Overview

• Stage 1’s 185 km loop around Lille features three category climbs but promises a mass sprint among contenders like Jasper Philipsen, Tim Merlier and Biniam Girmay.
• Organisers have built a ‘fausse plaine’ first week of rolling terrain and steep coastal rises to force early splits among general classification hopefuls.
• Tadej Pogacar starts as the overwhelming favourite for a fourth title, with Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel viewed as his chief rivals.
• The 3,320 km route spans 21 stages entirely in France, including two time trials and six mountain tests before a novel triple ascent of Montmartre on the final day.
• This edition marks the return to an all-French course and the 50th Champs-Élysées finish anniversary, featuring iconic climbs such as Ventoux, the Col de la Loze and Le Mont-Dore.