Archive · 20 May 2025
Montmartre Climb at Tour de France Sparks Controversy
The Tour de France, a big bike race, is changing things up!
This year, instead of just a flat finish, cyclists will have to climb a hill called Montmartre in Paris on the last day.
This could shake things up, maybe even deciding who wins!
Some riders aren't too happy because it makes the last day harder and might take away the chance for the fast guys to win.
The race organizers think it'll be a more exciting race with more twists and turns, making for a great show.
But some riders worry that the narrow, cobbled streets might make it more dangerous and stressful for the riders.
So, we'll have to wait and see if the climb makes the race even more exciting!
The Tour de France will include a climb up Montmartre hill in Paris during the final stage.
The new climb aims to alter the final stage's traditional format, which often ends in a sprint.
Some riders, like Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel, have expressed concerns about the climb's impact on the race.
Organizers believe the climb will add tactical uncertainty and excitement to the race.
The route will be presented at a news conference on Wednesday.
- Who
- Tour de France organizers, cyclists (including top riders such as Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel).
- What
- A new climb up Montmartre hill is added to the final stage of the Tour de France, potentially changing the race's dynamics and sparking controversy.
- When
- July, during the final stage of the Tour de France.
- Where
- Paris, specifically the Montmartre hill and the Champs-Élysées.
- Why
- To potentially change the race dynamics, make the final stage more challenging, and create a spectacle.
Riders
Organizers/Spectators
Impact on Sprinters and Overall Race Strategy
Riders
Some riders, like Remco Evenepoel, believe the Montmartre climb is an unnecessary obstacle, taking away sprinters' chances and adding stress to the final stage.
Organizers/Spectators
Race organizers aim to inject tactical uncertainty, potentially deciding the winner and making the final stage more dynamic, which could be a spectacle.
- Race Distance
- 3,320 kilometers (2,060 miles)
- Tour Start
- July 5, 2024
- Women's Race Start Location
- Brittany town of Vannes
- Women's Race Start Date
- July 26, 2024
- Previous Final Stage
- Traditionally finishes on the Champs-Élysées
- New Feature
- Includes a climb of Montmartre hill