SISU TOUR 2026 – STAGE 1 PREVIEW
Stage 1: Roule Ma Poule (France)
Individual Time Trial
Sat 4 and Sun 5 July
The road to yellow begins against the clock.
Stage 1 of the 2026 SISU Tour sends riders to the beautiful roads of France for a 23km Individual Time Trial on the Roule Ma Poule route. There will be no teammates to hide behind, no wheels to follow, and no tactical games. Just you, your pacing plan, and the relentless pursuit of every second.
For the first time in SISU Tour history, riders will face two individual time trials during the Tour, making Stage 1 a crucial opportunity to stake an early claim on the Keltainen (Yellow Jersey).
Route Preview
Roule Ma Poule is one of France's most deceptive routes. At first glance it appears relatively flat, but the challenge begins almost immediately with the significant climb up to the Petit KOM during the lead-in. Riders who start too hard may find themselves paying for it later.
Once over the top, the route descends into the French countryside before settling into a long stretch of fast roads featuring the Aqueduc KOM, the Pavé Sprint, and the Marina Sprint. The final kilometres gradually rise back towards the Petit KOM finish, where tired legs will be asked one last question.
Stage Facts
Distance: 23km
Elevation: 155m
Location: France
Format: Individual Time Trial
Coaching Corner: Five Tips for a Faster iTT
1. Don't win the first five minutes
Many riders will be tempted to attack the opening climb. Resist the urge. The best time trials are ridden with discipline, not emotion.
2. Ride to your plan
Aim for a sustainable effort near your threshold. A small negative split is usually faster than exploding halfway through.
3. Stay aero
Every second counts. Choose your fastest time trial setup and stay tucked whenever possible. On a route this fast, aerodynamics matter more than weight.
4. Push the climbs, recover on the descents
Increase effort slightly on the climbs and carry speed over the top. Use descents to regain composure without completely backing off.
5. Empty the tank
The finish line doesn't give bonus points for saving energy. If you've paced correctly, the final climb should hurt. A lot.
What To Watch
The opening stage won't win the Tour, but it can certainly shape it.
A strong ride could see riders pull on the yellow jersey and force their rivals onto the back foot from day one. Expect small gaps to become important later in the Tour, especially with a second time trial still to come.
Seven stages. Seven days. One yellow jersey.
The 2026 SISU Tour starts here.
Let's go racing!