Historic departure from the Basque Country
The plan begins in the Biscayan capital where the first stage ends in the Basque Country, setting a dramatic tone for the 2023 Tour. The opening time trial in the Basque capital marks an important moment for the overall standings. The three Basque capitals shape the narrative as the second stage stretches toward Donostia from Vitoria. Expect a day that favors climbers rather than sprinters, with a demanding finish beside La Concha beach and the tough Jaizkibel climb, arguably Gipuzkoa’s most climbed mountain.
Five mountain ranges and 30 harbors
The Pyrenees move into the schedule by the sixth stage, with climbs between Marie Blanque, Aspin, and Tourmalet likely to define early what lies ahead. The race breaks new ground by featuring high mountain passes early in the week, a bold choice that tests deep rosters. The fear for favorites is clear as the route promises severe challenges, yet the Tour has never before logged such a brutal sequence across the second, first and special category climbs. With six days and 13 peaks on the calendar, the Alps bring a length and intensity the event hasn t seen in recent editions.
Time trial of only 22 kilometers
The week of racing rarely leaves room for a short time trial yet the schedule delivers a compact 22 kilometer stage that tests precision. The clock is unforgiving, and the brutal mountain work that follows makes this chrono feel even tougher. The route features a climb up the Cota de Domancy, a moment riders will endure as they push through the balance of speed and endurance. Legendary performances from past eras linger in the memory, reminding fans that even short trials can define a Grand Tour. Historical notes remind us of big moments in years past when the clock changed everything for the elite contenders.
This will be the 2023 Tour, which will be presented in Paris on Thursday
Exhibition Lopez-Egea
meeting with history
Italian and Spanish outlets have advanced developments for the race as Puy de Dôme returns to the route after a long absence driven by logistical concerns. The inclusion pays tribute to cycling legends who shaped the sport, with nods to the greats Raymond Poulidor, Eddy Merckx and Jacques Anquetil, and a respectful acknowledgment of Luis Ocaña and Laurent Fignon. The final stage will start at the national velodrome, and the peloton of around 140 riders will navigate an oval circuit to cap the race in Paris with the usual drama and intensity.
2.3 million rewards
The overall prize pot reaches 2.3 million euros, with a substantial share reserved for the yellow jersey winner in Paris. Stage bonuses continue to accumulate, rewarding the fastest in each stage besides the time trial, with extra seconds for the top finishers at mountain passes. These bonuses influence the battle for podiums and the overall lead, adding strategic weight to every stage finish and climb.
Numbers and absences
The roster is still taking shape, but a clash between the leading riders is highly anticipated if form returns. The Spanish contenders remain focused on Enric Mas, who delivered a strong Vuelta performance and has risen since a standout finish to the season. The field also weighs the possible comeback stories, including former champions and up-and-coming talents. A potential debut for Carlos Rodriguez could add a fresh dynamic, while Juan Ayuso may shift focus toward the Vuelta as his team coordinates with strong support from UAE. The field remains fluid as teams balance development with performance in the modern Grand Tour landscape.
Yes there is a tours which can be considered different It was he who was introduced this Thursday in Paris. Maybe it’s disproportionate more mountains and the collector less time trial mileage. At least in contemporary times, all the mountain ranges of the so-called French Hexagon had not been climbed so many times, and an incredibly challenging stage was never planned for the sixth day of the competition. Let’s analyze the route in its most important aspects. This section now reflects a modern perspective on route design and the evolving balance between mountain intensity and time trial tempo for the grand tour season.
Historic departure from the Basque Country
The Gran Via of the Biscayan capital will host the first arrival of the 2023 Tour on July 1. The Basque Country time trial has a storied history, including a memorable performance by Miguel Induráin in 1992 when San Sebastian delivered a defining moment. The three Basque capitals will drive the early stages as the second day moves from Vitoria to Donostia. The route emphasizes a non-sprint day with the finish beside La Concha and a stern Jaizkibel ascent, a true test for climbers and breakaway specialists alike.
Five mountain ranges and 30 harbors
The Pyrenees show up early as the schedule unfolds, with climbs such as Marie Blanque and Tourmalet demanding a robust and resilient team effort. Early monuments of the Pyrenees are highlighted by the organizers to shape the race’s narrative, while riders face the double challenge of altitude and endurance. The Tour’s history of alpine passages becomes a central theme as the route continues to push the limits of modern racing across numerous categorized climbs. The Alps will follow later with a longer horizon for the climbers and the GC contenders.
Time trial of only 22 kilometers
The logistics behind the schedule emphasize a short time trial that still carries heavy implications for the general classification. The effort is intense because the following days demand serious mountain work that magnifies the stakes. The Domancy climb adds a unique twist to the chrono, reminding fans of the era when a brief test could redefine the race, while still requiring tactical discipline from all riders. Historical anecdotes about past championships remind readers that a concise TT can redefine a Grand Tour’s outcome.
This will be the 2023 Tour, which will be presented in Paris on Thursday
Exhibition Lopez-Egea
meeting with history
The evolving story includes anticipated returns of classic venues and renewed homage to cycling legends. The mass start and finish will honor the sport’s heritage while looking ahead to modern strategies and team dynamics. The race remains a showcase of endurance, tactics, and resilience as riders negotiate the final kilometers toward Paris and the iconic finish line at the national stadium venue.
2.3 million rewards
The prize structure reinforces the chase for stage wins and the overall title with meaningful financial incentives. The awards create a mosaic of goals across the route, encouraging riders to push the pace on climbs and sprint stages alike, while teams weigh breakaways against controlled pursuits to protect their GC leaders over the distance of the race.
Numbers and absences
As the start list firm’s up, fans watch for the expected rivalry between the strongest contenders and possible surges from young talents. Names with proven results in grand tours will be watched closely, alongside emerging riders who could reframe the dynamic of the race. The overall narrative will hinge on endurance, recovery, and the strategic deployment of strength across the varied terrain that defines this modern edition of the Tour de France, with the Vuelta and Giro serving as context for athletes aiming to peak in July.