The 2024 Tour de France route recently left riders and fans on the edge of their seats. Declaring a jaw-dropping revelation, the 111th edition of this legendary race is scheduled to commence in Florence, Italy, on June 29. Reportedly, it will culminate in Nice, France, on July 21, with cycling challenges like never before. The announcement has thrown some curveballs that will redefine the concept of thrill for all participants.

But there is more to the championship than meets the eye, as it promised to be a rollercoaster of epic proportions. For the first time in its illustrious history, the final stage of the cycling race will not loop around the iconic Louvre Museum in Paris. According to reports, the trip will instead conclude on the picturesque French Riviera. This sudden change was conducted due to the City of Light gearing up for the Olympic Games, which consequently left the sports community in shock.

Cycling event changes its course 

Expert analysis portrayed how the Olympics, scheduled to commence on July 26, have been organized just days after the Tour’s conclusion, increasing the possibility of chaos. Subsequently, the race managers had to introduce two-time trials, with the final stage featuring this thrilling challenge that marked a rare spectacle. The daring stance has never been witnessed since 1989, stirring up anticipation in the cycling community. However, it was the ‘white roads’ of stages 9 through 14 that had everyone talking. 

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As per records, the cyclists will navigate a grueling 32 kilometers of gravel sectors at the 2024 event, boasting a heart-pounding 2,000 meters of elevation. Adding to that, the authorities also listed seven demanding mountain stages and eight sprint stages, creating the recipe for an unforgettable tour. Following the route unveiling, legendary rider Mark Cavendish could not hide his astonishment. During a media exchange, the cycling professional firmly remarked, “I am actually in a bit of shock! It is so hard.”

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Modifications in championship route cause bitter uncertainty 

Cavendish appreciated the beginning venue of the race while conveying his connection to the Italian region. After the proposal surfaced online, the 38-year-old cyclist expressed his genuine concerns regarding the astounding modification. With 15 tours under his belt, Cavendish’s experience spoke volumes, while his awe at the modified course underscored the magnitude of this unexpected twist. Even seasoned riders like Jonas Vingegaard, the two-time Tour winner, could not help but raise their voices on the sudden news. 

While Vingegaard mentioned finding the inclusion of gravel intriguing, he was also wary of its potential as a game-changer for many. “I think it’s a nice element, but it’s also one day in which you can lose the Tour,” the pro cyclist further elaborated. Such insights from expert cycling racers added more momentum to the mystique surrounding the upcoming season. With the tour in the near future, Cavendish has already started preparing for his 15th race, deciding to delay his plans to retire after this season’s end. 

Regrettably, the pro cycling champion was bound to refrain from the previous tour after a harrowing crash fractured his collarbone. While his early departure from the racing course etched the name of Belgian sensation Eddy Merckx as the maximum title winner, Cavendish hopes to excel in next year’s show. As the riders prepare to tackle this Herculean cycling season, the 2024 Tour de France is all set to become one of the most grueling courses in the history of the sport. 

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