The iconic cycling event, Tour de France, is just around the corner! The 111th edition of the race will take place from June 29th to July 21st. The race will see 176 cyclists competing in 21 stages across France, Italy, San Marino, and Monaco, starting in Florence. This year, the Tour de France will have a new finish line in Nice instead of Paris, due to the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.
Last year’s winner, Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard, is hoping to defend his title this year. However, Vingegaard’s preparation has been hindered by a serious injury sustained during the Baskenland-Rundfahrt in April, where he broke his collarbone, several ribs, and suffered a lung contusion. Despite returning to training in early May, it remains uncertain if he will be in peak condition for the Tour de France.
Vingegaard expressed his hopes of participating in the race, stating, „I hope to be at the start of the Tour de France. I’m trying my best to be in peak form, but nobody knows how the recovery will go and what my condition will be.“ If Vingegaard manages to recover in time, fans can expect an intense battle between him and two-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar. Pogacar, the current favorite, is aiming to reclaim the title after losing to Vingegaard in the past two editions of the race.
For cycling enthusiasts, the Tour de France will be broadcasted live on ARD and Eurosport in Germany. Additionally, sports fans can stream the race on sportschau.de and Discovery+. Subscribers to DAZN will also have access to live coverage of the Tour de France. Don’t miss out on the thrilling action of this year’s race!