2024-10-29 18:29:00
Unveiled this Tuesday morning, October 29 at the Palais des Congrès in Paris, the route of the 112th edition of the Tour de France which will take place from July 5 to 27, 2025, is making its comeback in Brittany and especially in Normandy, including two stages in the Calvados department.
After three editions launched successively in Denmark, in Spain then last year in Italy, the Grande Boucle 2025 is traced entirely within the borders of France. The start will be given on Saturday July 5 from the Esplanade du Champ de Mars in Lille to arrive three weeks later on the Champs-Elysées in Paris, at the end of the 21 stages and 3,320 kilometers of racing.
In addition to prestigious meetings in the mountains, such as Luchon-Superbagnères on July 19, at Mont Ventoux on July 22 or at the Col de la Loze on the heights of Courchevel on July 24this next edition returns to Normandy. Nine years after his last visit and his Grand Départ from Mont Saint-Michel in 2016.
Nine years later
On Tuesday July 8, the 4th stage departing from Amiens will arrive in Rouen, the “city of a hundred steeples”. The day after, an individual time trial of 33 kilometers will take place in the city of William the Conqueror which will celebrate its millennium at the same time. In Caen, the start will be given near the marina. One after the other, the runners will then race past the ducal castle and the University before heading up towards the Memorial. A little tour in the Caen suburbs then it will be an express return to town with a passage in front of the town hall and an arrival along the racecourse.
Calvados always on Thursday July 10 with “a leg-breaking stage” of 201 kilometers which will take the runners from Bayeux to Virethe hometown of the animator Michel Drucker. Between these two towns, runners will cross some of the most beautiful landscapes of Normandy Switzerland. Note that Bayeux, known for its famous tapestry and located only a few kilometers from the Landing Beach of Omaha Beach, will be departure city for the very first time in the history of the Grande Boucle.
50 years since the first arrival on the Champs-Elysées
Taking place 100% in France, this 112th edition will also pay tribute to the great champions of French cycling, from Jean Robic to Laurent Fignon via Louison Bobet, Jacques Anquetil, Bernard Thévenet and Bernard Hinault, last French winner of the Tour with a visit on July 11 to his hometown of Yffiniac in Côtes-d’Armor.
The year 2025 also coincides with a triple anniversary: the 50th anniversary of the polka dot jersey, but also that of the youth classification, as well as the first arrival on the Champs-Elysées in 1975 in Paris.
On July 20, thousands of cyclists between Albertville and La Plagne
July 20, 2025, the 33e edition of L’Étape du Tour de France, the benchmark cyclosport in Europe, on closed roads, will take the route of the 19e stage of the Tour de France, between Albertville and La Plagne. An experience of 131 km and 4,500 m of positive altitude difference in the splendid scenery of Savoie with the ascent of five passes, including the difficult Col du Pré, the Cormet de Roselend and the final climb towards La Plagne. Some 16,000 cyclists are expected.
New this year, the first edition of L’Étape du Tour de France Femmes with Zwift will take place on August 2, 2025 on a more accessible route between Chambéry and the Col de la Madeleine.
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**Interview with Christian Prudhomme, Director of the Tour de France**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Christian. The route for the 112th edition of the Tour de France has just been unveiled, and it looks like there’s a lot for cycling fans to be excited about, especially with the return to Normandy after nine years. What does it mean for you to bring the Tour back to this region?
**Christian Prudhomme**: Thank you for having me! Bringing the Tour back to Normandy is truly significant. The region has a rich cycling history and stunning landscapes. With stages starting in places like Bayeux and moving through beautiful Norman countryside, it’s a tribute not only to the sport but also to the culture of this area. I’m particularly excited about Bayeux being the departure city for the first time in Tour history.
**Interviewer**: That’s an exciting milestone! I also noticed that the route features a challenging 201 km stage from Bayeux to Vire. What can participants and fans expect from this segment?
**Christian Prudhomme**: Absolutely, the stage from Bayeux to Vire is designed to be ‘leg-breaking’ as we like to say. It will provide a stern test for the riders as they navigate hilly terrains. This stage is not just about speed; it’s about endurance and strategy, and I anticipate we will see some thrilling battles for the overall standings.
**Interviewer**: The presentation also highlighted a significant anniversary for the Tour, correlating with a number of milestones. Could you elaborate on these celebrations?
**Christian Prudhomme**: This year is particularly special as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the polka dot jersey and the youth classification, along with marking the first arrival on the Champs-Élysées in 1975. These anniversaries honor both the traditions of cycling and the evolution of the Tour. We want to celebrate not only our history but also the future of cycling.
**Interviewer**: Lastly, what are your hopes for the engagement of local fans and international audiences during the Tour in 2025?
**Christian Prudhomme**: My hope is that we can inspire a new generation of cyclists and bring communities together in celebration. I want fans—both local and abroad—to feel the energy and spirit of the Tour, whether they are watching on the roadside or following along at home. Cycling has a unique way of uniting people, and I believe this edition will further strengthen that bond.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Christian. We’re looking forward to the excitement that the 2025 Tour de France will bring!
**Christian Prudhomme**: Thank you! It’s going to be an exceptional journey, and I can’t wait to see everyone along the route.
