.
.
.
#TourDeFrance #TDF2025 #MontmartreClimb #ChampsElysees #CyclingHistory #ParisFinale #PolkaDotJersey #WhiteJersey #CyclingInnovation #Stage21 #CyclingLegends #OlympicRoadRace #SacréCœur #CyclingTradition #GrandFinale
Source link
The Tour de France is set to shake up its traditional stage 21 finale in Paris with the introduction of the iconic Montmartre climb, marking a significant departure from the well-established Champs-Élysées sprint finish. This change, announced by race organizer ASO on May 14, 2025, is part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the first Champs-Élysées finish in 1975, a year that also saw the introduction of the polka dot jersey for the best climber and the white jersey for the best young rider.
The 2025 Tour de France will begin in Lille on July 5 and conclude in Paris on July 27. The final stage will now include a route that passes through the heights of Montmartre, a historic and picturesque area of Paris known for its cobbled streets and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. This addition is expected to add a new layer of excitement and unpredictability to the race’s grand finale.
While full details of the stage 21 route will be revealed on May 21, it is speculated that the peloton will take in three loops of the Montmartre climb before heading towards the Champs-Élysées. The Montmartre climb, which is approximately 1 kilometer long and features smooth paving stones, gained attention during the 2024 Olympic road races in Paris, where it became a focal point for attacks.
The inclusion of Montmartre could potentially disrupt the traditional sprint finish on the Champs-Élysées, which has been a staple of the Tour de France since 1975. The Champs-Élysées is often referred to as the “world championship of the sprinters,” and its flat, wide boulevard has provided a dramatic setting for the final stage of the race. However, the addition of a climb before the final sprint could introduce new tactical elements and make the stage more dynamic.
ASO’s decision to incorporate Montmartre into the final stage reflects a desire to innovate and keep the race fresh. The Tour de France has a long history of evolving its routes and formats to maintain excitement and challenge the riders. The 2025 edition will be no exception, with the Montmartre climb offering a unique and challenging addition to the race’s finale.
The 2025 Tour de France Femmes, however, will not feature the Montmartre climb. Instead, it will conclude in the northern end of the French Alps, providing a different kind of challenge for the women’s peloton.
The announcement of the Montmartre climb has generated significant buzz among cycling fans and experts. Many are eager to see how the inclusion of this iconic Parisian landmark will impact the race’s final stage. Will it lead to a more aggressive and unpredictable finish, or will the sprinters still dominate on the Champs-Élysées? The answer will be revealed when the peloton rolls into Paris on July 27, 2025.
In summary, the 2025 Tour de France will feature a historic change to its final stage in Paris, with the addition of the Montmartre climb. This innovation, part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Champs-Élysées finish, is expected to add a new dimension to the race’s grand finale. Full details of the stage 21 route will be unveiled on May 21, and cycling fans around the world will be eagerly anticipating the start of the race in Lille on July 5.