The 112th edition of the prestigious Tour de France will kick off on July 5, 2025 with 21 day-long challenging stages. The iconic cycling race will begin in Lille and end, as it traditionally does, on the Champs-Élysées in Paris on July 27.
The total distance of the race is 3,320 kms and will be covered across over 15 stages. The route will also cross all-four major mountain ranges—the Alps, Massif Central, Pyrenees and Jura. Of the 22 participating teams, the winners often share the prize pot. In 2023, Jonas Vingegaard’s victory earned $535,220 (~£463,000) for his squad.
Additionally, Primož Roglič (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) and rising star Carlos Rodríguez of Ineos Grenadiers are also looking forward to claim the leadership jersey.
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Known for his consistency in high-speed finishes, Jasper Philipsen of Alpecin-Deceuninck remains a strong contender. Biniam Girmay of Intermarché-Want—the 2024 green jersey winner and first African to win a Tour stage—will be looking to build on his historic performance, a Cycling Weekly report stated.
Other notable sprinters to look out for are Fabio Jakobsen, Dylan Groenewegen, Tim Merlier, and Jonathan Milan, who can all be expected to sparkle in the quick finishes. Sprint legend Mark Cavendish, meanwhile, has retired on a high with a record-breaking stage win in 2024, paving the way for a new cohort of sprinters to claim the limelight at the Tour.
The event will reportedly feature two individual time trials and two rest days. The mountainous route will traverse Massif Central, the Pyrenees, the Alps, and the Jura, with the Col de la Loze being the highest point of the race at 2,304 meters.
Among the highlight stages will be the revival of the classic Pau to Luchon-Superbagnères route, which has not featured in the race since 1986. The cumulative rise over the course of the race will top an incredible 52,500 metres. Stage 5's 33 kms time trial in Caen will suit powerful individual riders, whereas the shorter but higher 11 kms test on Stage 13 from Peyragudes to Loudenvielle will suit climbers. A 10, six, and four-second time bonuses will be offered to the top three finishers at every stage, adding another strategic element to an already tough race.
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The green jersey is awarded to the best sprinter and it is determined through points earned in intermediate sprints and stages finishes. The polka dot jersey is worn by the King of Mountains—a rider who has accumulated most points on classified climbs.
The white jersey is reserved for the Best Young Rider; it is awarded to the highest-ranked competitor under the age of 25 in GC. Additionally, a red bib number is given to the most combative rider of the day, recognising those who show exceptional aggression or effort during a stage.
Powerhouse teams such as Ineos Grenadiers, Jayco-AlUla, and Intermarché-Wanty are accompanied by Israel-Premier Tech, Lidl-Trek, and Lotto. Veteran teams like Movistar, Soudal Quick-Step, and TotalEnergies will look forward to leaving their imprint, while UAE Team Emirates-XRG and Visma-Lease a Bike complete a crowded and skilled field.
FAQs
Who are the biggest yellow jersey contenders at the 2025 Tour de France?
Top General Classification contenders are current defending champion Tadej Pogačar, two-time winner Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel, Primož Roglič, and Carlos Rodríguez.
How many stages are there in the 2025 Tour de France, and what kind of terrain does it traverse?
The 2025 version consists of 21 stages over 3,320 km, with flat, hilly, and mountainous landscapes in all the major French mountain chains—Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central, and Jura—plus two individual time trials.
The total distance of the race is 3,320 kms and will be covered across over 15 stages. The route will also cross all-four major mountain ranges—the Alps, Massif Central, Pyrenees and Jura. Of the 22 participating teams, the winners often share the prize pot. In 2023, Jonas Vingegaard’s victory earned $535,220 (~£463,000) for his squad.
Tour de France 2025 GC contenders
The battle for the yellow jersey aka Maillot Jaune is expected to be fierce as defending champion and 2024 Triple Crown winner Tadej Pogačar of UAE Team Emirates has eyes set on it. Two-time champion Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease A Bike) and Strong time trialist Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quick Step), who is returning from an injury, are also in the fray.Additionally, Primož Roglič (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) and rising star Carlos Rodríguez of Ineos Grenadiers are also looking forward to claim the leadership jersey.
