The race kicks off in Lille. No mountain passes in the opening days. Yet, absolutely no boredom. That’s exactly how the 2025 Tour de France starts—on July 5th—returning after three years to fully French soil. No foreign stages, no border crossings on day one. Just a pure, 100% French route, rich in character and full of tribute to cycling legends.
For the first time in five years, the entire route stays within the borders of France. In a globalized era, that’s quite a powerful statement—especially when the opening stage in Lille launches a race that’s as much a cultural event as it is a sporting spectacle. The city will be buzzing with cycling fever, and fans are expected to create an electrifying atmosphere.
Honoring Cycling Icons: Anquetil, Bobet, Hinault & More
This year’s Tour is designed as a tribute to French cycling greats. The route honors names like Jacques Anquetil, Louison Bobet, and Bernard Hinault. The organizers also included locations tied to legendary victories—like Laurent Fignon’s triumph in La Plagne and Thévenet’s historic win over Merckx fifty years ago.
But don’t think it’s all about nostalgia. The first ten stages run back-to-back without a rest day, putting riders through the wringer right from the start. The first break comes only on July 15th—after Bastille Day, July 14th, which in France is meant for celebration, not recovery. The roads will be packed with cheering fans, and the atmosphere will feel more like a festival than a race. Rest day? Not a chance.
The First 10 Stages: No Mountains, But Brutally Tough
While the initial block skips the high mountains, don’t expect an easy ride. Race director Christian Prudhomme crafted the route to include nearly every climb the regions had to offer. No hill, no matter how small, was left out.
Out of the first ten days, four stages might suit sprinters. But the rest? They’ll hurt. Steep, punchy climbs, technical sections, and constant effort in the saddle. Nothing you can just coast through. Prudhomme summed it up bluntly: “Think we’ll see mass sprints? I wouldn’t bet on it.”
These early stages will test not just the riders’ physical form but their mental focus day after day. Teams will need to manage effort very carefully, because even without alpine finishes, it’s easy to lose valuable seconds.
Tour de France 2025 Stage Breakdown: Time Trials, Climbs & Sprints
Once the opening block is done, the mountains and time trials roll in. Here’s what the 2025 Tour de France has in store:
- 7 flat stages
- 6 hilly stages
- 6 mountain stages
- 2 individual time trials (including one with a mountain finish in Peyragudes and 650 meters of climbing)
The route includes 26 climbs rated first category or hors catégorie. It’s a paradise for climbers. The polka dot jersey for the best climber celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and the organizers made sure it will be hard-earned. Expect fierce competition for that jersey starting with the very first mountain day.
Both time trials are expected to be critical tests of individual power and resilience under pressure, without team assistance. The uphill ITT to Peyragudes in particular could have a major impact on the general classification if gaps start to open between GC favorites.
Mont Ventoux and La Plagne Return to Glory
After twelve years, Mont Ventoux returns as a stage finish. In 2021, riders passed over it twice but didn’t finish there. In 2016, the stage was cut short due to wind. This time, the “Giant of Provence” gets its due, and riders will go all the way to the top. For cycling fans, Ventoux means suffering, heroism, and unforgettable drama.
La Plagne also reappears as a stage finish for the first time in over two decades. These aren’t just mountain resorts—they’re sacred battlegrounds where careers have been made and broken.
But race director Prudhomme believes the GC won’t be decided on Ventoux or in Peyragudes. The pivotal stages will be in the Alps, with finishes in Courchevel and La Plagne. That’s where the big moves will happen, and contenders will rise—or crumble.
Tour de France 2025 in Numbers: Kilometers, Elevation, Prize Money
The 2025 Tour de France covers 3,320 kilometers and climbs a total of 51,550 meters over three weeks. The route spans:
- The Massif Central
- The Pyrenees
- The Alps
- The Jura Mountains
The highest point of the race will be Col de la Loze, at 2,304 meters above sea level—a brutal climb known for its grueling final stretch.
The race will wrap up in its traditional fashion on the Champs-Élysées in Paris on July 27th. The winner gets a 500,000 euro bonus, with a total prize purse of 2.3 million euros. Stage wins, sprint points, mountain points, and team standings all come with rewards.
Final Thoughts: Tour de France 2025 Promises Brutality and Brilliance
The 2025 Tour de France is shaping up to be an epic showdown. It’s a return to tradition, a tribute to legends, and a brutal challenge for every rider brave enough to start. Anyone expecting a leisurely Tour filled with flat sprints is in for a serious shock—and likely some serious fatigue.
With its thoughtful route design, legendary climbs, and demanding layout, this edition is set to be one of the toughest in recent memory. Riders will need strength, strategy, and resilience. Fans? They’re in for one hell of a ride.
My Tip: How to Watch the Tour de France While Traveling Using a VPN
If you’re planning to travel during the Tour de France or won’t have access to your favorite sports channel, I highly recommend using a VPN. Personally, I go with Surfshark—it’s fast, works perfectly on mobile, and lets you connect unlimited devices.
Here’s what I do?
I simply switch my IP address to France or the UK (depending on where the stream is available), load up the official broadcast or channels like ITV, France Télévisions, or Eurosport, and I can watch the stage from anywhere—whether it’s a hotel room, a café, or even the beach. Plus, it keeps me safe on public Wi-Fi.
| VPN | Discount and offer | Link to try out |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 77% discount + 3 month free | Try it out |
| SurfShark | 86% discount + 4 month free | Try it out |
| ExpressVPN | 61% discount + 6 month free | Try it out |
Pro tip: If you’re planning to watch more sports after the Tour, it’s worth getting a yearly VPN plan. It’s cheaper in the long run and works great for Netflix, YouTube, gaming, or even shopping from other countries.
