Luke Plapp has changed his Tour de France plans: 'I think that’s a fun way to race'

Luke Plapp has had an excellent 2026 so far. The Australian set out to focus on general classification racing, which he did with gusto. IDL Pro Cycling spoke to 'Plappy' the cheery Australian last week at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes—a race he wouldn’t finish due to illness. Are those general classification ambitions still on the table for the Tour de France?

When he was sent our way last Thursday, ahead of the fifth stage of the Dauphiné, we immediately saw a big smile on his face. “I’m actually really happy,” was his response when we asked him how he was doing. His results in 2026 had been outstanding up to that point.

Plapp finished third in the UAE Tour, fifth in the Tour de Romandie, and third in the Tour of Hungary. For someone who wanted to focus more on general classification ambitions, these were certainly excellent results. “I’ve really been consistent, and it’s been a great start to the year.”

It started with “a sort of break at first,” after which the Australian’s schedule got busier and busier. “I’ve had quite a few races leading up to the Tour. So I’m really happy. It’s been a great year. If you’d told me this beforehand, I would’ve signed up for it,” he said with a big smile on his face.

That’s great news heading into the Tour, of course. “I think I’m already pretty close,” he said about his peak form heading into July. “I wouldn’t change a thing about where I am right now. I think it’ll just be a few final tweaks to get me ready to race. I’m really happy with how things are going. I’d be pretty happy to head into the Tour with these legs.”

Unfortunately, he did get sick during the French stage race, but Plapp’s plans leading up to the Tour were already set. “I’m going home for two weeks. Rest and do nothing. It’s been a busy time, with altitude training camps and a little over a week here. I’m happy to be able to spend two weeks at home with my girlfriend and relax before I see these guys again for another month,” he laughed.

Only to then be faced with the question of all questions: Is the Jayco rider going for a general classification in the Tour? “No, no. I’m going there for stage wins,” he said firmly. “I’d like to try for a general classification in the Vuelta. The Tour will be all about chasing stage wins with the guys.”

Plapp is really looking forward to that, too. “I think we’ll bring a team like that with us. We’ll really go for stage wins and race aggressively and enjoy ourselves. I think that’s a fun way to race. You’ll have that kind of motivation every day.” And after that? “If I’m feeling good by then, I’ll head to the Vuelta to compete for the general classification.”