Departure, expected arrival time, and key points of stage 3 of the Tour de France 2026

After two days in which the favorites for the general classification have not had a single moment of respite, the Tour de France faces a completely different stage this Monday. The route between Granollers and Les Angles offers the first major stage for the adventurers, although the profile is demanding enough that the men in the general classification could also re-enter the scene if someone decides to toughen the race.

Stage 3 of the Tour de France 2026: schedules and key points

In addition, there is an unprecedented circumstance. Due to the wildfires affecting the Eastern Pyrenees, the last 40 kilometers in French territory will be contested without an audience and without the traditional promotional caravan, an exceptional decision made by the authorities to facilitate the work of emergency services.

Key points of Stage 3 of the Tour de France 2026

Start: 12:20 h (CEST)

• Expected finish: 16:54 h (CEST)
• Route: Granollers - Les Angles
• Distance: 195.5 km
• Positive elevation gain: 3,868 meters

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Although on paper it is classified as a medium mountain stage, the route hardly offers any rest. The first 30 kilometers are a constant up and down that should turn the formation of the breakaway into a real battle.

The Côte de Sant Feliu de Codines (8.1 km at 4.5%) appears very early and will serve as the first filter. If a quality breakaway manages to gain ground here, the long subsequent stretch, much more favorable, could allow it to consolidate a significant advantage.

The second half completely changes character. After overcoming a long false flat ascent, the peloton will face the Col de Toses, the hardest climb of the day. Its last four kilometers approach 9% gradient and could definitively break the main group even before the finish.

After that comes the long Col du Calvaire, a third-category climb that, despite its moderate gradient, accumulates more than fifteen kilometers of ascent and will continue to wear down the legs before the final effort.

The final ascent to Les Angles barely reaches 1.8 kilometers, but with an average gradient of over 7% and several tight turns in the decisive part, it will be an explosive finish where good positioning can be as important as the legs.

Breakaway or new showdown between Pogacar and Vingegaard?

The big unknown of the day will be the attitude of the general classification teams. After two very tense stages, UAE Team Emirates-XRG might prefer to give leeway to a large breakaway to avoid taking on another chase for almost 200 kilometers. Visma Lease a Bike, moreover, would not have too many reasons to defend the yellow jersey if a rider without options in the general classification gains enough advantage.

However, if the breakaway's lead does not reach a sufficient margin or one of the favorites decides to increase the pace on the Col de Toses, the final ascent could once again turn into a new duel between the main contenders for the Tour, just 24 hours after the spectacle experienced in Montjuïc.

If the general classification teams keep the race under control, the top favorite is once again Tadej Pogačar. The finish combines exactly the type of explosive effort where the Slovenian usually makes a difference.

Alongside him are Jonas Vingegaard, who already responded effectively at the finish in Barcelona; Remco Evenepoel, whose explosiveness has improved significantly in recent seasons; and Isaac del Toro, who already showed in the second stage that he can also compete for this type of finish.

The intense heat expected during the day will also be an important factor, forcing teams to carefully manage their efforts.