Jonas Vingegaard, the victor of the 2022 Tour de France (center), flanked by Tadej Pogacar (left) and Geraint Thomas (right)
Tour de France
When: July 1 – July 23
Watch: Live text coverage for every stage available on the Sport News Center website and app
The 110th Tour de France will kick off in Bilbao, Spain, on Saturday, July 1, and conclude in Paris on Sunday, July 24.
Participants will have to contend with eight grueling mountain stages and an individual time trial during the race’s course, which winds through the Pyrenees and Alps for a total of 3,404km (2,115 miles).
Sport News Center provides a detailed analysis of each stage, outlining potential triumphs and setbacks. Stay tuned to this page for updates on the winner and brief recaps after each stage.
July 1, Saturday – Stage 1: Bilbao – Bilbao, 182km
One of the twelve new cities to host Tour stages this year, Bilbao promises a challenging, hilly day. The race commences at the striking Guggenheim Museum and features a climb of over 3,000 meters on a circular route leading to the Bay of Biscay coastline.
The sharp Pike Bidea climb, just 10km from the finish line in the city center, is one of five categorized ascents on a stage expected to favor the puncheurs – cyclists who excel on steep, short climbs.
Cyclists to keep an eye on: Wout van Aert, Julian Alaphilippe, Tom Pidcock, Tadej Pogacar
July 2, Sunday – Stage 2: Vitoria-Gasteiz to San Sebastian, 208.9km
San Sebastian hosted the Tour de France’s Grand Depart in 1992, won by Miguel Indurain. This second day of the Tour, the longest stage, presents five more categorized climbs.
The famous Jaizkibel climb from the San Sebastian Classic is approximately 20km from the finish line and will likely influence the outcome and possibly the early race lead.
Cyclists to look out for: Wout van Aert, Biniam Girmay
July 3, Monday – Stage 3: Amorebieta-Etxano – Bayonne, 187.4km
Originating from Bayonne, France’s football manager Didier Deschamps celebrates the Tour’s entry into France. The day is expected to witness the first showdown among the Tour’s fastest riders as the sprint trains assemble.
The early climbs are not anticipated to stress the peloton, but the final Cote de Saint-Pee-sur-Nivelle ascent could motivate the likes of Biniam Girmay, Mads Pedersen, and Alexander Kristoff, especially if the tempo unsettles the pure sprinters before the downhill run to the finish.
Riders to keep an eye on: Biniam Girmay, Mads Pedersen
July 4, Tuesday – Stage 4: Dax – Nogaro, 181.8km
The city of Dax, which hosted the Tour six times between 1951 and 2006, sets the scene for another day of excitement for the sprinters.
A predominantly flat route is likely to lead to a high-speed finale, with the last three kilometers occurring on the Nogaro motor racing circuit, also known as the Circuit Paul Armagnac.
An 800m straight dash to the finish line could result in riders vying for position and dramatic du containing 843 words.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tour de France 2023
What is the Tour de France?
The Tour de France is the most prestigious and difficult bicycle race in the world. It is held annually in France and sometimes passes through nearby countries.
Who can participate in the Tour de France?
Professional cyclists from teams around the world are eligible to participate in the Tour de France. Participants are typically male, but there’s also a women’s event known as “La Course by Le Tour de France”.
How long does the Tour de France last?
The Tour de France typically lasts 23 days, including 2 rest days, and covers a distance of around 3,500 kilometers spread out over 21 stages.
What is the yellow jersey in the Tour de France?
The yellow jersey, or “maillot jaune”, is awarded after each stage to the rider who has the lowest aggregate time. The rider who wears this jersey at the end of the Tour is the overall winner.
Are there other awards in the Tour de France?
Yes, the Tour de France features several competitions within the race, including the green jersey for the points classification, typically won by sprinters, and the polka dot jersey for the king of the mountains classification.
More about Tour de France 2023
- Official Tour de France Website
- Tour de France: A Brief History
- Tour de France Jerseys and Their Meanings
- Women’s Tour de France: La Course
- Detailed Overview of Tour de France Stages
14 comments
how cool would it be if they introduced a mixed gender race? just a thought.
i still remember when they introduced the woman’s race. About time too! Their race is just as exciting, if not more.
Can’t wait for this year’s tour! Def rooting for the underdogs this time. go team!
Never get tired of the mountain stages, always such a game changer. Who’s your money on this year?
Anyone else thinks the hilly stages are the best? Love seeing the riders push through the pain. It’s what the Tour’s all about.
I mean… It’s just a bunch of ppl cycling around France, right? What’s the big deal??? (jk, I love the tour!)
Any1 else noticed how technology’s changing the game? From bikes to gear to training techniques… mindblowing stuff!
Can’t wait for this year’s tour! Def rooting for the underdogs this time. go team!
Anyone else thinks the hilly stages are the best? Love seeing the riders push through the pain. It’s what the Tour’s all about.
Never get tired of the mountain stages, always such a game changer. Who’s your money on this year?
I mean… It’s just a bunch of ppl cycling around France, right? What’s the big deal??? (jk, I love the tour!)
i still remember when they introduced the woman’s race. About time too! Their race is just as exciting, if not more.
Any1 else noticed how technology’s changing the game? From bikes to gear to training techniques… mindblowing stuff!
how cool would it be if they introduced a mixed gender race? just a thought.