2026-07-06T11:30:42.656Z<\/p>\n
It is hot, hot, hot.<\/p>\n
Some riders who were dropped earlier, like Lenny Martinez, are getting back onto the bunch now as we head back onto the flat.<\/p>\n
There’s a good bit of respite from the climbing now.<\/p>\n
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![\"TotalEnergies](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2i5TeEUSCnkUyuybCkARz6.jpg\")
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(Image credit: Getty Images) 2026-07-06T11:27:51.458Z Del Toro, Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard are right on the front of the bunch keeping an eye on things.<\/p>\n The bunch settled for a moment just then on a narrow road but it’s kicked off again as the road opened up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I think part of the issue here and why things are taking so long is because Visma really want Jorgenson to get in the break and go for a stage win, but UAE do not want this to happen. The rivalry between these two teams has defined the Tour for years, and nothing is changing today.<\/p>\n 2026-07-06T11:24:02.082Z<\/p>\n And the Bernal group has been caught by the peloton.<\/p>\n Nearly 40km done! This is a long one. Brutal start given the heat, and indeed the climbing to come.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-07-06T11:21:41.072Z But I think we are getting closer… A group of eight are out front now, including Bernal who is keen to get away today. Still riders trying to chase behind though so let’s see if this group gets established.<\/p>\n 2026-07-06T11:20:35.056Z<\/p>\n Here are some of the riders who have been involved in the battle for the break so far.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-07-06T11:12:44.786Z It’s been a very hot start to the race, with teams using all sorts of different methods to stay cool. My colleague Will has run through a few of them.<\/p>\n From alcohol sprays to forearm bathing: All the cooling strategies the pros use to beat the heat at the Tour de France<\/a><\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images) 2026-07-06T11:09:47.337Z<\/p>\n Prediction from cjrogers2002 in the comments:<\/p>\n Juan Ayuso takes a late flyer and it sticks to the line just ahead of Pogacar, Vingegaard, and Del Toro.<\/p>\n cjrogers2002<\/p>\n Any advances on that? Drop your thoughts in the comments.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-07-06T11:08:34.604Z More than 25km of this breakaway battle already done. Everything’s back together and it’s starting again.<\/p>\n When the battle takes a while like this, it can eventually work against the break \u2013 they have less time to build a good gap, and those in the group end up more tired. Success is more likely when they go early-ish.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-07-06T11:07:04.513Z<\/p>\n Jorgenson is on the front and flicking his elbow asking riders to give him some help. So that would suggest that he is trying to get in the break and work with attackers, rather than just police. Interesting!<\/p>\n 2026-07-06T11:05:53.228Z Well look who it is… Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) is having a go on the front!<\/p>\n He said pre-race that he’d like to wear yellow again this Tour<\/a>. He’s at 1:26 right now, so if he got in a successful move today it could happen.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n But it remains really tricky to get in a break. The pace is high and so many riders want to be involved \u2013 Egan Bernal is the next to put in a big push.<\/p>\n 2026-07-06T11:02:52.965Z<\/p>\n On a quick descent now before the road kicks up again shortly.<\/p>\n George Bennett (NSN) is attacking off the front on his own, with the bunch stretched out behind him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He’s a local rider who has lived in Girona and Andorra so may well know these roads.<\/p>\n 2026-07-06T11:01:53.763Z<\/p>\n Back together at the front. Cian Uijtdebroeks (Movistar) is struggling out the back… not a great start to the Tour for him. He came here to target GC.<\/p>\n Paret-Peintre won max points at the top of the climb.<\/p>\n KoM results \u2013 C\u00f4te de Saint Feliu de Codines (cat. 3) 2026-07-06T10:57:17.717Z<\/p>\n Up front, Javier Romo (Movistar) and Paret-Peintre are in the lead but not far in front of the bunch.<\/p>\n 2026-07-06T10:56:36.234Z<\/p>\n Matthew Riccitello (Decathlon CMA CGM) is also at the medical car, he’s clearly been down too.<\/p>\n He is a very important domestique for Paul Seixas.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-07-06T10:54:21.382Z<\/p>\n That crash has split and slowed things down in the bunch a bit I think. Those who got through unscathed are just taking the foot off the gas to allow things to come back together.<\/p>\n Armirail is at the medical car.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-07-06T10:53:33.846Z<\/p>\n Everyone looks to be up and riding again, but that was a big hit for a lot of riders.<\/p>\n Armirail was the first so go down and slowest to start again. His shoe looks to be broken.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-07-06T10:52:58.034Z Oof big old crash in the peloton, happened near the front and lots of riders went down or were held up.<\/p>\n Isaac del Toro was affected, Bruno Armirail (Visma-Lease a Bike), several Netcompany Ineos riders.