Tour de France
The decisive final third of the Tour begins just across the German border
Saturday marks the beginning of the block of stages that will decide the Tour de France. The race heads into the Vosges, offering German fans a unique opportunity to experience the Tour up close.
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Located less than 20 kilometres from the German border, Mulhouse hosts the start of Saturday’s stage. It is not only the opening of the weekend but also the start of the Tour’s decisive phase. Two mountain stages, each featuring nearly 4,000 metres of climbing, kick off the final third of this year’s race.
Now is the time for German fans
For fans travelling from Germany, this is a weekend not to miss. With the Vosges closer than ever, there has rarely been a better chance to see Florian Lipowitz racing almost on home roads. At the same time, the weekend will feel like a home race for Nico Denz. Every fan lining the roadside can make a difference - now is the perfect time to support the team during the most important days of the Tour.
Fans at the Tour de France
© Maximilian Fries / Red Bull Content Pool
Two days that could reshape the General Classification
Saturday features the iconic Vosges climbs of the Grand Ballon and the Montée du Haag before the summit finish at Le Markstein. On Sunday, the race already turns towards the Alps, taking on the steep Col de la Croisette before finishing atop the Plateau de Solaison—the climb that decided the Critérium du Dauphiné just a few weeks ago.
Mountains of the Tour de France 2026
© Maximilian Fries / Red Bull Content Pool
One thing is already clear: this weekend has the potential to completely reshape the general classification. With Remco Evenepoel sitting third overall and Florian Lipowitz in sixth, Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe has tactical options that very few teams can match.
Tour de France - GC after stage 12
Rank
Person
Result
1
Tadej Pogačar
43:04:01
2
Jonas Vingegaard
+3:36
The biggest decisions are still to come
The focus, however, remains firmly on what lies ahead. The Vosges weekend is only the beginning of an incredibly demanding week. After Monday’s rest day, Tuesday brings an individual time trial - the next opportunity to gain valuable time or extend an advantage in the overall standings.
Remco Evenepoel trains for the TT during rest day
© Maximilian Fries / Red Bull Content Pool
Following a comparatively calmer stage on Wednesday, the race reaches its climax. Thursday delivers another day with around 4,000 metres of climbing before the legendary Alpe d’Huez double-header on Friday and Saturday provides the setting for the Tour’s final decisive battles.
Mulhouse marks the beginning of the decisive phase of the 2026 Tour de France.
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