rule out the possibility of the fog, of course…
The route will likely present strong headwinds as it heads over the bridge, through Sausalito and Mill Valley before heading up the coast past Muir Beach, Stinson Beach and Point Reyes National Seashore. Moving inland a set of short hills provides the final difficulties before the flat finale. Unless the race for the overall is just a matter of seconds we probably won’t see any moves from the overall contenders, but opportunists with a bit of energy are almost certain to brave the wind and give it a go. Winning a stage in bike-crazy Santa Rosa in front of 30,000 fans is something any pro racer will remember for years to come.
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From 'Project Dijon' to 'Project Nice' – New Tour de France Femmes leader Marlen Reusser ready to defend yellow to the end following time trial triumph
'I'm not at all like, 'I have yellow, I've got to have it in Nice,' but I think it's possible' says Movistar leader -
Despite being 10 years younger than the 'big kids', multi-discipline U23 talent Kylee Hanel thriving in 'long, grueling races of gravel' with Leadville looming
Oregon 20-year-old leads Life Time Grand Prix U23 competition after win at Unbound Gravel 100 -
'I quite like this scenario of having to go after them rather than being the favourite' – Pauline Ferrand-Prévot down but not out after Tour de France Femmes time trial
Frenchwoman looking forward to trying to make up two minutes on GC rivals Marlen Reusser and Demi Vollering -
How to watch Tour de France Femmes 2026 – Live streams and official broadcasters — Stage 5
All the ways you can watch or stream the 2026 Tour de France Femmes from wherever you are in the world, including free options
