Tour de France

Witness history in the making as the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift return live and exclusive from 5 July on SBS and SBS On Demand

1 June, 2026

Media releases

Legendary Australian sprinter Caleb Ewan joins SBS’s expert commentary team

Witness history in the making as the world’s biggest annual sporting event, the Tour de France, returns live and exclusive from Sunday, 5 July on SBS and SBS On Demand. Australia’s home of cycling will air all the action as Slovenian World Champion Tadej Pogačar chases a historic fifth Tour de France title, fresh off his stunning victories at Milano-Sanremo and Tour of Flanders.

From Saturday, 1 August Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift returns in 2026 for its fifth edition. Over nine days, the world’s best female cyclists will race a record-breaking distance of 1,175 kilometres and battle through breathtaking mountain ranges, including the mythical Mont Ventoux.

From live full-stage broadcasts, to daily highlights, recaps, tactical explainers and more, SBS will bring Australians the pure drama of cycling’s most iconic races.

Australia’s Trusted Voices of Cycling

Superstar Australian sprinter Caleb Ewan will join SBS’s trusted Tour de France commentary team in 2026. One of the greatest ever Australian cyclists, Caleb claimed the mantle as the fastest sprinter in the world after winning three stages in the 2019 Tour de France. He now brings his vast experience to the microphone, providing analysis of the race’s thrilling twists and tactics.

Leading the commentary on the ground in France for the 2026 edition will be the “voice of cycling” Matthew Keenan, who along with David McKenzie celebrates 20 years of bringing the Tour de France to Australian audiences.  Former World Hour record holder Dr Bridie O’Donnell and multiple Grand Tour stage winner Simon Gerrans alsoprovide expert analysis and insightful commentary as part of the team.

Olympic Gold Medalist and former World Champion Grace Brown joins Matthew Keenan, David McKenzie and former professional road cyclist Emily Watts for commentary and analysis of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, guiding Australians through every gorgeous scenic stage and heart-stopping finish.

Tour de France 2026

Cycling’s superstars are set to break records at the Tour de France 2026. Anticipation is high for four-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogačar, who will be competing fora historic fifth title, a feat that would place him among the sport’s all-time greats.

Australian cyclists will also be pursuing stage victories this year, including Tour de France stage winner and 2022 Giro d’Italia champion Jai Hindley, legendary climber Michael Storer, stage-winner Ben O’Connor, and Luke Durbridge for his final season.

For the first time in 55 years, the Tour’s Grand Départ is a team time trial, racing through the vibrant streets of Barcelona. Over 21 dramatic stages, 184 riders representing 23 teams will cover 3,333 km across Spain and France. The cyclists are set to reach new heights, with a total vertical gain of 54,450m across the Pyrenees, Massif Central, Vosges, Jura and the Alps.

Multiple dramatic new climbs will feature for the first time in the 2026 edition. The Tour’s long history in the mountains will feature several new climbs: including the Côte de Begues (stage 2), Montée de Gavarnie-Gèdre (stage 6), Col de la Griffoul (stage 10), Col du Page and Col du Haag (stage 14), Plateau de Solaison (stage 15) and the Col de Sarenne via its south-eastern flank (stage 20).

Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2026

Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift gains momentum in its fifth year with a record-breaking 1,175 kilometre route. Stretching across Switzerland and France, 154 riders across 22 teams will battle over nine stages, divided into three flat stages, three hilly stages, two mountain stages and one individual time trial.

Cyclists will reach a historic total vertical gain of 18,795 metres across three mountain ranges: the Jura, Massif Central and Alps. The race will continue to build in intensity, with cyclists battling to 1,910 metres on Mont Ventoux, the finish location on stage 7 and the highest point of the Tour.

Key Australian cyclists to watch out for include Amanda Spratt, one of the Australian greats in her final season, and crucial support riders Lauretta Hanson and Mackenzie Coupland.

Ken Shipp, SBS Director of Sport said: “Few sporting events match the scale, drama and emotion of the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. Every stage tells a different story – from epic climbs and fearless attacks to unforgettable finishes. SBS has been part of that journey for decades, and we’re proud to continue bringing Australians every moment, live and free.”

How to Watch Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift on SBS

Australian viewers can watch every stage of the Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, and from today, Giro d’Italia Women, broadcast live on SBS or SBS Viceland. They will be available to stream live, in full, on SBS On Demand.

SBS On Demand also offers the Tour de France Hub for a variety of Tour content including extended highlights, full stage catch-ups and mini stage recaps. Live coverage of the Tour will also include cultural and historical segments to bring Australians the best of the Tours’ rich settings.

The SBS Sport website is a one-stop shop for the official Race Centre – featuring statistics, results and live tracking of the riders, alongside the latest news, opinions and expert analysis.

