A significant transformation awaits the 2026 editions of L'Etape Czech Republic by Tour de France. Once again, two races from the renowned series will take place in the Czech Republic — but both will move to new locations, and the second event will, for the first time, offer a completely flat course instead of a climber’s profile. The Hilly L'Etape Czech Republic will take place on 20 June in Prague and its surroundings, while the Flat L'Etape Czech Republic is scheduled for 4 October, starting in Pardubice.

Under the patronage of A.S.O., the organiser of the world’s biggest cycling stage race, the event will take place in the Czech Republic for the sixth consecutive year. The Hilly Stage has been held five times so far. For the first time in its history, the sixth edition will not start at Strahov and will not run through the Křivoklátsko region. The peloton will instead set off from Central Park Pankrác, with riders heading towards Neveklov. For much of the route, the Sázava and Vltava rivers will accompany the cyclists.

“Strahov is undergoing renovation. Pankrác is the ideal alternative location for the start of the country’s biggest road race, as it offers excellent facilities. There is a large park here, and after descending into Modřany, riders can quickly exit Prague,” explains Přemysl Novák, Director of L'Etape Czech Republic by Tour de France.

Three Traditional Distances

Participants will once again be able to choose from three distances: 65 km, 100 km and 130 km. From Modřany, the peloton will tackle the climb to Točná, then continue through Dolní Břežany, Jílové, Neveklov, the well-known village of Křečovice, Bojanovice and Měchenice, before following the Vltava back towards Prague.

“We will ride through the village where the legendary film My Sweet Little Village was shot. Cyclists will pass through the beautiful landscape around the Slapy Reservoir and cross the Živohošť Bridge,”

Přemysl Novák, Race Director

From South Bohemia to Eastern Bohemia

After two years in South Bohemia, the second Czech event in the L'Etape Czech Republic by Tour de France series is also changing location. From Prachatice, where the Mountain Stage was held, the race will move to Eastern Bohemia. On 4 October 2026, Pardubice will host the first flat L'Etape Czech Republic by Tour de France in the country’s history.

“One of the aims of the L'Etape Series is to discover new places. There has long been demand among cyclists for a flat route, and the Pardubice region is extremely popular”

Přemysl Novák, Race Director

While the Mountain Stage was traditionally held in August, riders will tackle the flat course on the first Sunday of October 2026. “We are offering cyclists an autumn race, giving them the chance and motivation to extend their season. It will also serve as the final event of the road cycling calendar.”

A Flat Course with a Tour de France Twist

The Flat Stage will feature a single 111-kilometre route with just 250 metres of elevation gain. The start will take place in waves, with groups of 184 cyclists — matching the number of riders on the start line of the Tour de France — setting off at three-minute intervals.

“We prioritise safety, which is why each group will start separately”

Přemysl Novák, Race Director

The race will begin on Sukova Avenue in Pardubice, then continue through Dašice, Holice, Borohrádek, along the River Orlice with views of the Orlické Mountains, before passing through Albrechtice and Sezemice and returning to Pardubice.

“We believe cyclists will welcome the autumn date. During our route preparations, we received positive feedback from every town and village, so we expect the race atmosphere to be just as fantastic as it was in Prachatice. The stunning autumn scenery will be a major attraction — it creates truly unique backdrops,” says Přemysl Novák, adding that he is not at all worried about bad weather.

“We analysed weather data for the first Sunday in October over the past fifteen years. The average temperature is seventeen degrees and rainfall is practically zero. We won’t be in mountainous terrain, so there is no reason for concern,” Novák notes.

And why a Sunday? “L'Etape takes place on closed roads. Because this is an election weekend, we do not want our road closures to restrict residents’ access to polling stations,” emphasises Novák, highlighting that the organisers considered not only the cyclists’ needs but also those of the local residents.

Black Friday Offer

Cyclists can take advantage of a 20% Black Friday discount code, “letapefriday”, until the end of November. From 1 December, the standard entry fee of CZK 3,690 will apply.

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L'Etape Czech Republic by Tour de France is part of a global series organised under the patronage of A.S.O., spanning nearly thirty destinations across continents.