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Tour de France 2026 betting odds and cycling markets at Stake
The world’s most prestigious cycling race returns this July, as the best cyclists in the world battle over 21 gruelling stages to set the lowest cumulative time. The Tour de France race, including all individual stage outcomes and classifications, is available to bet on at Stake Sportsbook. Sign up to get the best odds on cycling events, including this race.
The 2026 Tour de France route and what makes this 2026 edition unique
For the first time, the 2026 Grand Depart will be held in Barcelona. This will be the third time that the race has begun in Spain, with the route heading through the Pyrenees and into France. Stages 1 and 2 will finish on Montjuïc Hill above Barcelona. The total route length is 3,333 km.
The 2026 Tour de France route arguably favours climbers over pure time trialists, as it features 8 mountain stages and 5 summit finishes. The total elevation gain of the route is a massive 54,450m. Meanwhile, the largest single-day elevation gain takes place in Stage 20, where cyclists must climb 5,600 m over 171 km. Aside from that, the individual time trial lasts just 26 km. However, for the first time since the 2010 race, the route will also feature multiple intermediate sprints.
This Tour will see the return of the team time trial for the first time since 2019. This is the first time since 1971 that the Tour de France starts with an individual time trial. Unlike previous time trial events, where all riders who finish together are given the same time, each rider is given an individual finish time. This allows for team tactics during the race and creates more betting opportunities.
Key stages that will decide the general classification
Stage 1 team time trial in Barcelona
Stage 1 of the 2026 Tour de France begins with a 19.7 km time trial in Barcelona, Spain. Stage classification here is set by the first rider from each team to cross the line. However, individual times count for general classification. As a result, teams have to decide whether to prioritise a team result or ensure that their leader gets the best time.
The route for the opening time trial is relatively short, but teams still have to climb a 7 per cent incline after 20km of high-intensity riding on fast city roads. Although it’s unlikely to create major gaps in general classification, the time trial could result in major tactics changes for teams. A team that starts behind, even by just 30 seconds, will have to spend energy earlier to catch up.
Mountain stages and summit finishes
There are 8 mountain stages and 5 summit finishes on the 2026 Tour de France route, making it a tough race for even the most experienced climbers. These stages generally create the largest time gaps in the race, with minutes lost on steep climbs adding up and eliminating cyclists from general classification.
Climbing specialists have the advantage on this route, with a high power-to-weight ratio required to stay in contention for the general classification. Summit finishes are often seen as the ultimate sorting mechanism for the general classification. That’s because the first 3 finishers receive a time bonus of 10, 6 or 4 seconds. Bear this in mind when choosing your stage winner and general classification bets.
Stage 20 and the queen stage to Alpe d'Huez
Stage 20 is the final mountain stage of the 2026 Tour de France, and by far the most difficult. It features a massive elevation gain of 5,600 over 171 km. Known as the “Queen stage”, it includes Alpine passes such as the Col de la Croix de Fer and Col du Calibier. The stage concludes with the summit finish on Alpe d'Huez.
Cyclists must make 4 major climbs before the final approach, which separates the strongest riders from the rest. This can leave riders isolated from their teams, causing them to lose the aerodynamic benefits of drafting. As a result, riding solo can significantly increase energy output. This stage is essentially the decider in the general classification race, so bear this in mind when looking at the odds.
General classification contenders and key riders to know
The favourites for the yellow jersey
Tadej Pogačar is the current favourite to win the Tour de France, followed by Jonas Vingegaard, Paul Seixas and Isaac Del Toro Romero. Pogačar has won the Tour de France 4 times, including in 2024 and 2025. Winning the 2026 race would give him the joint all-time record number of wins.
Sprinters, climbers and classification contenders
The points classification is awarded to the winner of intermediate sprints and time trials. This rider is given the green jersey, and betting is available on which rider will finish first. Current points contenders include Jasper Philipsen and Jonathan Milan, while Mads Pedersen and Biniam Girmay are also ones to watch.
The mountain classification, also known as the King of the Mountains (KOM), is awarded to the first rider to reach the summit of categorised climbs. The more difficult the climb, the more points available to be won. The winning rider wears the polka dot jersey. Contenders in this classification include favourites Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard. However, it’s worth looking out for pure climbers like Giulio Ciccone and Lorenzo Fortunato too.
The young rider classification follows the same rules as the general classification, except it can only be won by cyclists who are 25 or younger in 2026. The white jersey is given to the young rider winner. Isaac del Toro, Paul Seixas and Florian Lipowitz are some of the potential contenders this year.
Tour de France 2026 online betting markets
There are lots of ways to bet on the Tour de France at Stake. We cover the race winner markets, as well as all other classifications and stages. Before making your cycling bets, take a look at our 2026 Tour de France picks and predictions for opinions, analysis and betting tips.
General classification and outright winner odds
The general classification outright winner market lets you pick the overall winner of the race. It’s the most popular betting market, but there are other options available too. Our outright betting guide has more information on how outright bets work.
Stage winner and head-to-head markets
You can also bet on the winner of individual race stages. Stage-by-stage betting lets you focus on where individual riders have a specific advantage. For example, you might bet on a rider known for their sprinting who you think has the best advantage on a flat stage.
Head to head markets let you bet on specific rider matchups. Rather than focusing on who wins the race, these betting options let you predict which rider you think will come out on top in a head-to-head battle.
Jersey classification markets
There are four primary classifications in the Tour de France, plus a team classification and a combativity award. The winner of a classification receives a unique jersey to identify them. Aside from the general classification, you can bet on classifications including:
Points classification - Awarded to the winner of time trials and intermediate sprints.
Mountains classification - Awarded to the winner of a categorised climb.
Young rider - Awarded to the cyclist of 25 or younger with the fastest time.
Team classification - Combines the top 3 riders from each team to find the fastest team.
Combativity - Awarded to the most aggressive attacking rider, as voted by a jury.
How Tour de France betting works across three weeks
The Tour de France is part of the UCI World Tour and consists of 21 stages which take place over 23 days. During those 3 weeks, a lot can happen, including crashes, withdrawals and major gaps in general classification time. As a result, the cycling betting odds may change significantly over the course of the race.
The outright betting market is open throughout the race, with odds that shift during the event as stages are completed. However, stage betting is also possible, and these markets open and close daily. When betting on stages, a crash or abandon can potentially void your bet. Check the betting rules before you confirm your bet.
Sports betting bonuses for the 2026 Tour de France on Stake
While betting on the Tour de France and other Grand Tours at Stake, you can also make the most of our sports betting promotions available. Check out the latest offers, and join the VIP Club if you’d like to earn regular rewards. Regardless of what you’re betting on, consider following our responsible gambling guidelines to stay Stake Smart.