The 2024 Tour de France has taken the cycling world by storm, delivering thrilling races filled with captivating stories. This year marks a historic moment as the Grand Tour began in Italy for the first time, with Florence proudly hosting the Grand Depart. Additionally, San Marino joined the ranks as the 14th country to be featured in the race’s stages, adding to the event's rich tapestry of international cycling.
As the race unfolds, fans are treated to a unique finish this year, with a time trial in Nice replacing the traditional sprint along the Champs-Elysees. This change comes in light of the ongoing preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking the first time an individual time trial will conclude the Tour since 1989. During that memorable year, Greg LeMond edged out Laurent Fignon in what is regarded as the closest finish in Tour history.
With the excitement building, here’s everything you need to know about watching the 2024 Tour de France, the key highlights, and predictions for who might take home the coveted yellow jersey!
How to Watch Live
In the United Kingdom, cycling enthusiasts have the opportunity to tune in to the race through two major broadcasters. ITV offers free coverage of every stage on ITV4 and its streaming service, ITVX. For those who prefer subscription services, the Tour de France is also available on Eurosport and discovery+.
Typically, ITV begins its coverage around 12 PM each day, while Eurosport offers a slightly earlier start, providing coverage from approximately 11:30 AM. This gives viewers ample time to settle in and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and intense competition that the Tour de France promises.
How to Watch Highlights
In addition to live coverage, fans can catch the highlights of the race. ITV usually airs its highlight show at 7 PM, while Eurosport follows with its highlights at 8 PM. These shows encapsulate the day’s most thrilling moments, ensuring that viewers don’t miss any of the action.
Distance and Stages of the Tour
This year, the peloton will traverse a remarkable distance of 3,492 km (2,170 miles) over the course of 21 days of racing. The longest stage, Stage 3, stretches 229 km (142 miles) from Piacenza to Turin, while Stage 20 features the shortest road distance of 133 km (83 miles) from Nice to Col de La Couillole. Additionally, two individual time trials are included, with Stage 7 covering 25 km (16 miles) and the final stage from Monaco to Nice extending over 34 km (21 miles).
Who Are the Contenders for Victory?
This year’s competition is fierce, with Tadej Pogacar from UAE Team Emirates emerging as a strong favorite. Having recently secured the maglia rosa in Italy, he is on the verge of achieving an impressive Giro-Tour double, a feat that no male rider has accomplished in a single season this century. However, he faces tough competition from defending champion Jonas Vingegaard, who is determined to reclaim his title despite suffering injuries in a crash earlier this year.
Other prominent contenders include Primoz Roglic and Remco Evenepoel, both of whom have shown incredible talent throughout the race. Pogacar’s remarkable performance thus far has set him apart, but the unpredictable nature of the Tour means that anything can happen.
As the 2024 Tour de France continues to unfold, fans around the world are eagerly following the races, looking forward to the exciting moments and potential upsets that define this legendary cycling event!
