With the Giro d’Italia in the rearview mirror, the cycling world pivots to its ultimate spectacle: the Tour de France. Kicking off July 5th in Lille, this year’s edition promises an explosive contest among elite Grand Tour titans—each orchestrating intricate preparations across Europe’s peaks and valleys.
Pogačar’s Relentless March
Reigning champion Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates XRG) has embraced a frenetic build-up. After dominating the spring Monuments and even flirting with the cobbles at Paris-Roubaix, the World Champion recalibrated in the thin air of Sierra Nevada. There, flanked by trusted lieutenants like João Almeida and Marc Soler, he logged critical high-altitude miles—crucial for fine-tuning his physiology.
He’s since reconned the pivotal Stage 5 time trial in Normandy, underscoring his attention to marginal gains. A return to racing at the Critérium du Dauphiné marks his final tune-up before a final, undisclosed training block—possibly at Isola, where last year’s Tour-winning form was sculpted. The goal? To become the first reigning World Champion to win the Tour since Greg LeMond in 1990.
Vingegaard’s Calculated Comeback
Two-time Tour victor Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) has taken a more cautious yet calculated route. A concussion and fractured wrist at Paris-Nice reshaped his calendar, shelving Catalunya for lab-tested refinement in Denmark and a high-altitude reset in Spain. His recon rides in Annecy hinted at targeted analysis of decisive climbs late in July’s parcours.
Following the Dauphiné, Vingegaard will head to Visma’s familiar Tignes base—where meticulous training will converge with squad chemistry. Leaked hotel bookings already hint at a stacked Tour lineup: Van Aert, Kuss, Jorgenson, and more, all converging for a final Alpine assembly. Expect nothing left to chance.
Evenepoel’s Steady Ascent
Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep) began 2025 on a back foot—quite literally, sidelined by an unfortunate altercation with a car door. Yet the Belgian rebounded through Spain’s highlands and built consistent racing volume across the spring. May’s Sierra Nevada stint saw him grinding through altitude alongside his expected Tour allies, even as illness briefly interrupted his regimen.
He now trains back in Belgium, his golden Specialized back on local asphalt. The Dauphiné will serve as his litmus test—last year’s TT victory and yellow jersey flirtation offering a tantalising benchmark. Coach Koen Pelgrim confirms Evenepoel is “one step further” than 2024. Should all go to plan, another Sierra Nevada camp looms before the Tour’s Grand Départ.
Roglič’s Question Mark
Primož Roglič (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) remains the enigma among the elite. Yet again cursed by misfortune, the Slovenian crashed out of the Giro and now faces a race against time. His camp has confirmed he won’t compete before July, with no clarity on altitude plans or racing rhythm. The last time he attempted the Tour after a Giro DNF, it ended abruptly. Will 2025 script a different tale?
Rodríguez and Ineos’s Resurgence
Spain’s Carlos Rodríguez (Ineos Grenadiers) may fly under the radar, but he’s tipped to lead a new-look Ineos squad into the Tour. His altitude work—done away from Strava’s eyes—suggests private intensity, bolstered by rides alongside Tobias Foss and Magnus Sheffield. A Dauphiné appearance precedes a likely pre-Tour camp, the location still secretive.
Veteran Geraint Thomas, in what will be his Tour swansong, opts for the Tour de Suisse. Perhaps it’s fitting: one last bid for a week-long GC crown before bowing out on cycling’s grandest stage.
Almeida’s Quiet Ascent
Though not a GC contender himself, João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates XRG) could prove pivotal in Pogačar’s campaign. The Portuguese climber has been sharpening his edge quietly, claiming strong results at Romandie and crushing KOMs in Sierra Nevada. He bypasses the Dauphiné for a shot at Tour de Suisse glory—where his rivals include Vlasov, Gall, and Thomas. Post-race, a final altitude retreat is scheduled before he joins the team in northern France.
Other Notables to Watch
The Dauphiné remains the chosen battleground for France’s hopefuls: Lenny Martinez, Guillaume Martin, and Aurélien Paret-Peintre. Elsewhere, Sepp Kuss, Mattias Skjelmose, and Santiago Buitrago will be testing form and finesse across the French Alps.
The Tour de Suisse, meanwhile, promises more northern flavour. Ben O’Connor, Felix Gall, Sasha Vlasov, and Oscar Onley round out a strong field chasing confidence and silverware before July.
And what of Richard Carapaz? Following a grueling Giro, EF’s leader will opt for rest, rather than racing. For riders like him—and Dani Martínez, Einer Rubio—the Tour prep now hinges on recovery and recalibration.
The Countdown Begins
With just weeks remaining, the chessboard is nearly set. Camps will conclude, final recon rides will taper, and media day rituals will begin. But make no mistake—the battle for yellow is already underway, played out in gradients above 2,000m and in hours of unseen training. When the flag drops in Lille, each favourite will bring with him not just form, but a philosophy forged in altitude and ambition.
Stay tuned with us as we chart every twist of this summer’s most awaited showdown.