SISU TOUR 2026 – STAGE 3 PREVIEW
Stage 3: Knights of the Roundabout (France)
Sat 11 and Sun 12 July
The sprinters have circled this stage since the route was announced.
After the opening Individual Time Trial and the rolling challenge of Casse-Pattes, Stage 3 brings the peloton to one of France's most distinctive routes: Knights of the Roundabout.
Don't be fooled by the playful name. This stage will be fast, tactical, and potentially chaotic. Riders will spend much of the race battling for position as the route winds through the French countryside before repeatedly funneling the field through its famous central roundabout.
For the pure sprinters, this is likely their best opportunity of the Tour.
For everyone else, survival and positioning will be the order of the day.
Sprint Segments
Ballon Sprint, Pave Sprint, Sprinteur Sprint, Sprint du Cratère, Marina Sprint Reverse, Sprinteur Sprint, Sprint du Cratère, Ballon Sprint, Marina Sprint Reverse and Dos d'Âne Sprint Reverse.
Mountain Goat Segments
Aqueduc QOM and Petit KOM
Power Ups - Aero, Draft and Feather
Route Preview
Knights of the Roundabout is a fast course with relatively gentle terrain, making it one of the quickest road races of the Tour.
The route features flowing roads, open countryside, and several passages through the iconic roundabout that gives the route its name. While the climbs are modest, the constant changes in direction and repeated accelerations can quickly wear down riders who find themselves out of position.
The final kilometres are expected to favour a reduced bunch sprint, but only riders who arrive near the front will have a chance to contest the stage victory.
Every roundabout becomes a battle.
Every corner becomes an opportunity.
Every position gained could be worth a place on the podium.
Stage Facts
Route: Knights of the Roundabout
Location: France
Format: Road Race
Key Challenge: Positioning and sprint execution
Rider Type Favoured: Sprinters and punchy all-rounders
Coaching Corner: Five Tips for Success
1. Stay near the front
This route rewards positioning. Riders who drift towards the back will repeatedly waste energy moving up.
2. Don't sprint too early
A long sprint rarely succeeds. Be patient and wait for the right moment to launch.
3. Protect your energy
The pace will likely be high, but unnecessary surges can cost valuable matches later.
4. Watch the strongest teams
Teams with multiple riders may try to control the race and set up their sprinters. Knowing who to follow can save a lot of effort.
5. Commit when you go
Once the sprint begins, hesitation is costly. Pick your line, trust your legs, and go all in.
What To Watch
Will the yellow jersey remain safe in the bunch?
Can a breakaway survive on one of the Tour's fastest stages?
Which sprinter will claim the first major bunch sprint of SISU Tour 2026?
The Tour's General Classification contenders will be focused on staying out of trouble, but for the fast men and women of the peloton, this is a day of opportunity.
A stage win.
A place in Tour history.
And perhaps valuable points in the Sprintteri classification.
The Knights are gathering at the Roundabout.
It's time to race.
Let's go racing!