Paris makes way for decisive time trial

An atmosphere of relaxation, casual chats, the well-known photos, and well-deserved champagne: every cycling fan knows the festivities on the final day of the Tour de France. In 2024, however, this tradition will be quite different. On the closing day of the Tour de France, another major sporting event looms large: the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games takes place in Paris just five days later. La Grande Boucle must make way. For the first time since 1905, the Tour will not finish in (or near) Paris.

Except for the first two editions of the Tour in 1903 and 1904, which ended in Ville d’Avray (Hauts-de-Seine), the Tour has always concluded in Paris. Initially, from 1906 to 1967 at the Parc des Princes, then from 1968 to 1975 at the Cipale velodrome, and since 1975, famously, on the cobblestones of the Champs-Élysées. In 2024, however, this tradition will change.

Nice, which hosted the Grand Départ of the Tour in 2020, will now serve as the finish for the final stage. While breaking tradition, this could potentially be one of the most thrilling closing days in Tour history. For the first time since 1989, the Tour de France will end with an individual time trial. The organizers undoubtedly hope for a similarly dramatic outcome as in 1989, when Greg LeMond edged out his rival Laurent Fignon by a mere eight seconds after a nail-biting finale.

Recent history has shown that a time trial can significantly shake up the standings at the last moment. In 2020, Primož Roglič seemed poised to claim his first Tour de France victory. The Slovenian had a 57-second lead over compatriot Tadej Pogačar. However, in a 36.2-kilometer uphill time trial, Roglič lost a staggering 1 minute and 56 seconds to his rival in the yellow jersey. This turn of events saw Pogačar clinch his first Tour victory instead.

The final time trial in 2024 starts in Monaco. This tiny principality on the Mediterranean Sea is the second smallest country in the world but boasts a significant reputation. Known for its luxurious lifestyle, including the Monte Carlo Casino and the challenging Formula 1 street circuit, Monaco is a haven for the wealthy, thanks in part to its favorable tax rates.

The harbor of Monaco, home to numerous sizable yachts, sets the stage for the start on July 21st. While the riders could have ridden along flat roads by the coast towards Nice, the ASO has opted for a different approach. Two climbs ensure that the time trial on this final day requires more than just raw power. The first of these challenges begins after four flat kilometers through Monaco's streets.

Along the D53, the riders ascend to La Turbie (8.1 km at 5.6%). The climb is consistent with little variation in gradient. Upon reaching the summit, a descent awaits down to Éze, a route familiar from Paris-Nice. Instead of heading straight towards Nice as in that race, however, the Tour route turns right. Next comes the short but steep ascent of Col d’Èze (1.6 km at 8.1%), marking the final uphill effort in this Tour de France.

Once over the top, the route descends towards Nice's Promenade des Anglais. Along the Mediterranean Sea, the riders cover their final meters. Initially passing the finish line towards the airport, a U-turn brings them back to the city center. The finish line is drawn on Avenue Jean Médecin at Place Masséna, where one rider will officially be crowned the Tour champion. Not in Paris this time, but the excitement will be no less.

Date	21 July 2024
Start	Monaco
Finish	Nice
Distance	33.7 km
Type	Individual Time Trial
Average Speed	44.54 km/h
Overall Profile	Hill
Finish Profile	Flat

Tour de France

Men Elite - 2.UWT