Tour de France 2024 - Route
Tuesday 18 June 2024 • Blog
Route Tour de France 2024
The 2024 Tour de France route is unique in several ways. For the first time in history, the Tour de France will start in Italy. Florence has the honor of hosting the Grand Départ of the 111th edition. But that is just the beginning of this adventure, which ends with a time trial in Nice, skipping the traditional finish on the Champs-Élysées due to the Paris Olympics. Get ready for an epic journey from June 29 to July 21!
✔️ Date: June 29 - July 21, 2024
✔️ Start: Florence, Italy
✔️ Finish: Time trial in Nice, France
✔️ Countries: Italy, France
✔️ Number of stages: 21
✔️ Rest days: 2 (July 8, July 15)
✔️ Total kilometers: 3,492
✔️ Total elevation gain: 53,095 meters
✔️ Categorized climbs: 59
✔️ Longest stage: 231 km (stage 3)
✔️ Toughest stage: 15 (5,000+ meters elevation gain)
✔️ Types of stages:
Sprint: 7 stages
Hilly: 6 stages
High mountains: 5 stages
Gravel: 1 stage
Individual time trial (ITT): 2 stages
All Tour-content summarized:
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 - PREDICTION STAGE 1
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 - PREDICTION GC
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 - PREDICTION POINTS GC
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 - PREDICTION KOM CLASSIFICATION
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 - PREDICTION YOUTH GCKLASSEMENT
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 - ROUTE
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 - FANTASY GAME TIPS
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 - TOP-10 LIST BASED ON DATA
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 - MOST DROPOUTS IN A GRANDTOUR
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 - MOST STAGE-WINS
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Tour de France 2024 – Stages
- 29-6: Florence – Rimini, 206.0 km
- 30-6: Cesenatico – Bologna, 198.7 km
- 1-7: Piacenza – Turijn, 230.5 km
- 2-7: Pinerolo – Valloire, 139.6 km
- 3-7: Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne – Saint-Vulbas, 177.4 km
- 4-7: Mâcon – Dijon, 163.5 km
- 5-7: Nuits-Saint-Georges – Gevrey-Chambertin, 25.3 km, ITT
- 6-7: Semur-en-Auxois – Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, 183.4 km
- 7-7: Troyes – Troyes, 199.0 km
- 8-7: Restday 🛌
- 9-7: Orléans – Saint-Amand-Montrond, 187.3 km
- 10-7: Evaux-les-Bains – Le Lioran, 211.0 km
- 11-7: Aurillac – Villeneuve-sur-Lot, 203.6 km
- 12-7: Agen – Pau, 165.3 km
- 13-7: Pau – Pla d’Adet, 151.9 km
- 14-7: Loudenvielle – Plateau de Beille, 197.7 km
- 15-7: Restday 🛌
- 16-7: Gruissan – Nîmes, 188.6 km
- 17-7: Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux – Superdévoluy, 177.8 km
- 18-7: Gap – Barcelonnette, 179.5 km
- 19-7: Embrun – Isola 2000, 144.6 km
- 20-7: Nice – Col de la Couillole, 132.6 km
- 21-7: Monaco – Nice, 33.7 km, ITT
Tour 2024 - Route
Stage 1 | Florence - Rimini | 206 KM | 3.680 VM
This year, the Tour starts in Italy, specifically in Florence. There's no warm-up for the riders; with 3,680 meters of elevation gain, they must get down to business immediately. The hilly stage features 4 climbs of the 3rd category and 3 climbs of the 2nd category. It doesn't get very steep, but the sequence of the last 4 climbs will certainly cause some separation. From the top of the last climb, it's still about 30 KM to the finish, making a solo attack less attractive. We’re expecting to see a battle among the general classification contenders and strong hill riders. A stage where you can't win the Tour, but you can definitely lose it.
Stage 2 | Cesenatico - Bologna | 199 KM | 1.890 VM
We remain in Italy, and of course, a 'wall' stage cannot be missed. After 4 climbs, the decision in this stage will likely come at one of the two climbs to the Sanctuary of San Luca (1.9 KM at 10.6%) included in the 18 KM local lap around Bologna. A real tough climb known from the 2019 Giro d'Italia prologue and the finale of the Giro dell'Emilia. Primož Roglič has often been successful on this climb, although it's worth noting that after the last climb, there is still 13K to go. There are also some similarities with last year's Tour opening stage won by Adam Yates, although the finish in Bologna is flat. If the break is kept under control, the GC men might contest for the win.