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Sprinters to watch out in Tour de France 2025
Tour de France 2025 features seven flat stages, however, none are entirely without elevation, presenting an added challenge for sprinters. Despite the undulating terrain, several top names are expected to contest intensely.Known for his consistency in high-speed finishes, Jasper Philipsen of Alpecin-Deceuninck remains a strong contender. Biniam Girmay of Intermarché-Want—the 2024 green jersey winner and first African to win a Tour stage—will be looking to build on his historic performance, a Cycling Weekly report stated.
Other notable sprinters to look out for are Fabio Jakobsen, Dylan Groenewegen, Tim Merlier, and Jonathan Milan, who can all be expected to sparkle in the quick finishes. Sprint legend Mark Cavendish, meanwhile, has retired on a high with a record-breaking stage win in 2024, paving the way for a new cohort of sprinters to claim the limelight at the Tour.
Tour de France 2025 route
The route for this year’s race will be a 100 per cent French affair for the first time since 2020. The route, including 21 stages, will be spanned across 11 regions and 34 departments. Of the 21 stages, seven are flat, six are hilly, other six are gruelling mountain ranges with five summit finishes at Hautacam, Luchon-Superbagnères, Mont Ventoux, Courchevel Col de la Loze, and La Plagne Tarentaise.The event will reportedly feature two individual time trials and two rest days. The mountainous route will traverse Massif Central, the Pyrenees, the Alps, and the Jura, with the Col de la Loze being the highest point of the race at 2,304 meters.
Among the highlight stages will be the revival of the classic Pau to Luchon-Superbagnères route, which has not featured in the race since 1986. The cumulative rise over the course of the race will top an incredible 52,500 metres. Stage 5's 33 kms time trial in Caen will suit powerful individual riders, whereas the shorter but higher 11 kms test on Stage 13 from Peyragudes to Loudenvielle will suit climbers. A 10, six, and four-second time bonuses will be offered to the top three finishers at every stage, adding another strategic element to an already tough race.
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Tour de France 2025 jerseys explained
The Tour de France features a distinctive set of Jerseys, which highlight rider achievements. The iconic yellow jersey is awarded to the overall leader in the General Classification—representing the rider with lowest cumulative time.The green jersey is awarded to the best sprinter and it is determined through points earned in intermediate sprints and stages finishes. The polka dot jersey is worn by the King of Mountains—a rider who has accumulated most points on classified climbs.
The white jersey is reserved for the Best Young Rider; it is awarded to the highest-ranked competitor under the age of 25 in GC. Additionally, a red bib number is given to the most combative rider of the day, recognising those who show exceptional aggression or effort during a stage.
Teams competing in the event
Among the competition are powerhouse teams like Alpecin-Deceuninck, Arkéa-B&B Hotels, and the XDS Astana Team. Others include Bahrain-Victorious, Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, Cofidis, and Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale. Team Picnic PostNL, EF Education-EasyPost, and Groupama-FDJ will also feature.Powerhouse teams such as Ineos Grenadiers, Jayco-AlUla, and Intermarché-Wanty are accompanied by Israel-Premier Tech, Lidl-Trek, and Lotto. Veteran teams like Movistar, Soudal Quick-Step, and TotalEnergies will look forward to leaving their imprint, while UAE Team Emirates-XRG and Visma-Lease a Bike complete a crowded and skilled field.
Recent winners
- 2024: Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia)
- 2023, 2022: Jonas Vingegaard (Denmark)
- Earlier winners: Chris Froome, Vincenzo Nibali, Bradley Wiggins
How to watch Tour de France 2025
The audiences in the United Kingdom and Europe can tune into Discovery+, Eurosport or ITV 4 to watch the cycling race. The audience in the US can catch the action live on NBC Sports and Peacock. The Canadian and Australian audience can watch the race on Flobikes and SBS On Demand, respectively.FAQs
Who are the biggest yellow jersey contenders at the 2025 Tour de France?
Top General Classification contenders are current defending champion Tadej Pogačar, two-time winner Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel, Primož Roglič, and Carlos Rodríguez.
How many stages are there in the 2025 Tour de France, and what kind of terrain does it traverse?
The 2025 version consists of 21 stages over 3,320 km, with flat, hilly, and mountainous landscapes in all the major French mountain chains—Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central, and Jura—plus two individual time trials.
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