Maximiliano Richeze rode the course of L’Étape Argentina by Tour de France

• Former cyclist and national icon Maximiliano Richeze assessed the technical aspects and scenic value of the Cordoba challenge.
• The race will take place on March 22, 2026, with both the start and finish at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium, further cementing Córdoba as a host of major international events.
• The experience invites participants to be part of one of the most iconic brands in world sport.

Former professional cyclist and historic figure of Argentine cycling, Maximiliano Richeze, visited Córdoba to ride and analyze the course of L’Étape Argentina by Tour de France, the prestigious international race 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 Tour de France editions, and more than 30 professional victories, Richeze arrived in the province to preview the route, offering his expert perspective on a course designed to bring the essence of the European Tour de France to the roads of Córdoba—combining challenge, scenery, and world-class logistics.

During the ride, the former member of WorldTour teams such as QuickStep and UAE Team Emirates—where he was a teammate of Tadej Pogačar—particularly highlighted the quality of the roads, the diversity of the terrain, and the natural surroundings of the Córdoba hills, one of the race’s defining features.

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

A course endorsed by international experience

Richeze’s presence was no coincidence. His role as an event ambassador provides a technical and experienced viewpoint, forged on 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 impressive fourth place in the iconic final stage on the Champs-Élysées, in addition to wearing the Argentine national champion jersey at the official start of the race.

That experience was key in evaluating the Córdoba route, which includes iconic roads such as Route E53, Camino del Cuadrado, Punilla Expressway, and the Córdoba–Carlos Paz Highway, connecting towns, valleys, and scenic mountain views that elevate the overall experience.

“It was always a dream to take part in the Tour, and having it here today is something very special for all those who also want to fulfill that dream,” Richeze said. He also emphasized the symbolic value of competing in national colors: “Representing our country in the light blue and white is deeply 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 strengthens the event’s logistical dimension, which includes medical and mechanical assistance, security, hydration stations, and comprehensive organization in line with L’Étape by Tour de France international standards.

The scale of the challenge was also highlighted by specialized journalist Marcelo La Gattina, who stated:

“It’s like having a piece of the Tour de France right here in the province of Córdoba. Come and enjoy it, because it’s going to be fantastic.”

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 cyclists to become part of one of the most iconic brands in world sport, set in an environment that combines infrastructure, hospitality, sporting tradition, and a unique geography.

With two distances—134 km and 64 km—the race welcomes both amateur and experienced cyclists, while generating a positive impact on tourism and the local economy, further positioning Córdoba as a premier destination 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 acclaimed landscapes, and an organization ready to welcome the cycling world to the heart of Argentina.

Source: Agencia Córdoba Deportes