It’s that time again. The 110^th edition of cycling’s greatest spectacle is just around the corner and today we are going to be taking a deep dive into everything you need to know about this year’s race, including the key stages, main contenders and top sprinters.

Starting on the 1st of July in Bilbao, the 110th edition looks set to be an intriguing one as the route features all five major mountain ranges in France and just one time trial. It’s a race for pure climbers, serving up a mouthwatering duel between the mountain goats throughout the race. Let’s get into it.

Key Stages to watch

Stage 6 – Tarbes – Cauterets – Cambasque – 144.9km – Mountains. 6th July 2023.

This short, but challenging stage takes in four categorised climbs including the Col d’Aspin and the legendary Col du Tourmalet. The stage doesn’t finish on the Tourmalet though. Instead, the peloton faces one last climb to the Cambasque Plateau.

Stage 9 – Saint Léonard de Noblat – Puy de Dôme – 182.4km – Medium Mountains. 9th July 2023.

35 years since the Tour de France last visited, the Puy de Dôme climb returns to the route this year. This stage is on constantly rolling terrain and looks like an energy sapping day. The Puy de Dôme isn’t the highest climb, however it’s gradients are scary. 13.3km at an average of 7.7% including lengthy sections at 12%. There are sure to be significant gaps.

Stage 13 – Châtillon Sur Chalaronne – Grand Colombier – 137.8km – Mountains. 14th July 2023

Another short but spectacular stage awaits in the Jura mountains. A flat start should allow a breakaway to form en-route to the foot of the Grand Colombier, though a GC battle will likely be today’s focus. The final climb is a brute; 17.4km at an average of 7.1%. We’ll get a good mid-race look at the contenders’ respective conditions today.

Stage 16 – Passy – Combloux – 22.4km – ITT. 18th July 2023.

The only time trial of the race looks set to be one that will suit the GC riders. The route takes the riders uphill from the start as a gentle false flat gives way to the Côte de la Cascade de Coeur. The climb is just 1.5km long but with an average gradient of 9.4%, it’s a wall that will test everyone’s legs. It will also be interesting to see who chooses to go for a bike change at the foot of the climb.

Stage 17 – Saint Gervais Mont Blanc – Courchevel – 165.7km – Mountains. 19th July 2023.

There’s no relaxing for the GC men following the TT, as the queen stage of this edition awaits on stage 17. A tough day in the saddle will see the riders take on four categorised climbs before the ascension of the Col de la Loze. This modern giant is over 28km long, with an average gradient of 6%. Following a short descent, the small matter of an 18% ramp up to Courchevel airfield closes the stage.

Stage 20 – Belfort – Le Markstein Fellering – 133.5km – Mountains. 22nd July 2023

At just 133.5km long, the stage is another short one, however this didn’t stop the organisers from including six categorised climbs. The final two climbs of the day should be where the action happens, as the Petit Ballon leads into the Col du Platzerwasel before the finish in Le Markstein Fellering.

Main Contenders

2022 saw Danish climber Jonas Vingegaard upset the established order by taking the first yellow jersey of his career, forcing two-time victor Tadej Pogačar to settle for second place. This edition looks set to be a near carbon copy of this battle as both target the yellow jersey once more.

Jonas Vingegaard

The defending champion comes into this race in sparking form having soared to victory at the Dauphinè. The Dane won the week-long stage race by over two minutes, sending a message to all his rivals. Despite this, when he last faced Tadej Pogačar at Paris – Nice, Vingegaard was comfortably beaten.