The upcoming 2026 Tour de France is set to feature a revised format for the stage 1 team time trial (TTT) in Barcelona. Visma-Lease a Bike CEO, Richard Plugge, has openly criticized this change, which mimics the recent format from Paris-Nice. In this new setup, each team’s time will be determined by the first rider to finish the 19 km route, a significant shift from the traditional method used in prior races.
Criticism of the New TTT Format
Richard Plugge shared his concerns during the route presentation in Paris. He emphasized that a true team time trial should involve all team members, stating, “For me, a team time trial is a team time trial, and the beauty of it is that you need the whole team.” He suggested that this format leads to an unfair advantage for the team leader, indicating it reduces the dynamic teamwork traditionally associated with TTTs.
Race Background and Format Changes
The new format will mark a departure from the previous approach, where the general classification (GC) time was based on the fourth rider’s finish. The Tour’s organizers aim to spotlight the GC contenders right from the start, encouraging an exciting competition. This year, the Barcelona route includes notable climbs at Montjuïc and the Olympic Stadium, adding to the challenge.
- Stage Details:
- Distance: 19 km
- Start Date: July 4, 2026
- Location: Barcelona
In recent years, TTTs at Paris-Nice have often seen teams focusing on launching their leaders during the final kilometers. In 2023 and 2025, Visma claimed victory in the TTT stage, while UAE Team Emirates-XRG triumphed in 2024. Despite Plugge’s concerns, his team remains a favorite for the yellow jersey.
Perspectives on Race Strategy
Tour technical director Thierry Gouvenou explained that the course was designed to maximize competitive drama. He stated, “We want to let the leaders express themselves,” while also ensuring that no single team dominates the top spots in the GC. Plugge acknowledges that although a team effort is still necessary, the new format introduces a significant individual component that could alter team dynamics.
Historically, the first yellow jersey was decided during TTTs, with the last occurrence in 1971 when Eddy Merckx’s team took the win. Looking ahead to the 2026 Tour, Plugge remains optimistic about his team’s chances, mentioning the importance of performance during the challenging third week and the back-to-back finishes at Alpe d’Huez.
As teams begin preparations for this new stage format, the anticipation for the Tour de France grows. All eyes will be on how the revised TTT influences the overall competition strategy.
