Cycling: The Tour de France 29 will take place from August 20th to September 2020th. After the corona pandemic, cycling is slowly rolling back to normal. We take a look at the route and all the stages of the Tour of France.
Tour de France 2020: 22 teams start in Nice on August 29th
On April 15th the time had come. After a speech by French President Emmanuel Macron two days earlier, the World Cycling Federation UCI and the Tour Organization ASO had to postpone the Tour de France. Not as originally planned on June 27th should the professionals in Nice start, but on August 29th. However, the course of the route remains unchanged. The Grand Depart is taking place in Nice for the second time since 1981, and 3.470 kilometers and 29 categorized climbs await the drivers as planned. 176 riders from the following 22 teams will tackle the tour.
- AG2R La Mondiale (France)
- Arkéa – Samsic (France)
- Astana (Kazakhstan)
- B&B Hotels – Vital Concept (France)
- Bahrain – McLaren (Bahrain)
- Bora – hansgrohe (Germany)
- CCC (Poland)
- Cofidis (France)
- Deceuninck – Quick-Step (Belgium)
- EF Pro Cycling (US)
- Groupama – FDJ (France)
- Ineos (UK)
- Israel Start Up Nation (Israel)
- Jumbo – Visma (Netherlands)
- Lotto – Soudal (Belgium)
- Mitchelton – Scott (Australia)
- Movistar (Spain)
- NTT Pro Cycling (South Africa)
- Sunweb (Germany)
- Total Direct Energy (France)
- Trek - Segafredo (USA)
- UAE Team Emirates (UAE)
The route & all stage locations
In total, the tour entourage will visit 3.470 new start and finish locations this season with a distance of 12 kilometers to be covered. In addition, this year the peloton will not only cross the Alps and Pyrenees, loved by fans and feared by drivers, but also the Massif Central, the Jura and the Vosges. At the Tour de France 2020, those professionals who do not count themselves among the best time trialists have a particular advantage. There is neither a team time trial nor a really flat individual time trial. The tour, which only takes place in France, with 29 categorized climbs, seems to be something for the strong climbers, especially since never before in the history of the Tour de France have so many meters of altitude had to be mastered so early.
| Date | Stage | Location | Length | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29.08. | #1 | Nice nice | 156,0 km | flat stage |
| 30.08. | #2 | Nice nice | 186,0 km | Mountain Stage |
| 31.08. | #3 | Nice-Sisteron | 198,0 km | flat stage |
| 01.09. | #4 | Sisteron - Orcières-Merlette | 160,5 km | mountain arrival |
| 02.09. | #5 | Gap - Privas | 183,0 km | flat stage |
| 03.09. | #6 | Le Teil - Mont Aigoual | 191,0 km | mountain arrival |
| 04.09. | #7 | Millau-Lavur | 168,0 km | flat stage |
| 05.09. | #8 | Cazeres-Loudenvielle | 141,0 km | Mountain Stage |
| 06.09. | #9 | Pau - Laruns | 153,0 km | Mountain Stage |
| 07.09. | 1st rest day | Charente Maritime | ||
| 08.09. | #10 | Île d'Oléron – Île de Ré | 168,5 km | flat stage |
| 09.09. | #11 | Châtelaillon-Plage - Poitiers | 167,5 km | flat stage |
| 10.09. | #12 | Chauvigny - Sarran | 218,0 km | hill stage |
| 11.09. | #13 | Châtel-Guyon - Puy Mary | 191,5 km | mountain arrival |
| 12.09. | #14 | Clermont Ferrand – Lyon | 194,0 km | hill stage |
| 13.09. | #15 | Lyon - Grand Colombier | 174,5 km | mountain arrival |
| 14.09. | 2st rest day | Isère | ||
| 15.09. | #16 | La Tour-du-Pin - Villard-de-Lans | 164,0 km | mountain arrival |
| 16.09. | #17 | Grenoble - Méribel | 170,0 km | mountain arrival |
| 17.09. | #18 | Méribel - La Roche-sur-Foron | 175,0 km | Mountain Stage |
| 18.09. | #19 | Bourg-en-Bresse - Champagnole | 166,5 km | flat stage |
| 19.09. | #20 | Lure - La Planche des Belles Filles | 36,2 km | mountain time trial |
| 20.09. | #21 | Mantes la Jolie – Paris (Champs Elysees) | 122,0 km | flat stage |
All stages of the Tour de France 2020 in detail
As usual, the winner of the Tour de France will be chosen after 21 stages. Between the start in Nice and the finish in Paris, the drivers are allowed to recover on two rest days. Although the total number of kilometers is less than many previous tours, the 2020 Tour de France will not be easy. Numerous mountain stages and a challenging mountain time trial on the penultimate day up to the Planche des Belles Filles will bring the decision.
