Catalonia will be the focus of a planned display by pro-independence groups Assemblea Nacional Catalana (ANC) and Òmnium Cultural during the first three stages of the 2026 Tour de France.
The groups want supporters to line the route with estelades, the unofficial Catalan independence flag, so the message is visible during the race. The aim is to use the event’s international audience to highlight their independence claims.
The Tour de France is one of the world’s most watched sporting events, and its opening stages in Catalonia are expected to give the campaign a wide broadcast reach. ANC and Òmnium have previously used large public events to promote their cause.
Details of the coordinated action, including exact locations and timings, are expected closer to the event. For background on related coverage, see our Catalonia news coverage.
Readers can also follow official Tour de France information through the race organiser’s site at letour.fr. For the groups involved, see ANC and Òmnium Cultural.
