The Tour de France, cycling’s most prestigious event, is set to captivate audiences worldwide in 2024. This year’s race promises an exhilarating mix of challenging terrain, strategic racing, and unforgettable moments. Let’s dive into the details of this upcoming spectacle.
| Stage | Date | Length | Location (type) | Start (ET) | TV/Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | June 29 | 206 km (128 miles) | Florence to Rimini (hilly) | 6:30 a.m. | Peacock |
| 2 | June 30 | 199.2 km (123.8 miles) | Cesenatico to Bologna (hilly) | 6:05 a.m. | Peacock |
| 3 | July 1 | 230.8 km (143.4 miles) | Piacenza to Turin (flat) | 6:50 a.m. | Peacock |
| 4 | July 2 | 139.6 km (86.7 miles) | Pinerolo to Valloire (mountain) | 7 a.m. | Peacock |
| 5 | July 3 | 177.4 km (110.2 miles) | Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne to Saint-Vulbas (flat) | 6:55 a.m. | Peacock |
| 6 | July 4 | 163.5 km (101.6 miles) | Macon to Dijon (flat) | 7 a.m. | Peacock |
| 7 | July 5 | 25.3 km (15.7 miles) | Nuits-Saint-Georges to Gevrey-Chambertin (individual time-trial) | 7:10 a.m. | Peacock |
| 8 | July 6 | 183.4 km (114 miles) | Semur-en-Auxois to Colombey-les-Deux-Églises (flat) | 6 a.m. | Peacock, NBC, Fubo |
| 9 | July 7 | 199 km (123.7 miles) | Troyes to Troyes (hilly) | 7:05 a.m. | Peacock |
| Rest Day | July 8 | – | – | – | – |
| 10 | July 9 | 187.3 km (116.3 miles) | Orléans to Saint-Amand-Montrond (flat) | 6:55 a.m. | Peacock |
| 11 | July 10 | 221 km (137.3 miles) | Evaux-les-Bains to Le Lioran (mountain) | 6:55 a.m. | Peacock |
| 12 | July 11 | 203.6 km (126.5 miles) | Aurillac to Villeneuve-sur-Lot (flat) | 6:55 a.m. | Peacock |
| 13 | July 12 | 165.3 km (102.7 miles) | Agen to Pau (flat) | 7:30 a.m. | Peacock |
| 14 | July 13 | 151.9 km (94.3 miles) | Pau to Saint-Lary-Soulan/Pla d’Adet (mountain) | 6:30 a.m. | Peacock, NBC, Fubo |
| 15 | July 14 | 198 km (123 miles) | Loudenvielle to Plateau de Beille (mountain) | 6:55 a.m. | Peacock |
| Rest Day | July 15 | – | – | – | – |
| 16 | July 16 | 188.6 km (117.1 miles) | Gruissan to Nimes (flat) | 6:50 a.m. | Peacock |
| 17 | July 17 | 177.8 km (110.5 miles) | Saint-Paul-Trois-Chateaux to SuperDevoluy (mountain) | 6:05 a.m. | Peacock |
| 18 | July 18 | 179.5 km (111.5 miles) | Gap to Barcelonnette (hilly) | 6:55 a.m. | Peacock |
| 19 | July 19 | 144.6 km (89.8 miles) | Embrun to Isola 2000 (mountain) | 7:05 a.m. | Peacock |
| 20 | July 20 | 132.8 km (82.5 miles) | Nice to Col de la Couillole (mountain) | 7:35 a.m. | Peacock, NBC, Fubo |
| 21 | July 21 | 33.7 km (20.9 miles) | Monaco to Nice (individual time-trial) | 10:10 a.m. | Peacock |
Race Overview
The 2024 Tour de France will span 21 stages over 23 days, covering a total distance of approximately 3,500 kilometers. The race kicks off on June 29 in Florence, Italy, and concludes on July 21 in Nice, France. This edition features:
- 2 rest days
- 2 individual time trials
- 6 mountain stages
- 7 flat stages
- 4 hilly stages
Key Stages to Watch
Stage 1: Florence to Rimini (June 29)
The race begins with a 206 km hilly stage from Florence to Rimini. This opening day will set the tone for the entire Tour, with riders navigating challenging terrain along the Italian coast.
Stage 4: Pinerolo to Valloire (July 2)
The first mountain stage of the Tour takes riders from Pinerolo to Valloire over 139.6 km. This stage will likely see the first significant shake-up in the general classification.
Stage 7: Nuits-Saint-Georges to Gevrey-Chambertin (July 5)
A 25.3 km individual time trial will test riders’ abilities against the clock. This short but intense stage could create substantial time gaps among contenders.
Stage 14: Pau to Saint-Lary-Soulan/Pla d’Adet (July 13)
This 151.9 km mountain stage in the Pyrenees will be crucial for overall contenders. The finish at Pla d’Adet is known for its steep gradients and potential for dramatic racing.
Stage 21: Monaco to Nice (July 21)
The Tour concludes with a 33.7 km individual time trial from Monaco to Nice. This final stage could decide the overall winner, adding suspense until the very end.
Broadcast Information
Fans can catch all the action live on Peacock, which will stream every stage. Additionally, select stages will be broadcast on NBC and Fubo. Here’s a breakdown of key broadcast details:
- All stages available on Peacock
- Stages 8, 14, and 20 also on NBC and Fubo
- Start times range from 6:00 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. ET
Race Strategy and Tactics
The diverse nature of the 2024 route will require teams to employ various strategies:
- Sprinters will target flat stages for stage wins
- Climbers will aim to gain time in the mountains
- Time trial specialists will look to excel in the two races against the clock
- All-rounders will need to perform consistently across all terrains
Teams will need to balance their efforts between supporting their general classification contenders and pursuing stage victories.
Preparing for the Challenge
Riders preparing for the Tour de France 2024 will focus on:
- Altitude training for mountain stages
- Time trial practice for the two individual efforts
- Team tactics for protecting leaders and setting up sprinters
- Recovery techniques to manage the three-week workload
The 2024 Tour de France promises to be an exciting and unpredictable race. With its mix of mountainous challenges, strategic time trials, and sprint opportunities, this edition will test the world’s best cyclists in every aspect of their abilities. Fans around the globe can look forward to three weeks of thrilling competition as riders battle for the coveted yellow jersey.