Tour de France Today: Stage 1

For the first time since 2021, the Tour de France starts on home soil, with stage 1 beginning and ending in Lille and with 184,9km in total. It’s a day tailor-made for the sprinters: flat roads, minimal climbing less than 1000 metres of elevation gain, and a finish that all but guarantees a bunch sprint. The three hills on the route won’t shake things up - but wind might do (more on that below). Either way, the battle for the first yellow jersey will be fast, tense, and unforgiving. GC contenders will need to stay alert.

The neutralised start is at 13:10 (CET) while the finish is expected at 17:36 (CET).

As noted, the three categorized climbs - Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, Mont Cassel and Mont Noir - add rhythm to the stage but sit too far from the finish to shape the outcome.

The real danger lies in the wind. Two key crosswind zones could cause splits, especially the exposed stretch between 23.5 and 13 km to go. With steady wind and gusts up to 45 km/h forecast, it’s a prime opportunity for disruption in an already nervous peloton. Read our stage 1 preview for a full analysis.

The finale in Lille includes five wide corners in the last four kilometres, before a long, straight run-in along Boulevard Vauban (7 metres wide, with a tailwind). Positioning will be crucial, but the finish isn’t overly technical — late moves to the front remain possible. Lidl-Trek and Alpecin-Deceuninck look to have the strongest lead-out trains, with someone like Van Lerberghe key to delivering Merlier.

The first yellow jersey is likely headed for a fast man - unless the wind (and the peloton) have other ideas.

Who are the key contenders? Tim Merlier, Jasper Philipsen and Jonathan Milan are the clear favourites, with Biniam Girmay and Jordi Meeus leading the second tier of challengers.

Everything you need to know from the last 24 hours of the Tour de France:

• Tour de France stage 1 preview - A sprint after a nervous, windy stage?
• Pogacar hails Vingegaard as 'best climber in the world' before Tour de France
• 'I'm stronger than ever' - Jonas Vingegaard ready for Pogacar duel at Tour de France
• 2025 Tour de France teams - Ultimate team-by-team guide
• Ranking the 2025 Tour de France jerseys: Something old, something new and lots of blue
• 'Yellow would be a dream' – Sprinters set for showdown on stage 1 of Tour de France

Stage 1 of the 2025 Tour de France will begin with a neutralised start at 13:10 (CET), with the finish expected around 17:36 (CET). Full live coverage will be available from start to finish.

When should you tune in?

• First risks of echolons: 116.5km to go - Around 15.08 (CET)
• Second risks of echolons: 23.5km to go - Around 17.05 (CET)
• Last 10km: Around 17.20 (CET)

The 2025 Tour de France is being broadcast in over 190 countries. In the table below, you can find the broadcasters for the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Australia.

Do you want to know more about the broadcaster for your county? Visit our 'How to watch the 2025 Tour de France' guide.' This guide includes the full TV schedule, live stream options, and a country-by-country broadcaster list.

• Our live race report keeps you updated with all the action as it happens, and also brings you the key pre and post-race interviews. Coverage starts at 12:00 CET.
• During the whole day, you can enjoy full coverage in terms of news and interviews.
• Directly after the race, you can enjoy a post-race show with Cyrus Monk and Aiden Burgess.
• Next to that, you will be able to enjoy good analysis on Domestique. Today: Marcel Kittel about the sprint in Lille.