The 2023 Tour de France departs from Bilbao with a strong focus on rider safety following the recent tragic event at the Tour of Switzerland.
The 21-day race, which includes 30 challenging peaks, promises a thrilling contest between two strong contenders – champion Jonas Vangegaard and Slovenian star Tadje Pugacar. Riders follow a route that showcases the picturesque scenery of Spain’s Basque Country, while local fans eagerly await the Grand Depart in Bilbao.
Tour director Christian Prudhomme unveiled new measures to protect athletes, highlighting the organizers’ unwavering commitment to rider safety. “Rider safety is our eternal pursuit,” Prudhomme said, stressing the importance of minimizing risks during the race.
The first stage through the Basque region sets the tone for a demanding contest ahead. Riders will traverse unpaved roads, navigate challenging hills, and tackle five challenging climbs. The final two climbs, the Côte de Vivero and the crucial Côte de Pike, are expected to determine the stage winner, with steep slopes and close to the finish line.
“Everything happens in the first week,” commented Tadej Pogacar, expressing his excitement for the challenging stages ahead. However, the Slovenian sensation is dealing with a wrist injury that could affect her performance.
The rivalry between Vingegaard and Pogacar adds to the allure of the Tour de France, as both riders have already tasted victory over each other in previous editions. Tour director Prodhomé called the pairing “good for the Tour de France” and is likely to add to the excitement of the race.
Apart from the titanic battle between the top contenders, other riders aim to leave their mark on the race. Team Intermarche-Wanty’s Eritrean rider Biniam Girmay, who is keen to make history as the first black African to win a stage at the Tour, is the one to watch. Meanwhile, veteran sprinter Mark Cavendish is eyeing a record-breaking 35th stage win to overtake the legendary Eddy Merckx’s record.
As the peloton heads into France and passes the Pyrenees, the picturesque vineyards of Bordeaux, and the majestic dormant volcano of Pue-de-Dôme, it promises a thrilling journey filled with subplots and stage victories. Full of intense battles.
The Tour de France’s epic adventure will culminate in a traditional mass sprint on the magnificent cobbled Champs-Elysees, where the eventual winner will be crowned under the Arc de Triomphe on July 23. Both triumph and challenge, make this year’s Tour de France a spectacle not to be missed.