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-07-06T10:49:11.384Z<\/p>\n Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) is puttin in a big dig, with Valentin Paret-Peintre (Soudal-QuickStep) on his wheel. The serious riders are coming out to play now, will be interesting to see what the GC teams think to this…<\/p>\n 2026-07-06T10:46:45.122Z Onto the climb now, bunch is together but the attacks are starting.<\/p>\n Arnaud De Lie (Lotto Intermarch\u00e9) is already struggling out the back. He’s had a rubbish start to this race, he’s been ill.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-07-06T10:40:07.124Z<\/p>\n That’s pretty much closed down now. So we start again. The first climb starts in about 5km, and it’s 7km long.<\/p>\n 2026-07-06T10:39:14.389Z<\/p>\n Ra\u00fal Garc\u00eda Pierna (Movistar) and Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) have just joined the leaders, with a load more riders chasing behind.<\/p>\n 2026-07-06T10:38:20.922Z A group of five have just chipped off the front and they have about 10 seconds, but we’re nowhere near done \u2013 the breakaway battle has only just begun, I’d say.<\/p>\n But for reference, they are:<\/p>\n Vervaeke (Soudal-QuickStep)Tr\u00e6en (Uno-X Mobility)Slock (Lotto Intermarch\u00e9)Guernalec (TotalEnergies)Nicolau (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA) 2026-07-06T10:35:00.855Z<\/p>\n Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike) is in the mix near the front. Probably policing things for his team, keeping an eye on who is doing what, more than trying to get involved himself.<\/p>\n It’s mainly strong breakaway specialists and smaller team riders who are having a go right now, but it’s not quite full gas yet.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-07-06T10:33:19.738Z<\/p>\n The first climb starts in just a few kilometres, so actually instead of attacks from the gun we’re seeing a relatively calm peloton right now. Riders are amassing at the front, but not launching just yet, as they will be a big fight on the climb \u2013 they’re saving their energy for that.<\/p>\n As I say that, Louis Vervaeke launches a little move off the front.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-07-06T10:31:10.902Z Off we go! 195.9km on the menu today, with three cat. 3 climbs and one cat. 1.<\/p>\n Full stage preview: Tour de France 2026 stage 3 preview – Where there’s smoke, there could be fire<\/a><\/p>\n \n (Image credit: ASO) 2026-07-06T10:25:19.687Z<\/p>\n Talking of their rivalry, though, we’ve done a few Poga\u010dar vs Vingegaard head to heads recently, comparing their bikes and their physiology.<\/p>\n Have a read here:<\/p>\n Poga\u010dar vs Vingegaard: A physiological head-to-head \u2013 Where the battle will be won at the Tour de France<\/a><\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images\/Illustration by Michael Rawley) 2026-07-06T10:22:33.972Z<\/p>\n Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard are having a bit of a chat and a laugh in the roll out. Big rivals but these two really do get along and like each other.<\/p>\n Other riders on the front and possibly priming for a go in the break include Mads Pedersen, Quentin Pacher and Lewis Askey.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-07-06T10:20:31.637Z<\/p>\n Fortunately yesterday some other teams were on hand to help Del Toro out.<\/p>\n Sportsmanship on show at Tour de France as Isaac del Toro gets mechanical assistance from rival teams after his own team cars drive straight past him<\/a><\/p>\n Remontada hist\u00f2rica d’Isaac del Toro #tdf2026 pic.twitter.com\/GdOy9fhBcLJuly 5, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-07-06T10:19:21.223Z<\/p>\n Isaac del Toro is back at the car getting some assistance with his radio. (After yesterday’s mishap where his team car drove straight past him, they’ll want to be sure communication is all working today!)<\/p>\n 5km left of the neutral, but they won’t actually drop the flag until everyone is back in the bunch, so no rush for Del Toro.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-07-06T10:16:47.587Z<\/p>\n The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-07-06T10:11:10.723Z They’re off! About 10 minutes of neutralised racing before the flag drops.<\/p>\n 2026-07-06T10:08:08.227Z<\/p>\n The riders are assembling for the start now. Neutral roll out coming shortly \u2013 the flag should drop about 10 minutes later.<\/p>\n 2026-07-06T10:06:26.928Z<\/p>\n First glimpse this morning of Vingegaard in yellow again this morning, and his mask.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-07-06T10:00:54.993Z<\/p>\n There doesn’t seem to be much consensus on what kind of a stage today might be.<\/p>\n Apparently Visma are happy to let the yellow jersey go if the opportunity arises, but only to the right rider \u2013 i.e. not Tadej Poga\u010dar or another GC rival. It certainly seems like a day that would be good for the breakaway, and could come with big rewards, so I’d predict a pretty big fight to get in that move. But equally, if a rider like Poga\u010dar or Del Toro get the chance to make some GC fireworks, they won’t give that opportunity up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What do you think? Don’t forget to vote in the poll above.