The Tour de France 2026 will not pass through Sant Cugat, Barcelona, as originally planned. Organisers have changed the route for the second stage, scheduled for 5 July between Tarragona and Barcelona, to avoid Collserola Natural Park. This decision comes after restrictions were put in place due to an outbreak of African swine fever.
The alteration removes the planned section along the Rabassada road, which would have taken the peloton through Collserola to Barcelona. The new route was agreed upon by the Catalan government, Barcelona City Council, and Tour de France organisers. Their aim is to prevent access to the natural environment while still allowing public presence along the entire course.
New Route Details
Under the revised plan, cyclists will reach Molins de Rei and then continue along the N-340 directly to Plaça Espanya, bypassing Collserola. This modification shortens the stage from the initial 182.4 kilometres to a definitive 168.4 kilometres. The change means the race will now spend more time in Baix Llobregat municipalities such as Molins de Rei, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Sant Just Desvern, Esplugues, and L'Hospitalet de Llobregat.
Previously, the route included entering Barcelona via the Rabassada road, a section that would have taken the Tour through the Collserola area and involved passing through Sant Cugat. The organisation had even called for volunteers for this specific day.
