World's Premier Cycling Race 'Tour de France 2026' to Be Broadcast Live for Free on ABEMA de J SPORTS for Three Consecutive Days from Opening! Featuring Special Guests Luke Takashi of Seikima-II and Himeka Arano of SKE48

ABEMA, the "television of the new future," has announced that it will offer three consecutive days of free live coverage of the world's premier cycling road race, 'Tour de France 2026,' starting from the opening day via its 'ABEMA de J SPORTS' channel beginning July 4, 2026 (Sat).

The 'Tour de France' is the world's largest cycling road race, held annually over approximately three weeks in July. Riders compete across a grueling course exceeding 3,000km, aiming for the coveted yellow jersey—'Maillot Jaune'—awarded to the overall race leader. The event's major appeal lies in the combination of breathtaking visuals as cyclists race through scenic towns and majestic landscapes, alongside intense competition on challenging stages such as mountain climbs.

The 2026 edition will begin in Barcelona, Spain, and conclude on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, covering a total distance of 3,333km across 21 stages. The route includes demanding mountain stages crossing the Pyrenees and the Alps, setting the stage for three weeks of thrilling competition among the world's top cyclists.

'ABEMA de J SPORTS' will provide free live broadcasts for three consecutive days, starting with Stage 1 on July 4 (Sat), followed by Stage 2 on July 5 (Sun), and Stage 3 on July 6 (Mon).

The opening day will feature a 'Team Time Trial' in Barcelona's city streets—the first such opening stage event in 55 years. The second stage takes place on a rolling circuit, while the third stage includes a route crossing the Pyrenees mountains along the border of France and Spain. From team coordination and strategy in the Team Time Trial to mountain stages that could decide the overall race outcome, these early stages promise exciting highlights—all available to enjoy for free.

Special guests will join the broadcasts: Luke Takashi (参謀, Chief of Staff) from the legendary band Seikima-II will appear on the broadcast of Stage 1 on July 4 (Sat), while Himeka Arano of SKE48 (Team KII) will guest on the Stage 2 broadcast on July 5 (Sun). Both known as passionate cycling fans, they will help deliver the excitement and appeal of this world-class race from diverse perspectives.

Additionally, all 21 stages of the 'Tour de France 2026' will be broadcast live on both 'ABEMA de J SPORTS' and 'ABEMA de WOWSPO.' Subscribers to either service can enjoy the full three weeks of intense racing, from the opening stage to the grand finale.

Don't miss the globally anticipated 'Tour de France 2026,' exclusively on ABEMA.

'ABEMA de J SPORTS' / 'Tour de France 2026' – Three Consecutive Days of Free Live Broadcast

【Stage 1】Full free live broadcast

Broadcast Date and Time: July 4, 2026 (Sat) from 11:45 PM

URL: https://abema.tv/live-event/41a86cbd-a105-42a2-9bb5-0dcf709a9ae9

Guest: Luke Takashi (Seikima-II)

【Stage 2】Full free live broadcast

Broadcast Date and Time: July 5, 2026 (Sun) from 9:00 PM

URL: https://abema.tv/live-event/3da839bb-7247-4900-9667-445fe018016e

Guest: Himeka Arano (SKE48 Team KII)

【Stage 3】First hour free live broadcast

Broadcast Date and Time: July 6, 2026 (Mon) from 8:00 PM

URL: https://abema.tv/channels/world-sports-2/slots/Am9tKb3J8bJxJ3

'ABEMA de J SPORTS' and 'ABEMA de WOWSPO' / 'Tour de France 2026' – Live Broadcast of All 21 Stages

'ABEMA de J SPORTS' Series Page: https://abema.tv/service/jsports

'ABEMA de WOWSPO' Series Page: https://abema.tv/service/wowow

*Broadcast dates, times, content, and formats are subject to change without notice.

*When using images, please credit: [(C)AbemaTV, Inc.]

About ABEMA

ABEMA, which marks its 10th anniversary on April 11, 2026, is an innovative video streaming service developed as the "television of the new future." Since launch, ABEMA has offered an internet-based television experience that requires no registration and is free to access. The service broadcasts around 25 channels 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a 24-hour news channel, original dramas and reality shows pursuing "highest quality or one-of-a-kind" content, as well as anime and sports.

Boasting the largest number of original episodes among domestic video services in Japan (*), ABEMA also offers a rich lineup of trending new films, popular domestic and international dramas, and hit anime series, along with live sports and online concerts. Viewers can enjoy content anytime, free from traditional time constraints, across smartphones, PCs, tablets, and TV devices, delivering flexible viewing experiences that fit diverse lifestyles.

ABEMA Premium, available for ¥1,180 (tax included) per month, offers exclusive features and content. Alternatively, Ad-Supported ABEMA Premium, priced at ¥680 (tax included) per month, allows access to ABEMA Premium exclusive content with advertisements.

(*) As of March 2026, based on internal research

For the latest updates, please follow our official social media accounts.

Experience the 'television of the new future'—ABEMA, where free videos and trending content await: https://abema.tv/

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, ABEMA will host special programming and the 'ABEMA 10th Anniversary Free Grand Thank-You Festival,' among other year-long campaigns to commemorate the milestone. Stay tuned for ABEMA's 10th anniversary celebrations.

ABEMA 10th Anniversary Website URL: https://contents-abema.com/10th/