Stage 3 | Piacenza - Turijn | 231 KM | 1.600 VM
After the spectacular opening weekend, Monday brings the last stage with start and finish in Italy. From Piacenza, the route heads west to Turin, where the finish line is awaits after a long 231 KM ride. It's almost certain that the sprinters will get their first chance here, and the other riders can recover from the already elevation gain in stage 1 and 2. The included two 90-degree turns about 1 KM from the finish; why? This might lead to significant chaos in the peloton. The sprinter whose train navigates best through these turns has a great chance of winning the stage.
Stage 4 | Pinerolo - Valloire | 140 KM | 3.780 VM
This stage heads the peloton into France. A short but incredibly hard stage with more than 70 official climbing kilometers awaits the riders. The road starts climbing immediately from the start, continuing until the top of the Sestrières (39.9 KM at 3.7%) is reached. After this 'warm-up,' a short descent follows and then the Col de Montgenèvre (8.3 KM at 5.9%) awaits where the sprinters hope to find a nice bus. The final part of the stage begins in Briançon, where the road gradually climbs again. Up to the Col du Lautaret, it's not very challenging, but from the top of the Lautaret, the riders will climb the mythical Col du Galibier. The total climb is 23 KM at 5.1% and will take a toll after all the previous climbing. The stage finishes after the technical and steep descent of the Galibier in Valloire. Quintana gave a good example here in 2019; Pidcock showed in 2022 how to perfect this descent. Who will descend to victory in this first major mountain stage of this year’s Tour?
Stage 5 | Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne - Saint-Vulbas | 177 KM | 1.050 VM
Despite being tired after the brutal stage 4, the sprinters will want to show their best in this stage. From Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, we leave the Alps and cruise peacefully to Saint-Vulbas. Along the way, there are two climbs of 4th category, but they should pose no problem for any sprinter. The last real turn in Saint-Vulbas is over 2 kilometers from the finish, allowing the sprinttrains to prepare 'in peace' to launch their leader. The road bends slightly to the right in the final hundred meters, meaning the finish line appears relatively late, making chosing the ideal line crucial. Opportunity number 2 for the fast men!
Stage 6 | Mâcon - Dijon | 164 KM | 980 VM
The organization shows some leniency towards the riders because this sixth stage is also expected to end in a bunchsprint. The peloton heads north, and the riders have plenty of time to chat about the tough start to this Tour de France. When the city gates of Dijon come into view, the sprinters' teams will form and try to position their cannon optimally for the third time. After a long gentle right-hand turn, the final straight is about 1.5K long. Again, ideal for showcasing a beautiful lead-out, though we must wait and see how well the organization prepares the roundabout about 800 meters from the finish to secure rider’s safety.
Stage 7 | Nuits-Saint-Georges - Gevrey-Chambertin (ITT) | 25,3 KM | 300 VM
Start the engines! After 2 relatively easy stages, the first time trial of the Tour is scheduled for the Friday. The time trial is not excessively long with 25.3 KM, and there is only one short hill (1.5 KM at 6.5%) on the route; it's unlikely that there will be significant differences between the top contenders. However, pure climbers with GC ambitions will not look forward to this stage with much enthusiasm. The top GC contenders will look at this as an opportunity; they will likely compete for the stage win along with a few pure specialists.
Stage 8 | Semur-en-Auxois - Colombey-Les-Deux-Églises | 183 KM | 2.320 VM
This stage is a so-called transition stage where the early breakaway has a very good chance of succeeding. Throughout the stage, it's a matter of turning and twisting on and off the French D-roads. Nowhere it gets really steep, but the sequence of short inclined sections, combined with the tough first week, will hurt many riders. This stage is very suitable for classic riders with a strong engine. Count on several riders, including a certain Mathieu van der Poel, to have marked this stage on their calendars.
Stage 9 | Troyes - Troyes | 199 KM | 2.060 VM
The Tour de France cannot escape it: we are going grave! From Troyes, the riders head east for a loop of about 200 KM. Along the way, the riders face more than 2,000 meters of elevation and, perhaps more importantly, no less than 32.2 KM of gravel roads. This will be a very nervous stage where all riders with any ambition for a good GC result will want to stay at the front throughout the stage. Half of the 14 sectors are in the hilly first 140 KM of the stage, where there are also gravel climbs. The last 7 sectors are relatively flat, with the final decision likely to come in the quintet of gravel sectors between 35 KM and 17 KM from the finish. As a final touch, there is one more sector of 3 KM at 10 KM from the finish; then the riders dash back to Troyes. In such stages, a few GC riders almost always remain at the front, but this stage will also be a goal for many classic riders. All in all, this stage has everything to make it a wonderful Sunday in front of the TV.
