The Tour Féminin International des Pyrénées 2026 begins on Friday, 12th June, with stage 1 taking the riders from Saint-Jean-de-Luz to Mourenx. It is the opening day of a compact three-stage race, and while Saturday’s Tourmalet stage is the obvious GC centrepiece, stage 1 still has enough rolling terrain and early-race tension to matter.
For UK viewers, live coverage is expected through HBO Max, with Eurosport International also listed by the organiser. The stage itself starts at 10:30 BST, with live coverage scheduled from 12:30 BST and the finish expected around 13:50 BST.
The 118.6km route is not the hardest day of the race, but it should not be treated as a gentle opener. The rolling roads between the Basque coast and Béarn give attackers and fast finishers a chance, while the overall contenders will be focused on staying safe before the Col du Tourmalet appears on stage 2.
For more race context, see our Tour Féminin International des Pyrénées 2026 full route guide, full start list for Tour Féminin International des Pyrénées 2026, Tour Féminin International des Pyrénées 2026 contenders preview and Tour Féminin International des Pyrénées 2026 stage 1 preview.
What time does Tour Féminin International des Pyrénées 2026 stage 1 start?
Stage 1 of the Tour Féminin International des Pyrénées 2026 starts at 10:30 BST on Friday, 12th June.
The stage runs from Saint-Jean-de-Luz to Mourenx over 118.6km, with the finish expected at around 13:50 BST. Live coverage is scheduled to begin at 12:30 BST, which should take viewers into the decisive final part of the stage.
Key stage 1 timings for UK viewers:
- Date: Friday, 12th June
- Stage: Saint-Jean-de-Luz to Mourenx
- Distance: 118.6km
- Stage start: 10:30 BST
- Live coverage from: 12:30 BST
- Expected finish: around 13:50 BST
As ever with road racing, finish times can shift depending on speed, weather, breakaway strength and how hard the peloton races the rolling middle section.
How to watch Tour Féminin International des Pyrénées 2026 stage 1 in the UK
UK viewers should check HBO Max for live coverage of stage 1. Eurosport International is also listed by the race organiser, so the race may appear under Eurosport/TNT Sports branding depending on daily schedules and platform presentation.
The organiser’s broadcast information lists live coverage for the stage from 13:30 local time, which is 12:30 BST. That should mean the final 80 minutes or so are available live, enough to cover the key chase, attacks and finish in Mourenx.
UK viewing details:
- Main UK platform to check: HBO Max
- Also listed: Eurosport International
- Live coverage from: 12:30 BST
- Expected finish: around 13:50 BST
For the full race broadcast picture, use our guide on how to watch Tour Féminin International des Pyrénées 2026 in the UK.
Tour Féminin International des Pyrénées 2026 stage 1 route
Stage 1 takes the race from Saint-Jean-de-Luz to Mourenx, moving inland from the Atlantic coast towards Béarn. It is the least mountainous stage of the race, but the profile is rolling enough to keep the peloton under pressure.
This is a stage where several different outcomes remain possible. A full bunch sprint is not impossible, but the terrain points more towards a reduced group, late attacks or a fast finish from riders who can handle repeated changes in rhythm. The Tourmalet contenders will want to avoid taking risks, while stage hunters will know this may be their best chance of the three days.
The key question is how much control the bigger teams want to apply. UAE Team ADQ, Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi, FDJ United-SUEZ and Cofidis Women Team all have GC interests, but some of them also have riders who can target the stage. That mix should make the final hour tactically lively.
Why the opening stage matters
The Tour Féminin International des Pyrénées is only three stages long, so stage 1 is not a day anyone can afford to waste. The decisive climbing should come on stage 2, but the opening stage can still affect the GC through splits, bonus seconds, crashes or poor positioning.
Paula Blasi begins the race as the leading overall favourite after her Vuelta Femenina success earlier this season. UAE Team ADQ will want to keep her protected and close to the front without forcing her to spend unnecessary energy before the Tourmalet.
Usoa Ostolaza has the best race record in the field, with two overall victories and two stage wins from three previous starts. Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi will be expected to keep her safe through the opener, especially as stage 2 gives her a much clearer chance to make the difference.
Juliette Berthet is the steady podium contender for FDJ United-SUEZ. Her team have several options for stage 1, which could allow Berthet to stay protected while others chase the opening victory.
Riders to watch on stage 1
Sofia Bertizzolo looks like one of the strongest options for the finish if FDJ United-SUEZ decide to chase the stage. She has the speed for a reduced sprint and enough strength to handle a rolling day.
Marie Le Net gives FDJ another useful card. She can survive selective racing and could be used either as a late attacker or as a second option if the front group comes back together.
Victoire Berteau and Martina Alzini make Cofidis Women Team interesting. Berteau is well suited to an attacking or attritional stage, while Alzini gives the team finishing speed if the finale is not too selective.
Eline Jansen should also be watched for VolkerWessels Cycling Team. She was 2nd on the opening stage of the 2025 race and has the kind of profile that could work again if the finish comes from a reduced group.
Paula Blasi, Usoa Ostolaza, Dominika Wlodarczyk and Juliette Berthet may not need to chase the stage win, but all four should be visible near the front if the race becomes harder than expected.
Outside names to follow
Sidney Swierenga is one of the more interesting development riders in the field. Liv AlUla Jayco Women’s Continental Team will not be expected to control the race, but Swierenga has enough stage-race promise to be relevant if the opening day becomes selective.
Emily Dixon gives Canyon SRAM Generation a strong option for a hard opener. Her 2026 form has already shown she can win and race aggressively, and this type of rolling stage may be more suitable than the Tourmalet if the finish rewards strength and speed rather than pure climbing.
Clémence Latimier is worth watching for Ma Petite Entreprise. She is unlikely to be among the biggest favourites, but the opening stage gives her a chance to stay with the front group and look for a result if the final selection is not too small.
Yuliia Biriukova also gives Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi a useful second option behind Ostolaza. Her previous top-10 finishes in the race make her valuable if the team wants another rider close on GC after the opening day.
What to expect from the live coverage
By the time live coverage begins at 12:30 BST, the race should be moving into its decisive final phase. The early breakaway situation should already be clear, and the peloton’s level of control will tell us whether the stage is heading towards a reduced sprint or a more open finish.
Viewers should look for three things:
- Whether the breakaway still has a realistic advantage
- Which teams are doing the chasing
- Whether the GC favourites are near the front before the finale
If FDJ United-SUEZ or Cofidis Women Team are controlling, that points towards a sprint or reduced sprint. If UAE Team ADQ and Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi are more visible, the GC teams may be trying to keep the stage calm before the Tourmalet. If smaller teams still have numbers up the road, the stage could become harder to control.
The finish in Mourenx should decide the first leader’s jersey, but the more important GC question may be who avoids trouble before Saturday.
Stage 1 prediction
Stage 1 should be a nervous opener rather than a straightforward procession. The GC riders will want safety, but the stage hunters will know this is probably their best opportunity of the race. That should make the final hour more aggressive than the overall profile might suggest.
FDJ United-SUEZ look well placed because they can protect Juliette Berthet while still racing for the stage through Sofia Bertizzolo or Marie Le Net. Cofidis Women Team also have options through Victoire Berteau and Martina Alzini, while Eline Jansen has the right profile if the race becomes selective.
Prediction: Sofia Bertizzolo to win from a reduced group, with the main GC contenders finishing safely together before the Tourmalet stage.
