The most southerly Grand Départ in race history opens with a team time trial around Barcelona — the first TTT to start a Tour since 1971. Seconds lost here follow GC riders for three weeks.
KEY CLIMBS
Côte de Montjuïc
1.1 km · 5.1% avg
THE TACTICAL READ
WHO IT SUITS
The deep GC squads — UAE, Visma–Lease a Bike, Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe — whose eight riders can hold a brutal pace as one unit. A leader with a strong team takes time before he has pedalled in anger.
WHAT TO WATCH
The 1.1km Montjuïc ramp. A team that hits it together and regroups over the top keeps its line intact; one that splits loses the riders it needs to drive the flat run home.
ROADMAN PREDICTION
Expect 30 to 60 seconds between the best and weakest GC teams by the finish — a deficit some contenders will spend three weeks trying to claw back. The strongest squad puts its leader in the first yellow jersey.
TRAIN FOR IT
The Roadman content that builds what Stage 1 asks for.