<\/p>\n 2026-07-06T09:55:24.056Z<\/p>\n Vingegaard is wearing a face mask to sign on and the mixed zone again. He’s clearly not taking any chances when it comes to getting sick at this race.<\/p>\n 2026-07-06T09:52:50.805Z Quick reminder of who is wearing what today:<\/p>\n \ud83d\udfe1 Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \ud83d\udfe2 Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd34 Alex Molenaar (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA)<\/p>\n \u26aa Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) *Del Toro leads the classification<\/p>\n Full standings: Tour de France GC standings \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar closes in on Jonas Vingegaard with time bonus on stage 2<\/a><\/p>\n 2026-07-06T09:44:40.040Z Lots of cooling going on at the start. It’s 33\u00baC in Granollers already.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-07-06T09:39:00.934Z<\/p>\n About 30 minutes to go until the neutral roll out. The teams are currently signing on in Granollers, which you can watch live on the Tour’s Twitter feed<\/a>, if you want.<\/p>\n 2026-07-06T09:34:26.875Z<\/p>\n Apart from the tricky parcours, the reason there’s a bit of tension hanging over today is because wildfires are currently raging in southern France, which yesterday were threatening to cancel today’s stage.<\/p>\n In the end, ASO and the local authorities have decided to go ahead, but with strict instructions to fans to not come and watch the final 40km of the stage. There will be now publicity caravan, in order to further deter spectators, and there may be fines handed out for anyone who disobeys the stay-away instruction.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n More on this: Tour de France stage 3 to go ahead but spectators asked not to attend finish due to forest fires in ‘exceptional decision’<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udeab Stage 3 of the #TDF2026: No spectators along the route for the final 40 kilometers or at the finish line.Due to the wildfire currently affecting the Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es-Orientales and to allow for the maximum mobilization of emergency resources, the 3rd stage of the Tour de France will\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/WtVilXsgIKJuly 6, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 2026-07-06T09:27:15.987Z We are only two days into this Tour de France, but after the opening TTT and yesterday’s Montju\u00efc fireworks, the GC race is well and truly on, earlier than ever.<\/p>\n Jonas Vingegaard is in yellow for the first time in three years, but UAE Team Emirates-XRG took the spoils yesterday in an ominous performance. Indeed, Tadej Poga\u010dar’s ‘gift’ to Isaac del Toro may be a very important part of the race to come \u2013 because he probably just sealed the Mexican’s loyalty and highest commitment for the rest of the race.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n My colleague James, who is on the ground at the race, wrote more about this:<\/p>\n The importance of a Tadej Poga\u010dar gift in the race against Vingegaard for Tour de France supremacy \u2013 Barcelona Grand D\u00e9part GC analysis<\/a><\/p>\n 2026-07-06T09:15:53.328Z<\/p>\n If you were out enjoying your weekend yesterday, here’s what you missed on stage 2. It was an absolutely cracker, especially the finale, so I’d totally recommend seeking out the highlights, too, but here’s the rundown and results.<\/p>\n Tour de France: Isaac del Toro, Tadej Poga\u010dar power to UAE Team Emirates 1-2 on stage 2<\/a><\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)
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\nUAE vs Visma already?<\/p>\n
\nStill no break<\/p>\n![\"American](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Gm4xksqWp898czgdMNmSyX.jpg\")
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\nHow do riders stay cool in the Tour de France?<\/p>\n![\"GRANOLLERS,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/7fq3FNh2SMKktkyT5LBVvU.jpg\")
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\n170km to go<\/p>\n
\nVan der Poel on the attack<\/p>\n
\nValentin Paret-Peintre (Soudal-QuickStep) \u2013 2 ptsJavier Romo (Movistar) \u2013 1 pt
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\nCrash in the bunch<\/p>\n
\nClimb: C\u00f4te de Saint Feliu de Codines (8.2km at 4.5%) \u2013 cat. 3<\/p>\n
\nFive off the front<\/p>\n
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\nOfficial start <\/p>\n![\"Route](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Sp987aapXRd6X984ZpLk95.jpg\")
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\n<\/p>\n![\"Tadej](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/TWuPDsYPhdPzYHSAytcpvB.png\")
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\nNeutral roll out<\/p>\n![\"Team](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ipfromjtfjryStR6xpfQqG.jpg\")
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\nOverall standings and jerseys<\/p>\n
\nHot day ahead<\/p>\n![\"GRANOLLERS,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4pgWEMZFSr3DX2kp6ruZFE.jpg\")
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\nGC analysis<\/p>\n![\"BARCELONA,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Toe9RzeMqjgbDqtagCHTWC.jpg\")
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