Stage #1: Nice – Nice
Date: August 29, 2020
Length: 156,0 km
Type: flat stage
The 2020 Tour de France starts with a 156,0-kilometer stage that starts and finishes in Nice. Even if there will be a breakaway group as usual, a mass sprint will decide who will wear the yellow jersey at the end of the day.
Stage #2: Nice – Nice
Date: August 30, 2020
Length: 186,0 km
Type: mountain stage
There has not been something like that before. At the 2020 Tour de France, the pros will have to put their climbing skills to the test earlier than ever before. Again with start and finish in Nice, the Col de Turini and the Col d'Eze have to be mastered. The motto clearly applies here "Today you can't win the Tour de France, but you can lose it". Especially the slightly injured professionals will hope to survive this day.
Stage #3: Nice – Sisteron
Date: August 31, 2020
Length: 198,0 km
Type: flat stage
After the sprinters were allowed to decide among themselves at the start and were left behind on the second day, it is their turn again today. The Sisteron finish also offers the perfect opportunity to score points for greens.
Stage #4: Sisteron - Orcières
Date: September 1, 2020
Length: 160,5 km
Type: mountain arrival
The first mountain finish awaits us on the fourth day of the Tour de France 2020. The peloton is drawn to the massif of Dévoluy. The ascent from Orcières-Merlette to 1.800 meters has to be mastered. With an average gradient of 6,7 percent and a length of 7,1 kilometers, this challenge is not the toughest. Nevertheless, it is important for all classification drivers to remain vigilant.
Stage #5: Gap – Privas
Date: September 2, 2020
Length: 183,0 km
Type: flat stage
The French town of Gap is one of the most frequently visited starting or finishing points of a Tour de France. This time the journey of the fifth section begins for the pros here. In Privas we will see another mass sprint. After three sprint finishes, we should already know which sprinters have what it takes to win the green jersey in Paris.
Stage #6: Le Teil – Mont Aigoual
Date: September 3, 2020
Length: 191,0 km
Type: mountain arrival
The sixth stage of the 2020 Tour de France could be a surprisingly important one. Even if the last few kilometers aren't particularly steep - or perhaps because of that - there is a chance for a surprise attack for strong teams. Some favorites will have to bite up the Col de la Lusette. Once at the top, there is a risk of wind crests and a fight between strong teams on a wide plateau. Especially Ineos and Jumbo - Visma could fight a tough duel here.
Stage #7: Millau – Lavaur
Date: September 4, 2020
Length: 168,0 km
Type: flat stage
Classified as a flat stage, today's section could surprisingly provide movement. It is not uncommon for time to be gained on the flat during a Tour de France – when the wind is blowing. If it stays calm, there can only be another mass sprint here.
Stage #8: Cazères – Loudenvielle
Date: September 5, 2020
Length: 141,0 km
Type: mountain stage
The Port de Balès and the Col de Peyresourde are well known to fans of the Tour de France. Both climbs have to be conquered on the first Pyrenean stage. The length of the stages also creates excitement – short and sweet. However, the goal is not reached at the summit, but only after a long and steep descent.
Stage #9: Pau – Laruns
Date: September 6, 2020
Length: 153,0 km
Type: mountain stage
Again mountains, again no mountain finish. Nevertheless, the Col de Marie Blanque should cause difficulties for one or the other class driver. With a length of 7,7 kilometers and an average gradient of a whopping 8,6 percent, there will definitely be attacks here. But then there are still a few flat kilometers to be completed to the finish line.
Stage #10: Île d'Oléron – Île de Ré
Date: September 8, 2020
Length: 168,5 km
Type: flat stage
After the first day of rest, we continue with a classic falche stage. Today's section definitely deserves this classification. The start is one meter above sea level. The finish line is only eight meters higher. Whoever goes into the breakaway today only does so for the sponsors. A mass sprint is guaranteed.
Stage #11: Châtelaillon-Plage - Poitiers
Date: September 9, 2020
Length: 167,5 km
Type: flat stage
Even on the way to Poitiers, the pros only have to deal with a few difficulties. The small mountain finish in the middle of the stage will have absolutely no influence on the race. With today's mass sprint, the contenders for the green jersey should have finally positioned themselves.
