The world’s most famous cycling race, Tour de France, is set to hit the roads in 2023, and the excitement is already palpable! The 110th edition of this historic event is scheduled to embark from Copenhagen and conclude in Paris after gruelling stages of the race over three weeks. It’s a bicycling paradise where thousands of sports fans and cycling enthusiasts witness their idols compete against each other in the world’s most intense cycling competition. If you are planning to join them, here is everything you need to know about the Tour de France 2023!
Where will the 2023 Tour de France start?
The 2023 Tour de France will start from Copenhagen, Denmark. The Grand Depart or opening stage of the race will take place on July 1, 2023, and will be a flat, 13-kilometre time trial around the Danish capital. This will mark the fourth time that Denmark has hosted the Grand Depart of the Tour de France, making it the first country outside of France to have done so that many times.
Where will the Tour de France 2023 finish?
The Tour de France 2023 will finish in Paris, as is the tradition. The final stage of the race is set to take place on July 23, 2023, and will be a flat, 116-kilometre sprint from Château-Thierry to the iconic Champs-Élysées. This will be the 110th time that the Tour de France will finish on the Champs-Élysées, making it one of the most iconic sporting finishes in the world.
How many km is the Tour de France 2023?
The Tour de France 2023 is set to be a gruelling 3,569-kilometre race that will take the riders through some of the most picturesque parts of Europe. The race will have 21 stages, including eight flat stages, five hilly stages, six mountain stages, and two individual time trials. The riders will have to tackle several mountain passes, including the Col de Portet, the Col du Tourmalet, and the Col d’Izoard, among others.
Who is likely to win Tour de France 2023?
It’s always difficult to predict the winner of the Tour de France, given the unpredictable nature of the race. However, several riders are likely to be in contention for the yellow jersey, which is awarded to the overall winner of the race. Riders such as Jonas Vinegaard, Tadej Pogačar, Primoz Roglič, Wout Van Aert, Geraint Thomas, and Fred Wright, among others, are likely to be among the top contenders for the title. It’s worth noting that the Tour de France is not just about the overall winner but also about the individual stage winners and the battles that unfold during the race.
The different jerseys of the Tour de France
One of the most interesting aspects is the jerseys that the cyclists wear. Each jersey has a special meaning, and these meanings can often change throughout the tour. The yellow jersey, for example, is awarded to the rider who has the fastest time overall, while the green jersey is given to the rider who has the most sprint points. The polka dot jersey goes to the cyclist who is the best climber, and the white jersey is awarded to the young rider with the best overall time. These jerseys aren’t just for show, they represent a significant accomplishment and are highly coveted by the riders.
Interesting stats of previous races
There have been some incredible achievements throughout the race’s history, including records being broken left and right. For example, Sylvain Chavanel holds the record for the most appearances with an impressive 18 under his belt. He’s also tied with Joop Zoetemelk for the most finishes, each with 16. However, Chavanel’s record-breaking feat doesn’t end there; he’s completed 369 of the race’s stages, which is more than anyone else to date. Speaking of impressive records, Zoetemelk is still the king of most kilometers ridden in Tour de France history, with an astonishing 62,885.
Meanwhile, the 2022 edition of the race proved to be the fastest yet, with Jonas Vingegaard achieving an overall speed of 42.102 km/h by cycling a total of 3,349.8 km in just over 79 hours. Another notable achievement is the 10 or more stage wins that 34 riders have managed to snag, with Mark Cavendish and Eddy Merckx leading the pack at 34 each. Speaking of Merckx, he holds the title for the most yellow jerseys worn, having donned the iconic jersey a whopping 96 times throughout his career. And let’s not forget the most recent winner, Wout van Aert, who made history by winning mountain, sprint, and individual time trial stages in a single Tour. It’s no wonder the Tour de France is considered one of the most challenging and awe-inspiring events in the world of sports.
The Tour de France 2023 promises to be an unforgettable event for cycling fans and sports travellers alike. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, there’s plenty to see, do, and experience during the race. From the scenic beauty of the race route to the exhilarating battles between the riders, the Tour de France never fails to disappoint. So mark your calendars for July 2023, and get ready to witness one of the most iconic sporting events in the world!