A towering sentinel in Provence, shaping climbers and myths since the 18th century
Froome has confirmed retirement after a career defined by four Tour de France titles and Grand Tour success, with a dramatic crash in 2019 and subsequent struggles ending his competitive career following injuries sustained in August 2025. He leaves as one of cycling’s most decorated riders, with seven Grand Tours won.
The Tour de France’s final stage has been shortened from 133km to 89km and moved to finish in Paris with two circuits on the Champs-Élysées and a Montmartre finish. Emergency services are being redeployed to fight wildfires in southwest France and Spain, with security forces reassigned to affected areas. Tadej Pogačar is poised to win a fifth yellow jersey.
The nine-stage Tour de France Femmes 2026 has begun in Lausanne. Vollering heads a strong field with Ferrand-Prevot and Niewiadoma-Phinney among contenders as stages unfold across Switzerland and France, including Mont Ventoux on stage seven.
Lorena Wiebes has claimed a sprint victory on stage two of the Tour de France Femmes, extending her overall lead after a 147.9km Swiss-to-French route from Aigle to Geneva. Elisa Balsamo finished second, with Marianne Vos in third as Riejanne Markus was reeled in near the finish.