The 2025 Tour de France is set to begin on July 5 in Lille, France, with a total of 21 stages that will conclude in Paris on July 27[4][5]. This year’s race includes three stages in the north of France and features iconic climbs like Mont Ventoux and summit finishes in the Pyrenees and the Alps[4][8]. The race will also include two time trials, one in Caen and a mountain time trial on the Col de Peyresourde[4].
Several key rule changes have been implemented for the 2025 edition. The three-kilometre rule for sprint finishes will be adapted to four or five kilometres on select stages, allowing riders involved in crashes or mechanical issues within these zones to receive the same time as their group[2]. Additionally, bonus sprints have been removed, and time limits in mountain stages have been extended[2].
Team Ineos Grenadiers is aiming for stage wins and a strong general classification challenge, led by Carlos Rodríguez and supported by Geraint Thomas in his final Tour de France before retirement[1][7]. Other notable contenders include Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard, expected to engage in a fierce battle for the yellow jersey[1][8].
French riders are seeking to break a 40-year drought since Bernard Hinault’s last victory in 1985. Among them are Lenny Martinez, Julian Alaphilippe, Benjamin Thomas, and Anthony Turgis, all aiming for stage wins on home soil[3].
References
- [1] Tour de France 2025
- [2] Tour de France introduces key rule changes for 2025
- [3] Info with three days to go – Tour de France 2025
- [4] Tour de France 2025 route | Cyclingnews
- [5] Tour de France 2025 News, Results & Updates
- [6] Tour de France 2025 route: stage profiles, previews, start, finish times
- [7] Rodriguez leads versatile roster for the 2025 Tour de France
- [8] Tour de France 2025 route: Summit finishes, time trials and a return