2021 Tour de France Race Preview
The details of this year's 2021 Tour de France are falling into place. Find the latest route profiles and maps below, followed by our strategic preview of the race.
The 2021 Tour de France is set to be one of the most compelling editions in recent memory, with a genuine battle at the top of the general classification that could involve a handful of riders rather than the usual one or two favorites. The race departs from Brest in Brittany on June 26th, offering a fitting tribute to the region before the peloton heads south and east toward the Alps and ultimately the Pyrenees.
Tadej Pogacar arrives as the defending champion after his stunning performance in 2020, where he overturned a significant deficit to Primoz Roglic in the final time trial at La Planche des Belles Filles. The young Slovenian, still only 22 years old, has shown no signs of slowing down and will be the man everyone else is targeting. His UAE Team Emirates squad has been reinforced for this campaign, and Pogacar himself has demonstrated he is dangerous across all terrain.
His compatriot and Jumbo-Visma leader Roglic will be desperate to atone for last year's heartbreak and will have a formidable team around him including Jonas Vingegaard, who has emerged as a serious climber in his own right. Ineos Grenadiers present their customary depth with Richard Carapaz, Geraint Thomas, and Adam Yates all capable of challenging on the right day.
Ben OConnor, Wilco Kelderman, and Guillaume Martin represent the dark horses, while the punishing mountain stages in the final week could yet produce unexpected heroes. The sprinters will find opportunities in the opening stages, with Caleb Ewan and Mark Cavendish among those hunting stage wins before the race hits the hills.
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