Stage #12: Chauvigny - Sarran
Date: September 10, 2020
Length: 218,0 km
Type: hill stage
After a rest day and two classic flat stages, the sprinters now have a break from broadcasting. While she is now simply surviving for several days, all the other professionals are fighting for their success. Today – maybe even for the first time at this year's Tour de France – it's the turn of the breakaways. There is a lot of ups and downs on the way to Sarran. However, the stage is too easy for the ranking riders.
Stage #13: Châtel-Guyon - Puy Mary
Date: September 11, 2020
Length: 191,5 km
Type: mountain arrival
The 2020 Tour de France arrives in the Massif Central. 7 mountain classifications and a total of 4.400 meters in altitude have to be conquered. The Col de Neronne and the final climb up to the destination are really tough. At 9,1 percent and 8,1 percent, the toxic climbs are made for strong climbers and puncheurs. The classification drivers have to show themselves today.
Stage #14: Clermont-Ferrand – Lyon
Date: September 12, 2020
Length: 194,0 km
Type: hill stage
Will the breakaways strike again today? The chances are good. We can expect a relatively large breakaway group with strong puncheurs, which play no role in the overall ranking. Both the sprinters and the class riders should give away today's victory. Only drivers like Peter Sagan, for example, could let their team work today.
Stage #15: Lyon – Grand Colombier
Date: September 13, 2020
Length: 174,5 km
Type: mountain arrival
The 15th stage is entirely dedicated to the Grand Colombier. Because the drivers have to struggle today over three of the four access routes of the giant. For many, this section is therefore the king's stage of the Tour de France 2020. However, there will only be decisive distances on the final climb. Puncheurs, who have been at the top of the overall standings so far, are likely to lose contact with the leaders for good on this 17,4-kilometre climb. Only a top climber can win here.
Stage #16: La Tour-du-Pin – Villard-de-Lans
Date: September 15, 2020
Length: 164,0 km
Type: mountain arrival
After the second day of rest, we continue directly with a mountain finish. However, this should not cause any major differences, since the mountains are too short and/or not steep enough. We can therefore also assume that the escapees will decide the day's victory among themselves.
Stage #17: Grenoble – Méribel
Date: September 16, 2020
Length: 170,0 km
Type: mountain arrival
The first 90 kilometers could also be the start of a flat stage today. But the following Col de la Madeleine makes it clear: This is not for the sprinters. On the contrary. With its average gradient of 17,1 percent, the 8,4-kilometer-long giant makes for an ever-shrinking field. After the descent, head towards Méribel and up the Col de la Loze. It is quite possible that drivers with large gaps will dare to attack early on. Those who are already well placed will wait as long as possible on this 21,5-kilometer final climb. Also because the last few kilometers are up to 20 percent uphill.
Stage #18: Méribel – La Roche-sur-Foron
Date: September 17, 2020
Length: 175,0 km
Type: mountain stage
The Plateau des Glières is feared by many drivers. With a length of 6,0 kilometers and an average gradient of 11,2 percent, it's no wonder. It is questionable whether some classification drivers will be able to team up and gain a decisive advantage over their opponents. Because after the plateau there are still more than 20 kilometers to the finish line.
Stage #19: Bourg-en-Bresse - Champagnole
Date: September 18, 2020
Length: 166,5 km
Type: flat stage
Sprinter? Watch out! If you survived the previous mountain stages well, today is your chance. The way to Champagnole is always up and down, but if your helpers can keep the breakaways at bay, another bunch sprint awaits.
Stage #20: Lure – Planche des Belles Filles
Date: September 19, 2020
Length: 36,2 km
Type: mountain time trial
The plank of the beautiful girls will also become the scene of a potentially decisive stage in the 2020 Tour de France. The 36,2-kilometer time trial is so late on the program and is so difficult that the classic time trialists hardly have any advantages. Much more important are the ability to regenerate and of course the art of climbing. If the top drivers are still close together in the fight for the podium, we'll follow a thriller today.
Stage #21: Mantes-la-Jolie – Paris
Date: September 20, 2020
Length: 122,0 km
Type: flat stage
Even if some things are different at the Tour de France 2020, the finish of the last stage remains the same. The heroes of the street will arrive on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées with champagne glasses in their hands and the odd wound treated. In addition to the stage win, important points for the green jersey could also be at stake.