Stage 10 | Orléans - Saint-Amand-Montrond | 187 KM | 930 VM
After a well-deserved rest day, the riders start the second week with a fairly flat stage to Saint-Amand-Montrond. There is not a single categorized climb on the schedule, so one would expect a bunchsprint is guaranteed. However, in the last 60 KM of the stage, the riders ride across fairly open terrain, and the wind in this region can sometimes blow hard. Echelons are definitely lurking, which will cause nervousness in the peloton. In the 2013 Tour de France, the finale of the 13th stage was identical to this finale; it resulted in spectacular echelon racing, Cavendish won the sprint from the first group of only 8 riders, and Valverde lost his good GC rank. Exciting things to look forward to, but if the wind does not cooperate, we are heading for a classic bunchsprint.
Stage 11 | Évaux-les-Bains - Le Lioran | 211 KM | 4.380 VM
A long stage with an incredibly tough final brings the peloton to Le Lioran. The first 125 KM of the stage, although constantly hilly, are still manageable and will probably be focused on forming the right breakaway. From the moment the riders tackle the uncategorized climb to Le Vigean in the picturesque Vendes, the very challenging finale begins. After a short descent, the road gradually climbs to the foot of the Col de Néronne at 45 KM from the finish. In these last 45 KM, the riders face the Col de Néronne (3.8 KM at 9.1%), the Puy Mary (5.4 KM at 8.1%), the Col de Pertus (4.4 KM at 7.9%), and the Col de Font de Cère (3.3 KM at 5.8%). The percentages on these climbs often exceed 10%, and the opportunities to recover are limited: a bad day can cost you dearly here. It's very likely that in this stage, a battle will unfold on two fronts, with a nice breakaway making it to the end and the strongest from this group (with good climbing legs) taking the win.
Stage 12 | Aurillac - Villeneuve-sur-Lot | 204 KM | 2.200 VM
On paper, a stage where the sprinters should have another chance. However, there are quite a few hidden meters of elevation gains in the first half of the stage. The race dynamics and the quality of the early breakaway will determine the outcome. If the sprinters' teams allow a small group to break away and control it, the sprinters can recover enough in the last 100 KM and there will be a bunchsprint in Villeneuve-sur-Lot. If a strong, large group escapes, it will be difficult to catch them before the finish. We expect the first scenario, where the stronger sprinters are more likely to get a good result than the pure, less skilled climbers. The finale is quite straightforward, and the last turn is one kilometer from the finish; the peloton has little to fear.
Stage 13 | Agen - Pau | 165 KM | 1.970 VM
The stage to Pau, a place where many Dutch riders have celebrated success in the past, has no major climbs. It goed up and down a bit in the first kilometers, but that shouldn't be a problem for any rider. However, it's not certain that all sprinters will contest for stage victory; this is mainly due to a sequence of 3 hills situated at 40 KM from the finish. The peloton will face the Côte de Blachon (1.5 KM at 6.9%), the Côte de Simacourbe (1.8 KM at 6.4%), and an uncategorized hill (1.6 KM at 5.1%), after which it continues on hilly roads until 12 KM from the finish. From that point on, there is a short descent, and the last 10 KM run slightly downhill. The last 90-degree turn is 1K from the finish. In the final kilometer, there is a slight bend before the final straight of 400 meters. The strong sprinters will smell their chance here; pure sprinters will have difficulties to arrive at the front in Pau.
Stage 14 | Pau - Saint-Lary-Soulan (Pla d’Adet) | 152 KM | 4.000 VM
The third weekend of the Tour is one to look forward to. We dive into the Pyrenees and start from Pau for the first of two mountain stages. After a flat run-in, the riders arrive at the foot of the legendary Col du Tourmalet after 70 KM. This giant is 19 KM long and has an average gradient of 7.4%; the steepest part is in the final kilometers. At the top, there will be a sprint for the Souvenir Jacques Goddet, followed by a descent to Sainte-Marie de Campan. From there, the road ascents gradually again, although the official climb of Hourquette d’Ancizan is only 8.2 KM at 5.1%. This percentage is somewhat misleading, as there is also a descent within this climb. From the top of the Hourquette, there is a descent and a short valley section, followed by the final climb of the day: the Pla d’Adet. This climb is 10.6 KM at 7.9%; the first 7 KM of this climb average a staggering 9.5%. The last 3.5 KM are easier, but with all the previous climbing covered, these sections will still hurt. On the slopes of the Pla d’Adet, the GC riders will battle for the stage win, and serious differences could easily emerge.