SBS Cycling Podcast

The daily SBS Cycling Podcast hosted on location by Christophe Mallet and David McKenzie, with guest co-host Grace Brown, returns in 2026, thanks to partners Tanarra and Capgemini.

As the only Australian podcast officially embedded in the Tour, the SBS Cycling Podcast provides a comprehensive exploration of both races, delivering an episode for every stage of the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. With in-depth race analysis, exclusive rider interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights, it’s the ultimate companion, giving listeners the chance to chase the race from the inside. More than cycling commentary, it’s a roving newsroom and a morning coffee companion, direct from France overnight and available on all your favourite podcast apps.

Tour de France 2026 Schedule:

Broadcast times vary; for updated programming information, please refer to SBS Sport website.

DateStageAEST Time
Sunday, July 5, 2026STAGE 112:55am – 03:45am
Sunday, July 5, 2026STAGE 29:05pm – 02:10am
Monday, July 6, 2026STAGE 308:00pm – 01:35am
Tuesday, July 7, 2026STAGE 409:00pm – 02:05am
Wednesday, July 8, 2026STAGE 509:55pm – 02:15am
Thursday, July 9, 2026STAGE 608:15pm – 02:00am
Friday, July 10, 2026STAGE 709:05pm – 01:55am
Saturday, July 11, 2026STAGE 809:00pm – 02:00am
Sunday, July 12, 2026STAGE 909:20pm – 02:30am
Tuesday, July 14, 2026STAGE 1009:00pm – 02:00am
Wednesday, July 15, 2026STAGE 1109:40pm – 02:10am
Thursday, July 16, 2026STAGE 1209:20pm – 02:15am
Friday, July 17, 2026STAGE 1308:50pm – 02:30am
Saturday, July 18, 2026STAGE 1409:00pm – 02:05am
Sunday, July 19, 2026STAGE 1509:00pm – 02:25am
Tuesday, July 21, 2026STAGE 1608:50pm – 02:20am
Wednesday, July 22, 2026STAGE 1709:10pm – 02:00am
Thursday, July 23, 2026STAGE 1808:25pm – 02:00am
Friday, July 24, 2026STAGE 1909:50pm – 02:15am
Saturday, July 25, 2026STAGE 2007:35pm – 01:30am
Monday, July 27, 2026STAGE 2112:05am – 04:25am

Tour de France Femmes 2026 Schedule:

Broadcast times vary; for updated programming information, please refer to the SBS Sport website.

DateStageAEST Time
Saturday, August 1, 2026STAGE 111:45pm – 02:15am
Sunday, August 2, 2026STAGE 211:45pm – 02:15am
Monday, August 3, 2026STAGE 311:45pm – 02:15am
Tuesday, August 4, 2026STAGE 411:45pm – 02:15am
Wednesday, August 5, 2026STAGE 509:35pm – 02:15am
Thursday, August 6, 2026STAGE 611:45pm – 02:15am
Friday, August 7, 2026STAGE 711:20pm – 01:50am
Saturday, August 8, 2026STAGE 811:45pm – 02:15am
Sunday, August 9, 2026STAGE 911:55pm – 03:45am

SBS Cycling Commentary Team Bios

CALEB EWAN

One of the greatest – and fastest – ever Australian cyclists, Caleb Ewan was known globally for his tenacious attitude, grit and nerves of steel. These qualities, coupled with his aerodynamic sprinting technique, propelled him to greatness. At the height of his career, Caleb claimed the mantle as the fastest sprinter in the world after winning three stages in the 2019 Tour de France, including the prestigious final Champs-Élysées stage – the pinnacle of world sprinting.

Turning professional in 2015 with Orica-GreenEDGE, Caleb quickly made his mark by winning a stage at the Vuelta a España in his neo-pro year. Grand Tour success followed, including five stage wins each in the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia, and one in the Vuelta a España.

Today living back in Sydney, Australia, Caleb hasn’t lost his kind and considerate nature that defined his junior years racing in Australia and is a popular cycling commentator and analyst on SBS, the broadcast home of cycling for Australians. With his wife Ryann and three children, he enjoys the balance of family life but still enjoys riding his bike, albeit under much less pressure!

