Tour de France 2026 stage 10: full route analysis from Aurillac to Le Lioran

A short and explosive mountain stage in the Cantal

Although relatively short by Tour standards, stage 10 concentrates nearly 3,900 meters of elevation gain. The terrain is unforgiving, with constant ascents and descents that prevent the peloton from settling into a steady rhythm.

After the rest day spent in the region, riders return to competition immediately at full intensity. This is a stage where form is revealed instantly, and where leaders must be ready from the first climb.

Aurillac start: a city deeply linked to Tour history

The start will be given in Aurillac, prefecture of the Cantal, hosting a Tour de France stage for the tenth time. The peloton will roll out from the cours Monthyon, in front of the departmental council, highlighting the strong bond between the territory and the race.

Very early on, the riders enter the rugged atmosphere of the Massif Central. Around kilometer 15, the passage through Marcolès offers a nod to local cycling tradition and the town’s historic criterium.

A spiral route around the Cantal volcano

The route of stage 10 traces a tight loop around the Cantal volcano, creating a spiral-like profile. This geographical layout produces a near-continuous sequence of climbs and descents, with no true recovery sections.

From Aurillac, the road heads towards Carlat, Lacapelle-Barrès, and Murat, before the stage truly ignites. Each climb feeds into the next, gradually wearing down the peloton.

The Col de la Griffoul: the great unknown

One of the most intriguing features of the route is the Col de la Griffoul, a climb rarely used by the Tour de France and absent from the race since 1975. Its irregular profile—mixing steep ramps with deceptive flatter sections—makes it difficult to read and potentially dangerous.

Placed just after the halfway point, the Griffoul comes when fatigue is already setting in. It is perfectly positioned for a long-range attack or for teams to start applying serious pressure.

The Pas de Peyrol via Dienne: a strong strategic choice

A major tactical novelty of stage 10 is the ascent of the Pas de Peyrol via the Dienne side, approached from Murat. Unlike previous routes to Le Lioran, the Tour avoids the Falgoux side this time.

This version of the climb remains demanding, with sustained gradients close to 8%, but its more regular profile favors steady pacing over explosive attacks. Differences can be made through endurance and effort management rather than sharp accelerations.