Dutch cyclist Demi Vollering will lead the general classification contenders as the fifth edition of the Tour de France Femmes begins in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
The FDJ United-Suez rider enters the event after securing a Grand Slam of all three European Grand Tours with her recent Giro d'Italia Women overall victory.
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Race Route and Key Stages
The nine-stage race covers 1,175 kilometers and 18,795 meters of elevation gain before finishing in Nice.
Cyclists will navigate flat and punchy stages in Switzerland before entering France for an individual time trial, rolling hills, and high mountain passes, including a first-ever peloton ascent of Mont Ventoux on stage seven.
Vollering's Preparation and Mindset
Vollering, who won the 2023 Tour de France Femmes title and finished second in both 2024 and 2025, prepared for this year's race with a dedicated three-week training camp in Tignes rather than competing in recent tune-up races.
"I knew this question was coming," said Vollering, recalling the press conference after last year's second-place finish behind France's Pauline Ferrand-Prévot.
"I was like, 'OK, I need to be very careful with my words now.'
I knew if I said something, maybe they'd write it down out of context or 'hear' it differently than I meant it."
Following media scrutiny regarding weight and performance after the 2025 event, Vollering publicly addressed the broader implications for young athletes watching the sport.
"I was super aware of the words I was choosing," said Vollering, reflecting on her interactions with the media.