Stage 15 | Loudenvielle - Plateau de Beille | 198 KM | 4.810 VM
After the grueling battle towards Pla d’Adet, another tough stage awaits on Quatorze Juillet: 4,810 meters of elevation gain, 4 first-category climbs, and 1 hors-category climb. A nightmare for the sprinters, especially since the stage starts with the Col de Peyresourde (6.9 KM at 7.8%). From the top, there is some opportunity to recover, but before the 70 KM mark, the riders have also climbed the incredibly steep Col de Menté (9.3 KM at 9.1%) and Col de Portet-d’Aspet (4.3 KM at 9.6%). It is possible that a nice breakaway forms at the top of Portet-d’Aspet, or a full-fledged battle between the GC riders may have started already: several scenarios are possible. An easy section of about 60 KM follows from Portet-d’Aspet to the second and decisive part of the stage. In this second part, the riders face the Col d’Agnes (10 KM at 8.2%) and the uncategorized Port de Lers (4.6 KM at 5.3%), followed by a descent and a 34 KM valley to the foot of Plateau de Beille. On this mountain (15.8 KM at 7.9%), epic battles have been fought, and at the French holiday of 2024 it will be no different. The climb itself is fairly constant (steep); the first 5 KM average about 9%, and the 10th kilometer is the steepest at 9.5%. The last bit towards the finish flattens out a bit. Once at the top, the riders will have earned a well-deserved rest day. A breakaway could make it, but we would prefer to see a battle between the GC riders on this climb.
Stage 16 | Gruissan - Nîmes | 189 KM | 1.160 VM
The last week starts off with a relatively easy stage from Gruissan to Nîmes. Along the way, the riders face one 4th category climb and an uncategorized hill at the intermediate sprint. There is a (small) chance that the wind will play a role, although the nearby coastal roads are avoided by the organization. We therefore expect another, and probably final, chance for the pure sprinters who have survived the tough weekend. The final straight is long enough and begins after a 90-degree turn about 2.5 KM from the finish. However, there are still three roundabouts on this final straight, the last one about 400 meters from the finish. It's up to the organization to prepare this last roundabout well and safely, as no one wants to be hindered in the final meters. Let's sprint!
Stage 17 | Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux - Superdévoluy | 178 KM | 2.840 VM
This stage is an easier variant of stage 11, although it certainly has some similarities. The long first part of the stage is gently undulating but very manageable. The last 40 KM of the stage are quite tough. In these last 40 KM, the riders face the Col Bayard (6.8 KM at 7.3%), a nice warm-up for the absolute finale of this stage. After descending the Col Bayard and a short intermediate section, the riders start the Col du Noyer on 19 KM from the finish. This first-category climb is 7.5 KM long and averages 8.4%. The sting is in the tail: the last 2 KM of the climb average over 10%, making it an ideal launch platform for the decisive move. From the top of the Col du Noyer, it's 12 KM to the finish. The first 8 KM are downhill, and the last 4 KM belong to Superdévoluy, a climb of 3.8 KM at 5.9%, which flattens out towards the finish at the top. We think that a good group of escapees can build enough of a lead in the first part of the stage to hold off the GC contenders; the 'battle at two fronts' scenario seems most fitting scenario here.
Stage 18 | Gap - Barcelonnette | 180 KM | 3.140 VM
After a lap across France, we approach the Italian border again in this stage. The picturesque Barcelonnette, like the nearby Guillestre, is a beautiful location for a cycling holiday and serves as the finish of this so-called transition stage. Along the way, the riders face no fewer than 5 third-category climbs, and the road continues to rise in the final part of the stage. Given the elevation gain (over 3,000 meters) and the tough stages yet to come, it is quite likely that a strong breakaway fights for glory in Barcelonnette. Look for some strong (classic) riders who don't make it in the real high mountains but still have enough energy to give it one last go. The GC contenders will save their powder for what lies ahead.
