Can’t wait for the biggest cycling event of the year? We here you! Part of the reason we’re writing this Tour de France 2023 preview is to put our excitement to good use.
So we’re going to take you through everything we know so far about this year’s Tour de France so you can get as hyped as we are.
Tour de France 2023 preview
1. 1 July is when all the action kicks off
Mark it in your diary. 1 July is when the Tour de France 2023 kicks off!
2. Tour de France 2023 starts in Spain
Tour de France or Tour de Spain? Well, this year, the Tour’s first stages take place in the north of Spain. Bilbao is the first stage and it’s hilly, followed by another hilly stretch with Vitoria-Gasteiz to San-Sébastien. The third stage starts in Amorebieta-Etxano but ends up on French soil with this flat stage ending in the French Basque city of Bayonne.
3. The longest stage is Stage 2
Cyclists won’t have much time to ease themselves into the action, with the longest stage occurring on the second day. This Spanish stage is a gruelling 209 km long.
4. There are two rest days
We don’t know about you, but Tour de France rest days are almost as important for us as the cyclists because we keep such a close eye on the proceedings! The first rest day takes place on Monday, 10 July. That’s just after the mountainous stage 9, where cyclists go from Sain Léonard-de-Noblat to Puy de Dome.
The second one happens after Stage 15, another mountain stage. This sees cyclists climb between Les Gets Les Portes du Soleil and Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc during their 180km journey.
5. The time trials take place during Stage 16
Right after the second and last rest day, cyclists need to prove themselves with the individual time trials. Although just 22 km, this Passy to Combloux stage is always hotly contested. Some spectators feel it’s not quite as exciting as the other stages, but we always love to see who can zoom ahead of the rest.
6. Tadej Pogacar is the current favorite to win Tour de France 2023
Of course it’s pretty early to make predictions, but the bookies favorite to take home the yellow jersey at this year’s Tour de France is Tadej Pogacar. He’s closely followed by Jonas Vingegaard. Meanwhile, bookiers are giving Enric Mas Nicolau, Jai Hindley and David Gaudu more outside chances of coming up tops.
7. The action ends on Sunday, 23 July
And all that sweet cycling action is going to come to a halt with the 21st Stage on the flat, ending in the Paris Champs-Élysées, as tradition dictates. This 115 km stretch is usually relatively relaxed, as the champ is usually all but determined leading up to this end race. But on 23 July, we’re still going to be tuned in none the less. Nothing beats watching the end of the Tour de France.
8. You can already bet on it online
After reading all that Tour de France 2023 preview goodness, we would imagine you’re chomping at the bit to place a bet. Well the good news is that you can already do that with some of the better online sportsbooks.
One of which is bet365. They’re a really reliable spot for cycling betting, and before big events they’ve often got excellent promotions on offer too. Plus you can make hay while the sun shines with this wonderful bet365 bonus code for new players.