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Tim Merlier and Soudal Quick-Step teammates at the Tour de France team presentation in Barcelona

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE

'I'm a sprinter, I need to survive': How the fastmen are shaping up at kilometre zero of the Tour

The 2026 route wants the sprinters dead by Paris. The points classification, reformed in their favour, might just keep them alive long enough to win green. At the Grand Départ in Barcelona, Merlier and Philipsen on surviving one to win the other.

Alpecin Premier-TechJasper PhilipsenSoudal Quick-StepTim MerlierTour de France 2026

3 JULY 2026

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Rouleur Issue 144 — The Tour Issue
In printIssue 144

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The Tour Issue

Le Tour de France: a race defined by colour, passion and history, whose drama and romance continue to shape the identity of cycling’s greatest stage.