There are indeed all the greats of cycling at the Tour de France 2024. The race, which starts on Saturday 29 June from Florence, promises spectacle and brawl from the start thanks to an exceptional startlist.

The route – If you want to see the analysis of all the stages, watch the video with Fede and the Mullah: DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE ROUTE and ALTITUDE | All the stages of the Tour de France 2024 (youtube.com) .

Let's give some more numbers: 111th edition, 26th start from abroad and, for the first time in history, from Italy which will host three and a half stages. There are 3,498 km in total, 59 km time trial and 32 km on dirt road. In total there are 67 Mountain Grands Prix, the highest point will be the Col de la Bonette at an altitude of 2802. Six climbs above 2,000 meters above sea level will be tackled. Of the 21 stages on the programme, there should be 7 stages for sprinters, 5 rough stages, 2 time trials and 7 mountain stages.

The favorites – This time Tadej Pogacar is the number one favorite to win. The Slovenian wants a double, after winning the Giro d'Italia, and is in top condition with a very strong team that will be able to make the difference already in the first two demanding stages in Italy. To understand if he will be able to win the third Tour of his career, we will have to look at Visma Lease a Bike which confirmed the presence of Jonas Vingegaard, also supported by a great team. The Dane hasn't run since Itzulia, in April, when he ended up on the ground in pain. Less than three months after that terrible fall, his condition is a question mark. Also looking for the hat trick, he will probably have to run on defense in the first stages but we are certain that he will fight like a lion to ruin the plans of his greatest opponent.

The top teams – UAE Emirates, which has already won almost 50 races this year, has at least four riders capable of conquering the podium: in addition to Pogacar, here is Adam Yates (third in 2023 and winner of the recent Tour of Switzerland), Joao Almeida (2nd in Switzerland) and Juan Ayuso, on the Vuelta podium at 19 years old. Will they all be Pogi's faithful squires or will some have high ranking ambitions?

Visma Lease a Bike has been hit by accidents and injuries: but beware of underestimating Wout Van Aert, who will prepare his leg for the Olympics, Matteo Jorgenson, plan B in case Vingegaard is not yet fit and the European champion Christophe Laporte. No Tour, however, for the strongest uphill wingman, Sepp Kuss, who will not be there due to the consequences of Covid. A heavy absence for a team that seems far from the great results achieved in 2023.

REMEMBER TO REGISTER TO THE PUBLIC LEAGUES DEDICATED TO THE TOUR DE FRANCE. DOWNLOAD THE FANTACYCLING APP FROM THE APPLE STORE AND GOOGLE PLAY AND CHALLENGE THE COMMUNITY TO WIN FANTASTIC PRIZES!

Photo Sprint Cycling