DR BRIDIE O’DONNELL

Dr Bridie O’Donnell graduated from the University of Queensland Medical School. Between 1995 and 2006 she competed in Olympic distance and Ironman triathlon, finishing the Ironman Hawaii World Championships in 2006. In 2007, she began road cycling and in 2008 after winning the National Time Trial title, she raced in the Australian National Team, and then Professional Italian teams in Europe and the United States, representing Australia at three World Championships between 2008-2012. From 2013- 2017, Bridie managed and raced for Rush Women’s Team in the Cycling Australia National Road Series and in 2016, she broke the UCI Women’s Hour World Record at the Adelaide Superdrome. In 2017, she was appointed the inaugural Head of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation by the Victorian Government and in 2018, her cycling memoir: “Life and Death” was published, detailing her experiences as a professional cyclist in Europe. When she’s not commentating cycling, she has occasional stints on ABC Radio 774 in Melbourne and volunteers as a board member of Cancer Council Victoria and a member of the AusCycling Ethics and Integrity Committee.

MATTHEW KEENAN

2026 will be Matt’s 20th year commentating on cycling’s biggest event, the Tour de France, where he has worked alongside some of the greats of the sport, including Phil Liggett, Paul Sherwen, Bridie O’Donnell and Simon Gerrans. Known for his supreme cycling knowledge, somewhat of a cycling nerd, Matt is recognised internationally as one of cycling’s leading commentators.

SIMON GERRANS

Simon Gerrans holds the unique position of being the first Australian to have won a stage in all three Grand Tours – the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a Espana. He found competitive cycling as a teenager on the suggestion of Australian cycling legend Phil Anderson, who then lived on a property nearby Gerrans’ parents farm in country Victoria. Anderson, who saw Gerrans cycling as rehabilitation from a serious knee injury after a motor bike racing crash, encouraged him to take up the sport competitively. Simon has been a proud ambassador and active fundraiser of the Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation since 2010 and was the founder of the Victorian Inter-School Cycling Series.

DAVID MCKENZIE

David McKenzie brings 20 years of Tour de France coverage and expert race analysis to SBS, backed by a decade as an elite and professional cyclist. Starting on the track, he represented Australia internationally at just 16, later earning a place at the Australian Institute of Sport. Turning professional in 1997, David raced for teams across Australia and Europe, claiming victories on four continents, including a stage win at the Giro d’Italia, as well as triumphs at the Tour of Japan and the Tour Down Under. In 1998, he secured the Australian National Road Championship title. David’s deep experience on the bike and behind the microphone provides viewers with unparalleled insights into the world of road cycling. 

GRACE BROWN

Grace Brown OAM is Australia’s most successful female road cyclist. She recently retired from the sport as Olympic and World Champion in the Individual time trial. Brown’s rise to the top of professional cycling began in 2019 when she signed with Mitchelton-Scott, winning the National Time Trial Championship and a stage of the Santos Tour Down Under in her first season. In 2020, she had a breakthrough year, securing a World Tour podium at Liège–Bastogne–Liège and claiming victory at Brabantse Pijl. At the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, she finished fourth in the Individual Time Trial, just shy of the podium. In 2022, she moved to FDJ-SUEZ, where she continued to build an impressive palmarès. She won Commonwealth Games gold, earned two silver medals at the World Championships ITT, and dominated the National ITT Championships for multiple years. In 2024, she reached the pinnacle of her career, winning Olympic gold in Paris, becoming World Champion in the Individual Time Trial, and claiming victory in the prestigious Liège–Bastogne–Liège. Brown is now part of the SBS commentary and podcast team, president of the board of The Cyclists’ Alliance, founder of sports sunscreen brand Sun Motion – and a proud new Mum.

CHRISTOPHE MALLET

Christophe is a television presenter, long-time Executive Producer of SBS French Audio and Radio, and host of the award-winning SBS Cycling Podcast — a role he has held for close to ten years alongside David McKenzie and Grace Brown. The podcast won the Australian Sports Podcast of the Year award in 2019. In 2017, he was awarded the National Order of Merit and was honoured to be inducted as a Knight of the Order in France. Over the course of his 15+ years at SBS, Christophe has been involved in many projects, including the FIFA World cup 2018 on site from Russia and hosting the Tour de France highlights show, Bonjour le Tour —  The Tour de France is a race he has followed passionately since his childhood in France. He is also heavily involved in SBS’s coverage of the Dakar Rally, having been on the ground for the last two editions of the event, and has been responsible for producing more than 8,000 radio programs across the SBS network.

EMILY WATTS

Emily Watts is a 25-year-old ex-pro cyclist, who brings both first-hand racing experience and a sharp analytical mind to the commentary box.

Competing since a young age, she rose through the ranks of Australian cycling before making the leap to Europe. She finished her career riding for St Michel–Preference Home–Auber 93, where she rose to the pinnacle and competed at the Tour de France Femme herself. Off the bike, Emily is a proud High School PDHPE teacher, passionate about inspiring the next generation of athletes. She describes herself as someone who always sees the positives and has built remarkable resilience through sport — a quality that makes her both a formidable competitor and a compelling voice in the commentary box.

For a PDF of this media release, please click here.