The second stage of the 2026 Tour de France will change its final route to avoid Parc de Collserola. The cyclists will travel along the N-340 to Plaça Espanya after leaving Molins de Rei.
Swine fever outbreak forces route diversion
An outbreak of African swine fever has prompted access restrictions to the natural park. This sanitary measure would prevent the presence of the public in the wooded areas initially planned for July 5th.
The Barcelona City Council proposed the modification at the request of the Generalitat de Catalunya. The organization of the race agreed on the new itinerary to guarantee the safety and attendance of the fans.
"The objective is to guarantee the presence of spectators along the entire route" - Tour de France Organization
The alteration of the route responds to the need to favor the citizen celebration. The authorities prioritize that the neighbors can follow the test without limitations derived from the animal health crisis.
The stage is shortened by fourteen kilometers due to the N-340
The runners will leave Molins de Rei at kilometer 123 to take the national road. The peloton will travel along the N-340, crossing several municipalities in the metropolitan area before reaching the Barcelona finish line.
The new design reduces the total stage distance by approximately 14 kilometers. The test will go from the original 182.4 kilometers to a final length of 168.4 kilometers.
The modified route includes passing through Sant Feliu de Llobregat and Sant Just Desvern. The route will continue through Esplugues de Llobregat and L'Hospitalet de Llobregat before finishing in Plaça Espanya.
This adjustment maintains the urban essence of the arrival in Barcelona. The teams will have to adapt their strategies to a slightly shorter finish but with similar technical characteristics in the final kilometers.