Tour de France’s New Montmartre Climb Sparks Debate: Could It Change the Race’s Final Day?

PARIS — The Tour de France is shaking things up with a bold new twist for its grand finale—and it’s already stirring plenty of debate.

For decades, the Tour’s last stage in Paris has been a mostly celebratory procession, ending with a thrilling sprint on the Champs-Élysées. But this July, the race organizers are breaking tradition by adding a tough climb up the famous Montmartre hill, right in the heart of the French capital.

Why Montmartre?

Montmartre, known for its artistic charm and breathtaking views of Paris, wowed crowds during last year’s Olympics. Inspired by the electric atmosphere, Tour officials announced the climb will be part of the final stage, with riders passing under the iconic Sacré-Coeur basilica before what could be a dramatically different race finish.

This 3,320-kilometer (2,060-mile) Tour will return to Paris after last year’s final stage was held outside the city for the first time since 1905 due to the Olympics. But with Montmartre’s steep slopes included, the final sprint may no longer be a sure thing.

A Game Changer?

The addition could shake up the race in a major way. If the climb comes close to the finish or is repeated multiple times, pure sprinters might struggle to keep up. And if the overall race remains close, the coveted yellow jersey could be decided right here in Paris — something almost unheard of in recent memory.

Riders Are Worried

Not everyone is excited. Some top cyclists have already voiced concerns about the change.

Two-time Tour champion Jonas Vingegaard said the climb was manageable during the Olympics, where the field was much smaller. But the Tour’s large peloton of about 150 riders battling for position on narrow, cobbled streets could turn the climb into a stressful bottleneck.

Remco Evenepoel, last year’s Olympic road race gold medalist, echoed that sentiment. He worries sprinters will lose a rare chance to shine on the Champs-Élysées and that the final day will become unnecessarily tough for exhausted riders.

Safety and Strategy

Race organizers are working closely with Paris authorities to ensure safety on Montmartre’s narrow, cobbled roads. But team manager Marc Madiot warned that wet weather could make the climb even more dangerous, potentially overshadowing the race’s thrilling moments.

He questioned whether the move is about putting on a show or genuinely enhancing the competition, cautioning that a hard-fought final day might undo weeks of racing.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 Tour de France kicks off on July 5 in Lille. Meanwhile, the women’s race begins later that month on July 26 in Vannes, Brittany. As the cycling world awaits full route details to be announced soon, one thing is clear: this year’s finale promises to be one of the most talked-about in recent history.

Source: AP News – Tour de France’s new Montmartre climb could be a game changer. It sparks controversy