- Stage 6: Montbrison - Tournon-sur-Rhône
- Date: August 6, 2026
- Distance: 153.4km
- Elevation gain: 2600 metres
- Start time: 13:35 CET
- Finish time: 17:41 CET
Stage 6, 153.4 kilometre-long, is another hilly stage that could result in a breakaway going on the narrow roads in the Ardèche, and making it to the line in Tournon-sur-Rhône.
Heading south from Montbrison, the road climbs from the start, with the first four ascents of Côte de Périgneux, Côte de La Prunerie, Côte d'Aurec, and Côte de Praneuf, coming over the opening 68 kilometres. Relatively short, these climbs should encourage a breakaway and thin out the peloton. Next, the riders will enter the Ardèche, and 20 kilometres later, the Col de Lalouvesc (8.6km at 5%) will likely split the group further, before the day's final climb at Côte de Boucieu-le-Roi, cresting with 15.9km to go.
The bonus sprint, just 9km from the line, could add a twist to the strategy as riders speed down to the finish at Tournon-sur-Rhône.
Climbs
- Côte de Périgneux (cat. 4, 1.4km at 6.2%), km.
- Côte de la Prunerie (cat. 4, 2.9km at 4.9%), km.
- Côte d’Aurec (cat. 3, 3.3km at 6.1%), km.
- Côte de Praneuf (cat. 4, 1.2km at 6.5%), km.
- Col de Lalouvesc (cat. 2, 8.6km at 5%), km.
- Côte de Boucieule-Roi (cat. 3, 3.8km at 5.7), km.
Sprints
- Flamingues (Saint-Pal-de-Mons), km. 63.5 - points only to first 15 riders
- Saint-Barthélemy-le-Plain, km. 144.2- time bonus only (6, 4 and 2 seconds)
