Questions and Answers about the Tour de France

Tour de France: The World’s Most Significant Cycling Race

For the 110th time, the Tour de France, the most significant cycling race in the world, will take place. In the year 2023, it will start in Spain, marking the 25th time in its history that the race begins outside of France. The favorites for victory have already competed in 2022.

Key Dates and Information about the Tour de France

From July 1st to July 23rd, the Tour de France will captivate all cycling fans. Here, you will find all the essential information about the world’s most significant cycling race.

The 110th Tour de France Begins on July 1st

The Tour de France, the most important cycling race in the world, will start on July 1st. This year, the race will cover 3,405.6 kilometers and consist of 21 stages, culminating in the traditional finale on July 23rd on the Champs-Elysees in Paris. The race will commence with a 182-kilometer stage in Bilbao, marking the 25th Grand Depart outside of France. Spain will host three stages in total, and the Tour entourage will reach France on Monday with the stage finishing in Bayonne.

Rematch of Last Year’s Thrilling Duel

The rematch between defending champion Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogacar awaits at the Tour de France. The Danish rider, Vingegaard, demonstrated his strong form by winning the Criterium du Dauphine in early June. His highly talented Jumbo-Visma team is fully committed to securing another triumph in Paris. Pogacar, the Tour champion of 2020 and 2021, is the more explosive rider of the two. He returned to racing at the Slovenian National Championships in June, following a severe crash at the Liege-Bastogne-Liege Classic in late April, and effortlessly claimed victory.

Few German Riders in the Race

Only seven German riders will participate in the Tour, the lowest number since 2002. There is no contender for the podium, and the sprint stars of the past have retired from professional cycling. While stage victories are unlikely, they cannot be ruled out. Phil Bauhaus could make a splash in the sprints, and Nils Politt and veteran Simon Geschke have celebrated as escape artists in the past. German champion Emanuel Buchmann is designated to support Australian rider Jai Hindley in the German team Bora-hansgrohe. However, depending on the race’s development, the mountain specialist may also have opportunities for individual success.

Other Riders to Watch

The 2023 Tour will bid farewell to some of the biggest names. Sprinter Mark Cavendish will participate in his final Tour de France and aims to claim another stage victory to secure the outright stage record. Currently, the British rider shares the record of 34 stage wins with Eddy Merckx. Peter Sagan, the record holder with seven Green Jersey wins, will also compete for the last time. In the battle for the points classification, the three-time world champion is no longer the top favorite. The French fans are especially keeping an eye on Thibaut Pinot, who has faced misfortune during previous Tours despite finishing third once. The desire for the first French Tour winner since Bernard Hinault in 1985 continues.

Key Stages to Look Out For

After a hilly and challenging start, the race intensifies on the 6th stage. In the Pyrenees, three difficult mountain climbs await, including the Col du Tourmalet. The ascent to the Puy de Dome volcano in the Massif Central on the 9th stage promises a spectacle, while the only individual time trial, relatively short, will take place on the 16th stage. The toughest mountain stage will follow a day later, leading to Courchevel in the Alps. On the final stage before the finish in Paris, all strengths must be mobilized in the Vosges.

Doping Situation

Quiet. Rumors surrounding Slovenian top riders Pogacar and Giro d’Italia champion Primoz Roglic, who is not participating in the Tour, have remained mere speculation. The controversial aspect lies mainly in the questionable environment surrounding Pogacar, including individuals such as UAE team manager Mauro Gianetti and doctor and trainer Inigo San Millan.

Where to Watch the Tour de France

Eurosport will broadcast every stage of the Tour de France live and in full length on Eurosport 1, both on free TV and via livestream. The ARD (German public broadcaster) will also provide extensive coverage. In addition to live television broadcasts, the network will offer a wide range of programming on radio and digital channels, dedicated to the most important cycling race of the year. The ARD will start its coverage on weekdays at 2:10 PM and with varying start times on weekends.