Stage 19 | Embrun - Isola 2000 | 145 KM | 4.480 VM
Almost 4,500 meters of elevation gain, 2 hors-category climbs, and 1 first-category climb, all in 'just' 145 KM. An enormous challenge awaits the riders on this final Friday of the Tour de France 2024. From Embrun, the first 20 KM are slightly up and down; then the spectacle begins with the Col de Vars. This Col de Vars is 18.8 KM at 5.7%, although this average gradient is somewhat distorted by a fairly flat section of 4 KM in the middle part of the climb. The first 5 KM, for example, climb at an average of 8%, and in the second part, the percentages often exceed 8%. A good warm-up for the Cime de la Bonette, a monsterous climb of 22.9 KM at 6.9%, which starts after 20 KM descending from the Vars in Jausiers. The Bonette is a beautiful climb with stunning views and many hairpins and only gets really steep in the last KM. However, the length of the climb and the altitude will certainly have impact. The riders climb to the highest point of the Tour; the top of the Bonette at 2,802 meters is as well the highest passable road in Europe. There is no time to enjoy the views: after a long descent of about 40 KM, the final climb of the day awaits: Isola 2000. The top of this climb, located near the Italian border, is reached after 16.1 KM of climbing at an average of 7.1%. The first 8 KM of this climb are the toughest; they climb at an average of 8.4%. After that, it gets a bit easier, although the last kick to the finish is still quite steep. Given the limited distance of this stage, the continuous altitude, and the many climbs, we expect some fireworks here. Failed climbers and GC contenders who want to save their final GC and those still high in the classification: everyone will have to give his all!
Stage 20 | Nice - Col de la Couillole | 133 KM | 4.620 VM
Just when you think it can't get any harder, we present you with the 20th stage of this Tour and also the last regular stage. Even fewer kilometers than in stage 19, but more elevation gain: 4,620 meters in just 133 KM, a true nightmare with yesterday's stage in the legs. Today, the riders have about 14 KM to warm up before the Col de Braus (10 KM at 6.6%) begins. This climb is a nice warm-up for the long Col de Turini (20.7 KM at 5.7%), which starts almost immediately after the descent of the Col de Braus. The first half of the Turini is very manageable, with percentages never exceeding 5%. The last 11 KM climb at an average of 7.5%, but it never gets really steep. After descending the Turini, the road climbs from Roquebillière for almost 20 KM to the top of the Col de la Colmiane. However, the organization has determined that the official climb is 'only' 7.5 KM at 7.1%. Like the Turini, this climb never gets really steep. However, after the last two days, a lot of fatigue has built up in the riders' legs, and this may become very apparent on the final climb of the day: the Col de la Couillole (15.7 KM at 7.1%). This climb is quite steady, with percentages constantly hovering around 7% / 8%. Under normal circumstances, this is manageable, but after 3 weeks of the Tour, a climb of this length is still very tough. Differences will be made among the GC riders, although a successful breakaway with strong climbers is slightly more likely compared to stage 19.
Stage 21 | Monaco - Nice (ITT) | 33,7 KM | 690 VM
Due to the Paris Olympics, there is no traditional finish on the Champs-Élysées this year. No parade with champagne, group photos with smiling faces, and various playful actions, but a seriously tough time trial on the last day of the Tour: it will be a change in routine for both riders and viewers. The fight for the yellow jersey will be decided today along the Côte d'Azur with futuristic time trial helmets on the riders' heads. The time trial is 33.7 KM long and includes two serious climbs in the first part: the long La Turbie (8.1 KM at 5.6%) and the steep Col d’Èze (1.6 KM at 9.3%). Serious climbing, meaning that not all pure time trial specialists will compete for victory. The best GC riders, who generally recover best at the end of a Grand Tour, will probably have most to fight for and most reserves left. After the climbs, it is still about 17 KM to the finish: all downhill or flat kilometers. Once on the promenade, a U-turn follows about 2 KM from the finish, after which the riders ride in the opposite direction along the promenade and turn towards Place Masséna. This Place Masséna marks the finish line of this Tour. The 111th edition of the Tour de France is finished, and we will know who will succeed Jonas Vingegaard.
All Tour-content summarized:
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 - PREDICTION STAGE 1
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 - PREDICTION GC
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 - PREDICTION POINTS GC
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 - PREDICTION KOM CLASSIFICATION
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 - PREDICTION YOUTH GCKLASSEMENT
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 - ROUTE
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 - FANTASY GAME TIPS
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 - TOP-10 LIST BASED ON DATA
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 - MOST DROPOUTS IN A GRANDTOUR
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 - MOST STAGE-WINS
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