Cycling fans at the ready, it’s the season for the Tour de France — the annual men’s multiple-stage bicycle race, which is held primarily in France.
This year’s race includes a single 22km hilly time trial in the Alps, and mountain stages in all five of France’s mountain ranges on the road between the Grand Départ in the Basque Country and the finish in Paris.
Jumbo-Visma’s Jonas Vingegaard is set to defend his title against rival Tadej PogaÄar, who will be looking for revenge, after losing the Tour for the first time in his career.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Tour de France.
When is the Tour de France?
The Tour de France 2023 will take place from July 1 to July 23.
It’s the 110th edition of the famous race, and it will depart from the Basque country before finishing in Paris.
What is the route?
The Tour de France can be split into multiple stages, and is 3,404 km in length.
Stage 1: Saturday, July 1 — Bilbao to Bilbao, 182km
The race begins in Bilbao, and starts with a 185km loop ride which involves 3,300m of climbing.
The climbs on the route are the Côte de Pike — just 10km from the finish — plus the Côte de Laukiz, the Côte de San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the Côte de Morga, and the Côte de Vivero.
Stage 2: Sunday, July 2 — Vitoria-Gasteiz to San Sebastian, 209km
After day one in Bilbao, cyclists head to San Sebastian on the coast — but it’s not all flat, with five climbs to overcome.
Stage 3: Monday, July 3 — Amorebieta-Etxano to Bayonne, 185km
The next stage starts in Amorebienta-Etxano and heads back across the border into France.
Stage 4: Tuesday, July 4 — Dax to Nogaro Circuit, 182km
Sprinters at the ready, it’s a head-to-head race on the Nogaro circuit.
Stage 5: Wednesday, July 5 — Pau to Laruns, 165km
With Pau on the map, the first mountain stage begins.
Stage 6: Thursday, July 6 — Tarbes to Cauterets, 145km
Say hello to the Aspin and Tourmalet, part of 3,750 metres of climbing.
Stage 7: Friday, July 7 — Mont de Marsan to Bordeaux, 170km
It’s the 82nd time the Tour has visited Bordeaux, but this marks the first visit in more than 10 years.
There will be a sprint finish along the riverfront, culminating at Place des Quinconces.
Stage 8: Saturday, July 8 — Libourne to Limoges, 201km
There’s a short but difficult climb as the route heads to Limoges.
Stage 9: Sunday, July 9 — Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat to Puy de Dôme, 184km
Puy de Dôme is a lava dome and one of the youngest volcanoes in the Chaîne des Puys region of Massif Central.
Rest day — Monday, July 10 — Clermont-Ferrand
Riders can take a break.
Stage 10: Tuesday, July 11 —Parc Vulcania to Issoire, 167km
Issoire has been labelled one of the most beautiful detours in France.
Stage 11: Wednesday, July 12 — Clermont Ferrand to Moulins, 180km
It’s time for sprinters to shine.
Stage 12: Thursday, July 13 — Roanne to Belleville-en-Beaujolais, 169km
It’s a critical moment as the breakway begins to form.
Stage 13: Friday, July 14 — Châtillon-Sur-Chalaronne to Grand Colombier, 138km
There’s plenty of mountains on this stretch.
Stage 14: Saturday, July 15 — Annemasse to Morzine, 152km
Riders can expect 4,200 metres of climbing, including the Col de la Ramaz and Joux Plane.
Stage 15: Sunday, July 16 — Les Gets to Saint Gervais, 180km
Even more mountains on the way to Saint Gervais.
Rest day: Monday, July 17 — Saint Gervais Mont Blanc
Another rest day.
Stage 16: Tuesday, July 18 — Passy to Combloux, 22km
A quick individual time trial added to the mix.
Stage 17: Wednesday, July 19 — Saint Gervais to Courchevel, 166km
There’s more than 5,000 metres of vertical gain, featuring the infamous Col de la Loze before reaching Courchevel’s altiport.
Stage 18: Thursday, July 20 — Moutiers to Bourg en Bresse, 186km
After five very hard stages, the sprinters will find themselves on the homefront.
Stage 19: Friday, July 22 — Moirans-en-Montagne to Poligny, 173km
The race comes to its closing stage with an 8km final sprint.
Stage 20: Saturday, July 22 — Belfort to Le Markstein, 133km
A last lap of the mountains, with two climbs.
Stage 21: Sunday, July 23 — Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines to Paris Champs-Elysées, 115km
The Tour de France finishes at the Champs-Elysées, in keeping with tradition.
How can I watch Tour de France?
Live footage of the race is available on major TV channels including Sky Sport, ITV4, and Eurosport.
Netflix crews will also be following the race to film the second series of the new Tour de France: Unchained series.
