PARIS — For the first time in half a century, the Tour de France will break with its iconic finale format—swapping the traditional Champs-Élysées sprint for a dramatic climb through Montmartre, one of Paris’s most picturesque but punishing hills.

The shift, announced by race organizers last week, has ignited controversy among riders and fans alike. With the final stage set to take on cobbled streets and steep inclines in the shadow of the Sacré-Cœur basilica, critics are warning the spectacle could come at the cost of rider safety and tradition.

A Historic Shift in the Tour’s Final Stage

Since 1975, the Tour de France has closed with a largely ceremonial ride into Paris, culminating in a fast-paced sprint finish on the Champs-Élysées. But this year’s race, which begins July 5 in Lille, will end with a twist—one that could upend expectations.

Organizers confirmed that riders will tackle the iconic Montmartre climb before concluding the 3,320-kilometer (2,060-mile) race in the heart of Paris. While full route details won’t be unveiled until Wednesday, the decision marks a bold departure from past Tours.

At the 2023 Paris Olympics, Montmartre drew massive crowds and electrifying energy during the cycling events. Tour organizers say they hope to capture that same momentum by incorporating the climb into this year’s grand finale.

Riders Voice Safety and Strategic Concerns

Not all are welcoming the change. Elite cyclists have voiced concerns over the narrow, cobbled climb—especially with a full peloton of 150 riders fighting for position on the final day.

“Montmartre was nice at the Olympics. Great atmosphere, for sure,” said two-time Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard. “But we were down to 15 riders. At the Tour, there will be more than 150 jostling for space on a tight climb. That’s asking for chaos.”

Remco Evenepoel, who won Olympic gold in Paris last year, also criticized the move. He argued that riders would be exhausted by then and warned the new route could unfairly disadvantage sprinters.

“Sprinters usually get one big shot at glory in Paris,” he told Belgian outlet Sporza. “That’s now being taken away. Montmartre is an unnecessary obstacle at that point in the race.”

Risk of Weather and Disruption Looms

Team managers are also wary of external factors like weather, which could make the Montmartre finish even more dangerous.

“Imagine a light rain on those cobbles,” said Marc Madiot, manager of Groupama-FDJ. “Do we want a spectacle? A tribute to the Olympics? Or do we want a fair end to a grueling three-week race? This could put everything that’s happened in jeopardy.”

Madiot’s concerns reflect a broader unease: If the general classification (GC) remains tight heading into the final day, the yellow jersey could be decided on terrain many consider unsuitable for such high stakes.

What It Means for the Race — and the Riders

The traditional final-day sprint has long been seen as a reward for sprinters who often sacrifice personal glory in support roles throughout the Tour. The Champs-Élysées stage is not only prestigious but also one of the few moments where they’re in the spotlight.

This year’s Montmartre route changes that equation.

If the climb comes near the finish or is repeated, pure sprinters could be dropped before the line. If GC times are close, the yellow jersey could be on the line in a finale that’s anything but ceremonial.

Tour de France 2025: Key Dates

• Start: July 5 from Lille, northern France

• Final Stage: Paris via Montmartre (exact route details to be revealed Wednesday)

• Women’s Tour Start: July 26 from Vannes, Brittany

As race organizers push for innovation and spectacle, they now face mounting pressure to balance excitement with rider safety and the Tour’s rich heritage.

One thing is certain: This year’s finale will be one of the most unpredictable in modern Tour history.

Source: AP News – Tour de France breaks with 50-year-old tradition and raises safety concerns

The post Tour de France 2025 to End on Montmartre Climb, Sparking Safety Fears Among Riders appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

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

The post Tour de France’s New Montmartre Climb Could Change the Final Race appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.