Stage six of the Tour de France will be the first major mountain day of the 2026 Tour de France, with the first hors categorie climb of the race coming as part of the day.
The sixth stage of the Tour de France gets underway at 12:25pm European time, with the finish expected around 4:30pm.
For the fourth year in a row, a big day in the Pyrenees begins in Pau, a useful base in the south for the Tour de France. The finish, though, is a novelty, the first time the race has ever climbed to Gavarnie-Gèdre. Stage six also features the first hors categorie climb, so it is an unmissable watch. This is the last we’ll see of the Pyrenees in this year’s race.
It’s 186.2km long, with over 4,000m of elevation.
Those expecting general classification fireworks may have their dreams spoiled by the final climb to Gavarnie. It is a long climb, 18.7km in fact, but at only 3.7%, it’s shallow enough for domestiques to set the pace and nullify attacks. However, coming after the Aspin and the Tourmalet, legs could well be softened up.
If a rider was already looking out of sorts on stage three, then it will be even more evident on the first hors-category climb of the year. Don’t be surprised to see a couple of puncheurs survive to the finish here, but you can also see it coming down to an odd bunch sprint of climbers.
Can I watch stage 6 of the Tour de France for free?
You can stream stage 6 of the Tour de France for free in Australia, France, Belgium, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands:
- 🇦🇺 Australia: SBS (English comms)
- 🇫🇷 France: France TV (Host broadcaster)
- 🇮🇹 Italy: RAI Play
- 🇧🇪 Belgium: RTB
- 🇪🇸 Spain: RTVE
- 🇳🇱 Netherlands: NOS
Those outside their usual country for stage 6 will need a VPN to get your usual coverage while abroad – more on that below.
How to watch the Tour de France stage 6 from anywhere
Most streaming platforms have geo-restrictions these days, which means they only work in certain countries. But being locked out of the races is a thing of the past thanks to a VPN.
A Virtual Private Network is a piece of internet security software that can alter your device’s location, so you can unblock your usual streaming services, even when you’re abroad.
Want to know more? We have an explainer on the benefits, costs, and considerations of using a VPN…
– Should I use a VPN to watch cycling?
Watch stage 6 of the Tour de France in the UK
In the UK, stage six will be shown live across TNT Sports and HBO Max.
Live streaming is available on HBO Max, with linear viewing on TNT Sports. Plans start at £25.99 per month, with rolling subscriptions available at £30.99.
However, if you just want to watch highlights, these will be on free-to-air channel 5 every evening, as part of a new deal.
Watch stage 6 of the Tour de France in the US and Canada
For US viewers, this year’s coverage of stage six of the Tour de France will be on NBC and Peacock
Both outlets come from the same NBCUniversal stable, with NBC available on many cable packages and Peacock – which is set to show all 21 stages live – on a pay per month basis. It’ll cost you $10.99/month.
Meanwhile, in Canada, Flobikes is in charge of broadcasting the Tour de France in Canada. Subscriptions cost CA$49.99 a month, with big savings for long-term plans. The Flobikes TV app is available on Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast and Apple TV, as well as on iOS and Android.
Watch Tour de France stage 6 in Australia
In Australia, you can watch every stage of the Tour de France for free via SBS On Demand, including stage 6.
All you will need is an account with a valid Australian postcode (e.g. 2002).
Tour de France stage 6 timings
|
Stage |
Start |
Finish (earliest) |
|---|---|---|
|
France (local) |
12:25 CEST |
17:29 CEST |
|
UK |
11:25 BST |
16:29 BST |
|
US |
06:25 ET |
10:29 ET |
|
Australia |
20:25 AEST |
02:29 AEST (Friday) |
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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