The 113th Tour de France kicks off on Saturday, with Tadej Pogacar eyeing a record fifth title. Known for his exceptional cycling skills, Pogacar's recent haircut has drawn comparisons to rapper Eminem, creating a buzz as the race begins in Barcelona.

Victory in Paris on July 26 would see the 27-year-old Slovenian tie with legends like Bernard Hinault, Eddy Merckx, Jacques Anquetil, and Miguel Indurain. The 2026 Tour features 21 challenging stages, including steep mountain ascents and fast descents, marking the 27th time the race starts outside of France.

Pogacar, representing UAE Team Emirates-XRG, is the clear favorite, showcasing versatility in various race disciplines. His recent win at the Tour de Suisse further solidifies his status.

Jonas Vingegaard, Pogacar's long-time rival from Visma-Lease a Bike, aims for his third title after victories in 2022 and 2023. Other contenders include Isaac del Toro, who rides for the same team as Pogacar, and Paul Seixas, a promising 19-year-old debutant from Decathlon-CMA CGM.

Among the seven British riders, Tom Pidcock stands out, aiming for stage wins after finishing third in the 2025 Vuelta a Espana. Egan Bernal leads the Netcompany Ineos Cycling team, missing teammate Oscar Onley due to a crash.

The race also features top sprinters like Jasper Philipsen and Biniam Girmay, the latter aiming for another green jersey after making history in 2024. As the Tour unfolds, Andres Iniesta, now managing NSN Cycling, reflects on the complexities of cycling beyond just the riders.

With discussions around monetization and anti-doping strategies ongoing, the International Testing Agency is exploring innovative methods to maintain a clean image in the sport.