“I’d prefer the traditional mode, taking times on four or five riders” - WorldTour team performance lead doesn't like Tour de France team time trial format
Cycling
The team time trial that will open the 2026 Tour de France in Barcelona promises a explosive start. The 19.6-kilometre route combines an almost flat first section through the streets of the Catalan capital with a demanding finale on Montjuïc, where the two final climbs could begin to create the first gaps among the general classification contenders.
Iván Velasco, Movistar Team’s performance lead, broke down the key points of the opening stage for Canyon España, and sees it as far more complex than it might look at first glance.
“It doesn’t look that technical but, well, it has its ninety-degree turns in Barcelona, which will make it tricky because there are 15–16 corners in fifteen kilometres. There are straights to push, but it’s not one simple straight. The team must be well drilled and handle the corners efficiently, technically as well,” he explained.
After that urban sector comes the decisive part of the course, with a double passage over Montjuïc, a section Velasco considers critical for the day’s outcome.
“Then we have the finale, around five intense minutes with two climbs: the first part of Montjuïc, a short descent and the final ramp up to Montjuïc. I think that will be key. On the flat opening, I don’t expect very big gaps unless a team slips up or loses riders along the way,” he noted.
Velasco on ASO team time trial rules
The Spanish coach also highlighted the regulations ASO applies to this type of time trial, where times are taken individually at the line rather than on the fourth or fifth rider, as was traditional.
“Given ASO’s recent format, where only one rider finishes, times are individual at the finish, not the team’s. Some squads gain an edge there with very strong riders like Pogacar at UAE or Vingegaard at Visma, Remco or Lipowitz at Red Bull. Those riders have three to five very powerful minutes in which they can distance more diesel-style riders, and in that sense it will be a tricky chrono.”
That very circumstance will force teams to balance keeping the block tight for most of the route with giving leaders freedom on the final climb.
“It will be hard to manage. Get there with enough riders, then release the last one on the final kicker with enough left in the tank to push. That won’t be easy,” he said.
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The TTT does not favour his Movistar Team
Velasco also admitted that the old team time trial format would suit a squad like Movistar Team better, one that builds much of its strength on the collective.
“I’d prefer the traditional mode, taking times on four or five riders. I think it would benefit us, like last year at La Vuelta or this year in Mallorca. We have a very strong team, but we may lack that final punch with Cian, who is a bit more diesel, and it will be hard to match Remco’s times on the final ramps, or those of Pogacar or Vingegaard.”
With a deceptive course and an explosive finale on Montjuïc, the opening stage of the 2026 Tour de France could already create the first gaps among the main contenders for the yellow jersey and test team strategies from day one.
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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leedorney02-11-2026 - Watch the interview on youtube. I don't speak French. I do speak English and Spanish and you can hear it in his voice. Years ago LeMond had real personal problems I imagine in no small part because of Armstrong. then Armstrong goes round "full blast" re: LeMond having drinking and drug problems. The same way Andreu was expelled from mainstream cycling so was LeMond. On the positive side the clips of the ride and chatting with old teammates and was good. To seemed like a fun day and experience and good reason brush up his French.atom02-11-2026
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- It would likely be a very steep section of 4.1 km, not changing the average gradient considerably, with the climb remaining 10.1 km at 11.8%. It would reach 20% on the gravel. It would start 1.6 km in, and finish with 4.2 km left to climb (before the short final descent)
Rafionain-Glas02-11-2026
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