The 2026 Tour de France kicks off on Saturday in Barcelona, culminating in a champion being crowned on July 26 in Paris. This marks the 113th edition of road cycling's premier event, with Tadej Pogacar entering as the defending champion and a four-time winner. A victory this year would tie him with four other cyclists for the most wins in Tour history. However, the competition is fierce, particularly from Jonas Vingegaard, a two-time Tour winner with three additional runner-up finishes.

In the latest odds, Pogacar stands as the -370 favorite, while Vingegaard follows at +340. Other notable contenders include Paul Seixas at +1100 and Matteo Jorgenson as the top American cyclist at +25000. The Tour begins with a 12.2-mile Stage 1 on Saturday at 11:05 a.m. ET.

Cycling insider Gene Menez, a veteran of the sport since the mid-1980s, has provided his insights on this year's race. Menez has a proven track record, having made successful predictions in recent years.

Top Predictions for 2026 Tour de France

• Jasper Philipsen is highlighted as a strong contender for the points classification (+150), which awards the green jersey. Philipsen won this classification in 2023, outperforming his competitors by over 100 points.
• Menez noted, "Philipsen dusted them all, winning the final stage and general classification" during the recent Baloise Belgium Tour, showcasing his sprinting prowess.

In addition to Philipsen, Menez has identified two other best bets for the race, including one prop bet around +400.

For detailed picks and analysis from Menez, visit SportsLine to discover who to back in this thrilling edition of the Tour de France.