ITV’S iconic commentary duo of Ned Boulting and David Millar are gearing up for one last lap around France.
That’s because, after this year, the world’s most famous bike race will disappear from free-to-air TV coverage.
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When the last rider crosses the finish line on the Champs-Elysees on July 27 – in less than four weeks’ time – it will mark the end of four decades of free-to-air Tour de France coverage for those on British soil.
ITV is pulling out of cycling coverage in 2026, meaning Warner Bros Discovery channels – otherwise known as TNT Sports channels and online streaming service Discovery+ – will be the only place cycling fans can watch their favourite sport in the UK.
Last year it was announced that TNT would be absorbing all cycling coverage shown on Eurosport, with the channel disappearing at the end of February.
ITV4 will continue to show live coverage of the race this year, but fans are faced with a dilemma from then onwards – fork out £30 a month for a TNT subscription or watch the highlights later on.
According to reports, Warner Bros could still show highlights on free-to-air TV, with Quest being among the contenders having shown highlights of the Giro d’Italia in May.
Just two years out from Britain once again hosting the Grand Depart for a fifth time, Tour de France general director Christian Prudhomme said he hopes there will be a resolution.
Speaking in March at the confirmation that the UK would host stages in England, Wales and Scotland in 2027, Prudhomme said: “I do hope, and I do believe that the stages in the UK will be live and free to air in 2027.
“But there will be discussions. We’re optimistic.”
This year’s edition of Le Tour rolls out the northern French city of Lille on Saturday, barely an hour’s drive from Calais.
Among the British hopefuls are the retiring former winner Geraint Thomas, recently-crowned British Time Trial champion Ethan Hayter and rising stars Oscar Onley and Jake Stewart.
Despite dominating the sport for years with Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome and Thomas all taking home the famous Yellow Jersey, there looks to be little hope of a Brit being crowned champion this time out.
Reigning champion Tadej Pogacar will go head-to-head with biggest rival Jonas Vingegaard once again.
The pair have been almost untouchable in the sport for the last four years, with just 85 seconds separating the duo in their total race time at Le Tour since 2021.
