The biggest race in cycling is back, and this year Australian fans have more reason than ever to tune in. The 2026 Tour de France kicked off today in Barcelona, and for the next three weeks the world's best riders will battle across 3,333km and 21 stages, finishing on the Champs-Élysées on 26 July. Here's everything Aussie fans need to know — plus how to bring a bit of that pro-peloton energy to your own rides.
How to Watch the Tour de France 2026 in Australia
Good news: Australia has one of the best free broadcast deals in the world. SBS and SBS On Demand are showing every single stage of the 2026 Tour de France live and free. All you need is a free SBS On Demand account registered with an Australian postcode.
The Aussie Contingent: 11 Riders to Follow
This year's race features eleven Australian riders — the strongest home contingent in Tour history. Keep an eye on:
- Ben O'Connor — a proven Grand Tour podium finisher and stage winner.
- Jai Hindley — a former Giro d'Italia champion with genuine GC pedigree.
- Michael Matthews — the most experienced Tour campaigner of the group.
- Luke Plapp — a six-time national time trial champion.
- Luke Durbridge & Kelland O'Brien — key engines for Team Jayco AlUla.
- Michael Storer — a consistent top-10 Grand Tour climber.
Key Stages to Watch
- Stage 1: A 19.6km team time trial in Barcelona sets the first GC benchmark.
- Stages 2–3: Lumpy terrain through Spain before hitting the Pyrenees early.
- Mid-race: Massif Central, the Vosges and the Jura on the way to the Alps.
- Final Alpine weekend: Back-to-back stages on the legendary Alpe d'Huez.
Bring the Pro Energy to Your Own Rides
Watching the peloton descend at 80km/h in wraparound shades or check their power numbers on a bar-mounted computer is part of the spectacle — and it's easy to bring a taste of that setup to your own riding.
See Like a Pro
Pro riders live in wraparound, glare-cutting eyewear for hours at a time. Our polarised and photochromic cycling glasses use the same core technology.
Track Your Numbers
Every rider in the peloton races with a GPS computer feeding real-time data. You can get your own ride data with our GPS bike computers and heart rate sensors.
Train Through Winter Like the Pros Race Through Summer
While the pros chase yellow in the European summer, it's peak winter training season here in Australia. Layer up with our windproof balaclavas and face masks and stay visible with our bike lights and safety gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I watch the Tour de France 2026 in Australia?
Every stage is live and free on SBS and SBS On Demand with a free account and an Australian postcode.
How many Australians are riding this year?
Eleven — the biggest Australian contingent in the race's history.
When does it finish?
The race finishes on the Champs-Élysées in Paris on Sunday 26 July, after 21 stages and 3,333km.
Continue Reading
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Ready to gear up like the pros? Shop the full CyclistKit range — free shipping across Australia on every order.