La Route d’Occitanie 2026 Preview | Route, Stages, Startlist, Favorites

La Route d’Occitanie 2026 compresses the Pyrenean test into two stages, with the mountain finish typically deciding the GC. Eddie Dunbar won in 2025, and the race has consistently attracted strong climbers using it as a pre-Tour proving ground.

The compact format means every kilometer carries weight. Teams rehearse their mountain trains on the lower slopes, and GC contenders attack on the final climb. Gall and Tiberi are strong climbing picks. Uijtdebroeks has the pure uphill ability. Bardet has won this race before and knows the Occitanie roads. O’Connor has the climbing record. McNulty won in 2024 and could return for a defense.