The Lidl Deutschland Tour will get underway in 2026 in Bad Orb: a prologue in the Hessian spa town marks the start of the five-day stage race on 19 August. The choice of Bad Orb underlines the importance of the opening stage for the entire Tour. The prologue demands maximum concentration from the riders from the very first metre. Bad Orb offers ideal conditions for this: efficient infrastructure, short distances and a sports-enthusiastic local population. The prologue route will pass through the town centre and surrounding areas, featuring both technically demanding and spectator-friendly sections.
"The prologue is the first sporting calling card of this race – it's all about seconds and the first impression in the general classification. Bad Orb provides an ideal foundation for a perfect opening with an exciting prologue," says Maren Hopf, Head of the Lidl Deutschland Tour.
The opening of a stage race holds special significance for riders and fans alike. Accordingly, the town is preparing intensively for the event. "A special atmosphere is crucial for the start of a Tour in particular – and that is exactly what we want to offer the professional cyclists and the fans. With great commitment and enthusiasm, we will turn the prologue of the Lidl Deutschland Tour into a sporting celebration for the entire region," says Mayor Tobias Weisbecker.
With the start in Bad Orb, the Lidl Deutschland Tour 2026 sets an early highlight. The prologue will not only produce the first wearers of the leader's jerseys, but also set the sporting tone for the stages that follow.
The Lidl Deutschland Tour is the most prestigious stage race in Germany and brings international top teams as well as numerous emerging talents to German roads every year. In addition to the professional race, the host venues are part of Germany's largest cycling festival.
"We are very pleased that Bad Orb will be part of the Lidl Deutschland Tour and will have the honour of hosting the prologue of this important cycle race. Our spa town offers the best conditions for this. I therefore extend a warm invitation today to all cycling enthusiasts and visitors to come to Bad Orb in August, experience the Tour's opening stage live and enjoy truly special moments in our town together with us," says Tobias Weisbecker.
This year, the Lidl Deutschland Tour begins on 19 August in Bad Orb with a prologue. Over the following four stages, the cyclists will visit, among other places, Schwäbisch Hall, Offenbach an der Queich, Bad Dürkheim and Heilbronn.
Stages of the Lidl Deutschland Tour 2026:
- Prologue (Wednesday, 19 August): Bad Orb
- Stage 1 (Thursday, 20 August): Bad Orb – Schwäbisch Hall
- Stage 2 (Friday, 21 August): Schwäbisch Hall – Offenbach an der Queich / Südliche Weinstraße
- Stage 3 (Saturday, 22 August): TBC – Bad Dürkheim
- Stage 4 (Sunday, 23 August): TBC – Heilbronn
Further stage venues will be announced in the coming weeks.
About the Lidl Deutschland Tour: The Lidl Deutschland Tour is the largest cycling event in Germany. As a five-day UCI ProSeries stage race, the event attracts the world's best teams and also offers a wide range of recreational cycling experiences, such as the ADAC Cycling Tour 2026 in Heilbronn for those who want to ride themselves, or the "kinder Joy of Moving mini tour" for the youngest participants. The LichtBlick Newcomer Tour on Saturday and Sunday also provides a platform for U17 female riders. The next edition will take place from 19 to 23 August 2026. The race gets underway in Bad Orb with a prologue. The following stages will take the route through several regions of Germany before the battle for overall victory is decided in Heilbronn.
