Stage 17 of the 2026 Tour de France has begun, featuring a route from Chambéry to Voiron that challenges sprinters with early climbs.
Key facts
- •Stage 17 covers a route from Chambéry to Voiron.
- •The first 60 kilometers of the stage feature four category 3 and 4 climbs.
- •A final 2.6-kilometer climb at 4% occurs 5 kilometers before the finish line.
- •Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogacar were tested at 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Sunday.
- •The International Testing Agency conducted blood tests on all remaining riders on Monday.
Stage 17 of the 2026 Tour de France is underway, with riders departing Chambéry for a finish in Voiron. While officially classified as a flat stage, the route includes four category 3 and 4 climbs within the first 60 kilometers, creating a difficult environment for sprinters and a potential opportunity for breakaway specialists.
Race Dynamics and Early Action
The stage began with an early move by Jonas Abrahamsen of Uno-X and Baptiste Veistroffer of Lotto, though they struggled to establish a significant lead. Astana rider Davide Ballerini experienced a crash early in the stage, while Florian Vermeersch of Emirates had to recover from a puncture. The route passes through the Chartreuse mountains and the Bauges range, with a final climb of 2.6 kilometers at a 4% gradient located 5 kilometers from the finish.
Anti-Doping Testing Controversy
The race continues amid ongoing discussions regarding late-night anti-doping procedures. Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogacar were subjected to testing at 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. respectively on Sunday, with Pogacar describing the timing as "inhuman." The International Testing Agency confirmed that all remaining riders underwent blood tests during the standard 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. window on Monday's rest day.
Timeline
- SundayJonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogacar were visited for anti-doping tests at 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.
- MondayAll remaining riders underwent blood tests during the rest day.
- WednesdayStage 17 of the Tour de France takes place from Chambéry to Voiron.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Guardian Sport.
