Stage 12 - 9th July 2026

The Luxury of Rest — After getting to the hotel early yesterday, I actually managed to get a decent night’s sleep. 🛌✨ It’s amazing how much difference a few extra hours of horizontal time makes for the morale. We had our regular 8:00 AM ride out today, ready for another "flat" 115-mile leg through the heart of France.

Vines, Views, and Valleys — The scenery was quintessential France: long avenues of poplar trees, church spires on the horizon, and fields of handsome Charolais cows. We followed the Loire Valley and crossed into the lower section of the Morvan National Park. While it was billed as a flat stage, it definitely got "bumpier" after lunch with several 200m to 300m ascents that kept the legs working! The highlight was the Côte de Montagny-lès-Buxy, which offered incredible views over the southern Burgundy vineyards—on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Swiss mountains.

The Mercury Is Rising — The real challenge today wasn't the terrain, but the heat. ☀️🥵 My BBC weather app was showing a sweltering 35°C (95°F), but the actual reflective temperature on some of the guys' cycle computers was hitting the 40s (104°F+). 🔥 We got into solid groups and just focused on racking up the miles, supporting each other through the "oven" conditions of the Saône valley.

A Rare Afternoon Off — We managed to clock up the full 115 miles by 4:40 PM. 🏁🕒 It felt like a total luxury to be back at the hotel with ample time to shower, rehydrate, and actually relax before dinner. Chalon-sur-Saône is a beautiful spot to unwind, and we are making the most of it.

Looking Ahead — Tomorrow is the longest stage of the entire 2026 Tour (205km/127 miles), and it's going to be a big one. Things start to get hilly as we link the Jura and the Vosges, featuring multiple category climbs and more high temperatures. I’m mentally preparing to be "cooked like bacon" on the side of a mountain tomorrow! 🥓⛰️🔥

The Stats

The body is still holding, but the real mountains are calling. One more day until the Vosges! 🇫🇷🚲