Maximiliano Richeze Rode the L’Étape Argentina by Tour de France Course

• The former cyclist and national benchmark assessed the technical aspects and scenic value of the Córdoba challenge.
• The race will take place on March 22, 2026, with both the start and finish at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium, further establishing Córdoba as a host of major events.
• The experience invites participants to become protagonists of one of the most iconic brands in world sport.

Former professional cyclist and historic reference of Argentine cycling, Maximiliano Richeze, visited Córdoba to ride and analyze the course of L’Étape Argentina by Tour de France, the prestigious international competition that will be held on March 22, 2026, starting and finishing at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium.

With a career that includes 16 Grand Tours, participation in four Tours de France, and more than 30 professional victories, Richeze arrived in the province to ride the course and provide his expert insight on a route designed to bring the essence of the European Tour to Córdoba’s roads, combining challenge, scenery, and international-level logistics.

During the ride, the former member of World Tour teams such as QuickStep and UAE Team Emirates —where he was a teammate of Tadej Pogačar— particularly praised the quality of the roads, the diversity of the terrain, and the natural surroundings of the Córdoba mountain range, one of the event’s distinctive features.

“It’s going to be a great race. The European Tour will be brought here to Argentina and, especially to Córdoba, with a very beautiful course, featuring two demanding circuits: one of 64 kilometers and another of 134. The roads and the landscapes are stunning,” said Richeze.

A Route Endorsed by International Experience

Richeze’s presence was no coincidence. His role as event ambassador brings a technical and experienced perspective forged in the most demanding stages of world cycling. In 2019, the Buenos Aires native enjoyed one of his best seasons, completing the Tour de France and achieving an outstanding fourth place in the iconic final stage on the Champs-Élysées, as well as wearing the Argentine champion’s jersey at the official start of the race.

That background was key in evaluating the Córdoba route, which crosses emblematic roads such as Route E53, Camino del Cuadrado, Punilla Highway, and the Córdoba–Carlos Paz Motorway, integrating towns, valleys, and mountain landscapes that elevate the overall experience.

“Taking part in the Tour was always a dream, and having it here today is something very special for all those people who also want to fulfill that dream,” Richeze expressed. He also highlighted the symbolic value of competing in national colors: “Representing our country with the light blue and white colors is very emotional.”

The Convention Center, the Heart of a Complete Experience

The Convention Center will serve as both the start and finish area of the race. This setup reinforces the logistical dimension of the event, which includes medical and mechanical assistance, security, hydration, and comprehensive organization in line with the international standards of L’Étape by Tour de France.

The scale of the challenge was also highlighted by specialized journalist Marcelo La Gattina, who stated: “It’s like having a little piece of the Tour de France here in the province of Córdoba. Come and enjoy it, because it’s going to be great.”

Córdoba, the Chosen Host to Experience the Tour at Home

L’Étape Argentina by Tour de France is not just a long-distance race. It is an experience that invites participants to be part of one of the most iconic brands in world sport, in a setting that combines infrastructure, hospitality, sporting tradition, and a unique geography.

With two distances —134 km and 64 km— the competition brings together both amateur and experienced cyclists, and projects a positive impact on tourism and the local economy, consolidating Córdoba as a venue for major sporting events.

The visit and endorsement of Maxi Richeze confirm that the challenge lives up to the legend of the Tour de France: a demanding course, internationally outstanding landscapes, and an organization ready to welcome the cycling world to the heart of Argentina.

Source: Noticias Gobierno de Córdoba