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The Tour de France is an annual men’s multiple-stage bicycle race primarily held in France. It is considered one of the world’s most prestigious and difficult bicycle races. But a general question comes into mind, i.e., how long is the Tour de France?
Tour de France typically takes place over three weeks in July and covers a distance of around 3,500 kilometers. The race consists of 21 stages, with two rest days included, and can be a grueling test of endurance for both the cyclists and spectators.
However, that’s not all; there’s much more to learn about this spectacular event. Worry not; I have explained everything in this guide in absolute detail.
After reading this article, you will not only learn about the duration of the prestigious Tour de France bike race but also learn about the significance of the duration of the race. Sounds interesting enough to you?
Grab your fish and chip and read on!
How Long Is The Tour De France?
As mentioned, the Tour de France is one of the world’s most prestigious and grueling cycling events. It occurs annually in July and attracts some of the world’s best cyclists.
The average overall distance of the Tour de France from 2000-2020 was 3,491 kilometers over three weeks. However, the exact length of the Tour de France can vary from year to year.
For example, in 2021, the Tour de France covered 3,414.4 kilometers or 2,121.6 miles during 21 days of bicycling. The length of the race can depend on the route, which changes each year, and the number and difficulty of the stages.
The Tour de France typically consists of 21 stages, with two rest days included. The stages can be mountainous, flat, or a combination of both and can range in length from around 100 kilometers to over 200 kilometers.
The Tour de France is not just a test of endurance for the cyclists but also for the spectators who line the route to cheer them on. The race covers a large area of France, and spectators can follow the race from start to finish or pick and choose which stages they want to see.
How Long Is Tour De France Per Day?
The length of the Tour de France per day varies depending on the stage, as mentioned above.
Each race stage can be different in length and difficulty, with some stages being longer and more challenging than others. This is what makes it different from one day to another.
Typically, each race stage takes place over a day and can range from around 100 kilometers to over 200 kilometers.
The riders usually complete each stage in several hours, depending on the terrain and weather conditions.
How Long Is Each Tour De France Stage?
To learn about the length of each stage of the Tour de France bike race, here is a table that will give you a brief and quick idea.
STAGE | TYPE | DATE | START AND FINISH | DISTANCE | DETAILS |
1 | HILLY | SAT 07/01/2023 | BILBAO > BILBAO | 182 KM | STAGE 1 |
2 | HILLY | SUN 07/02/2023 | VITORIA-GASTEIZ > SAINT-SÉBASTIEN | 209 KM | STAGE 2 |
3 | FLAT | MON 07/03/2023 | AMOREBIETA-ETXANO > BAYONNE | 193.5 KM | STAGE 3 |
4 | FLAT | TUE 07/04/2023 | DAX > NOGARO | 182 KM | STAGE 4 |
5 | MOUNTAIN | WED 07/05/2023 | PAU > LARUNS | 163 KM | STAGE 5 |
6 | MOUNTAIN | THU 07/06/2023 | TARBES > CAUTERETS-CAMBASQUE | 145 KM | STAGE 6 |
7 | FLAT | FRI 07/07/2023 | MONT-DE-MARSAN > BORDEAUX | 170 KM | STAGE 7 |
8 | HILLY | SAT 07/08/2023 | LIBOURNE > LIMOGES | 201 KM | STAGE 8 |
9 | MOUNTAIN | SUN 07/09/2023 | SAINT-LÉONARD-DE-NOBLAT > PUY DE DÔME | 182.5 KM | STAGE 9 |
– | REST DAY | MON 07/10/2023 | CLERMONT-FERRAND | REST 1 | |
10 | HILLY | TUE 07/11/2023 | VULCANIA > ISSOIRE | 167.5 KM | STAGE 10 |
11 | FLAT | WED 07/12/2023 | CLERMONT-FERRAND > MOULINS | 180 KM | STAGE 11 |
12 | HILLY | THU 07/13/2023 | ROANNE > BELLEVILLE-EN-BEAUJOLAIS | 169 KM | STAGE 12 |
13 | MOUNTAIN | FRI 07/14/2023 | CHÂTILLON-SUR-CHALARONNE > GRAND COLOMBIER | 138 KM | STAGE 13 |
14 | MOUNTAIN | SAT 07/15/2023 | ANNEMASSE > MORZINE LES PORTES DU SOLEIL | 152 KM | STAGE 14 |
15 | MOUNTAIN | SUN 07/16/2023 | LES GETS LES PORTES DU SOLEIL > SAINT-GERVAIS MONT-BLANC | 179 KM | STAGE 15 |
– | REST DAY | MON 07/17/2023 | SAINT-GERVAIS MONT-BLANC | REST 2 | |
16 | INDIVIDUAL TIME-TRIAL | TUE 07/18/2023 | PASSY > COMBLOUX | 22.4 KM | STAGE 16 |
17 | MOUNTAIN | WED 07/19/2023 | SAINT-GERVAIS MONT-BLANC > COURCHEVEL | 166 KM | STAGE 17 |
18 | HILLY | THU 07/20/2023 | MOÛTIERS > BOURG-EN-BRESSE | 185 KM | STAGE 18 |
19 | FLAT | FRI 07/21/2023 | MOIRANS-EN-MONTAGNE > POLIGNY | 173 KM | STAGE 19 |
20 | MOUNTAIN | SAT 07/22/2023 | BELFORT > LE MARKSTEIN FELLERING | 133.5 KM | STAGE 20 |
21 | FLAT | SUN 07/23/2023 | SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES > PARIS CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES | 115.5 KM | STAGE 21 |
Where Will 2023 Tour De France Start?
The 2023 Tour de France is set to start in Bilbao, Spain, marking the first time in over 50 years that the race will begin outside of France.
The decision to start the 2023 Tour de France in Bilbao is part of a broader effort by the race organizers to expand the reach and appeal of the event.
By starting the race in Spain, the organizers hope to attract a more diverse audience and showcase the beauty and culture of the Basque Country. The race will then continue into France, covering a total distance of around 3,500 kilometers throughout 21 stages.
With its mix of challenging mountain stages, flat stages, and time trials, the 2023 Tour de France promises to be an exciting and unforgettable event for cyclists and spectators alike.
Final Words
The 2023 Tour de France promises to be an exciting and unforgettable event, with the race starting in Bilbao, Spain, and continuing into France.
The decision to start the race in Bilbao marks a significant departure from tradition and is part of a broader effort by the race organizers to expand the reach and appeal of the event.
Bilbao is a culturally rich city known for its stunning architecture and thriving food scene, making it an exciting and attractive location for the race start. The race’s first stage will cover a distance of 198 kilometers, with the riders beginning and ending in Bilbao.
The race will then continue into France, covering a total distance of around 3,500 kilometers for 21 stages. With its mix of challenging mountain stages, flat stages, and time trials, the 2023 Tour de France promises to be an exciting and unforgettable event for cyclists and spectators alike.
The organizers hope that starting the race in Spain will attract a more diverse audience and showcase the beauty and culture of the Basque Country.
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