Tour De France 2024
The Tour de France, which kicked off in 1903, stands out as one of the toughest and most famous cycling races in the world. Every July, top cyclists from around the globe come together to race across France’s diverse landscapes. They tackle everything from flat roads and gentle hills to the steep climbs of the Alps and the Pyrenees. Winning the yellow jersey, given to the overall race leader, is a dream for any pro cyclist and a symbol of top-tier performance.
Stick around for some awesome insights and interesting details! We will take you through the fascinating history of the Tour de France. From its beginnings to its biggest moments and the legendary riders who made a name for themselves. Let’s explore the thrilling world of the Tour de France, where incredible stories of endurance and skill unfold each year.
When and where
The 2024 Tour de France promises a unique and thrilling experience for cycling fans around the world. This year’s race kicks off on the 29th of June 2024 in Florence Italy, marking the first time the Grand Départ starts there, and it will also feature a historic finish on the 21st of July in Nice. Due to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, the race will not end in the French capital. For the first time ever, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
Cyclists will face two challenging time trials totaling 59 kilometers. The second trial occurring on the final stage from Monaco to Nice. This type of dramatic finish hasn’t been seen since the famous Fignon-LeMond duel in 1989. Riders will also conquer mountain ranges in the Apennines, the Alps, the Massif Central, and the Pyrenees. The 2024 route spans four countries: Italy, San Marino, Monaco, and France, covering seven regions and 30 departments within France. Bonus points are strategically placed along the route, offering time advantages without affecting the points classification.
21 Stages in Tour De France
Twelve of the 39 locations on this year’s map are debuting as stage towns, including Florence, Rimini, and Bologna. Stage nine features 14 sectors of white roads, totaling 32 kilometers. The Tour comprises of 21 stages. Eight flat, four hilly, seven mountainous (with four summit finishes), two time trials, and two rest days. A total of 176 riders, divided into 22 teams, will compete.
The race will ascend the Bonette pass, the highest tarmac road in France at 2,802 meters. Thus marking the highest point of the 2024 Tour. The total vertical gain across the race will be an impressive 52,230 meters. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes and intense competition.
A Journey Through Legends and Jerseys
The exhilarating world of the Tour de France. Each day, the cyclist with the fastest total time earns the prestigious yellow jersey. This symbolizes their leadership in the general classification. Competitors also vie for the green jersey for points, the polka dot jersey for climbing prowess, and the white jersey for young talents.
Among the legends of this iconic race are Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain, each with an impressive five Tour victories. Indurain stands alone with an amazing streak of five consecutive wins. On the other end of the spectrum, Henri Cornet holds the record as the youngest winner. He claimed victory in 1904 before his 20th birthday. Firmin Lambot remains the oldest victor at 36 years and 4 months in 1922.
French cyclists lead the way in Tour triumphs with a total of 36 victories. Followed by Belgians with 18 wins and Spaniards with 12. The most recent addition to this prestigious list is Danish rider Jonas Vingegaard, who clinched the 2023 Tour title with skill and determination. So what will Tour de France 2024 produce this year?
Historic Tour de France Victories
The 2020 Tour de France faced unprecedented challenges as it was postponed to start on August 29 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. This marked the first time since World War II that the race did not commence in July, following a French government ban on mass gatherings.
Despite the delay, the 2020 Tour witnessed a remarkable achievement. Tadej Pogačar claimed victory, becoming not only the first Slovenian rider to win the race but also one of the youngest champions in Tour history. Pogačar’s success continued into 2021, where he defended his title. The following year, Jonas Vingegaard made history by becoming the first Danish rider since 1996 to triumph in the Tour. Vingegaard’s dominance persisted in 2023 when he secured victory, finishing an impressive 7 minutes and 29 seconds ahead of Pogačar.
These recent editions of the Tour de France highlight the resilience and skill of cyclists overcoming unprecedented challenges. Thus cementing their places in cycling history.
Who Will Shine?
All year long, the buzz has been about Jonas Vingegaard, Tadej Pogačar, Primož Roglič, and Remco Evenepoel gearing up for their first shot at a Grand Tour together. But there’s a twist, each of them faces some uncertainties, whether it’s fitness, form, or just plain old fatigue.
With these top contenders facing challenges, it’s creating a wide-open field for a bunch of other riders to dream big. This season feels extra special because there’s a bunch of new faces with serious potential to make their mark in the General Classification (GC). Let’s take a closer look at some of these up-and-comers.
Potential Leaders and Dark Horses
If Jonas Vingegaard can’t start, Matteo Jorgenson and possibly Sepp Kuss will lead Visma Lease a Bike. Jorgenson’s strong form makes him a contender, while Kuss, despite a quieter year, has a solid track record, including a Vuelta a España win.
Bora-Hansgrohe features Primož Roglič and 2022 Giro d’Italia champion Jai Hindley at 66/1, with Aleksandr Vlasov at 80/1 after strong support for Roglič at the Dauphiné. Tadej Pogačar is also the Giro 2024 winner and should be kept an eye on.
Former Grand Tour winners Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) and Simon Yates (Jayco-Alula) face longer odds due to form concerns—Carapaz at 66/1 and Yates at 70/1. Movistar’s Enric Mas is in good form pre-Tour at 55/1.
Keep an eye on Felix Gall (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale), strong in the mountains and 8th overall last year, and versatile Tom Pidcock (Ineos Grenadiers), both at 80/1. Tao Geoghegan Hart (Lidl-Trek) carries memories of his surprising 2020 Giro d’Italia win at 100/1 despite recent form issues.
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See our June 2024 Sports Preview for information on all other key June sporting events. Additionally, we have reviewed a number of worthwhile betting websites in-depth, such as Playa Bets as well as Betway.
An Epic Race
As the pedals warm and the cheers accumulate, the Tour de France 2024 invites you for unforgettable moments etched in cycling history. From the breathtaking climbs of the Alps and Pyrenees to the nail-biting sprints on flat stretches. This year’s race will showcase the grit, determination, and skill of cyclists from around the globe.
Jonas Vingegaard’s triumphant ride, crossing the finish line with a commanding lead, will be remembered alongside the daring attacks and strategic maneuvers that defined each stage. As fans wave their flags and cyclists catch their breath, we celebrate not just the champions but the spirit of camaraderie and competition that makes the Tour de France an unparalleled spectacle.
Looking ahead, we await the next chapter of this epic journey, where new faces will rise, and new challenges will test the limits of human endurance. Until then, let’s cherish the memories of The Tour de France. Celebration of passion, perseverance, and the thrill of the ride.
