"The organisers of the Tour de France will not change a tried-and-tested formula" - Conflicting report claims Montmartre will stay in Tour next year
Cycling
Confusion has emerged over the 2027 Tour de France finale over the past 24 hours following reports that the new Montmartre climb would be removed from the final stage in 2027. Now, another local publication reports that those suggestions were not true.
The Côte de la Butte Montmartre - 1,1 kilometres at 5.9 percent saw riders pass the legendary Moulin Rouge and do battle up the picturesque cobbled streets before passing the cathedral at its peak, with repetitions of the climb proving exciting over the past two summers.
However, on Thursday, regional newspaper Le Progrès reported that organisers ASO have opted for the usual finish that includes laps of the Champs-Elysees with views of the Arc de Triomph and Louvre.
However, Le Parisien has contradicted those reports, responding to the news by categorically denying that organisers will move away from Montmartre, labelling the climb as a "tried-and-tested formula".
Wout van Aert beat Tadej Pogacar in the final stage of Tour de France 2025.
New report denies exsclusion of Montmartre climb
"No, the organisers of the Tour de France will not change a tried-and-tested formula," the publication reported.
"Contrary to rumors in some media, which suggested that there might be a return to a more classic version of the final stage, the organization is expected to visit Montmartre for the third time in a row."
The climb has been a hit with fans as it produced two memorable finishes with Wout van Aert's solo move in 2025 followed by Mathieu van der Poel's resilient win to hold off the chasers.
Unique final stage offers final opportunity for many riders
No reason was listed for the reported change, and despite fan praise of the re-imagination of the traditional Paris finish, a move back to the previous format - which often leads to a bunch sprint on Paris' iconic avenue - would signal a major change to the final day fans have witnessed over the past two editions.
On both occasions, the general classification was neutralised in some way before the final ascent of the climb, leading to Tadej Pogacar going all-out on both editions to feature the climb. However, the yellow jersey missed out as he was dropped by van Aert and beaten by van der Poel in a sprint to the line.
The difficulty of the Montmartre climbs made it possible for puncheurs and climbers to attempt for victory in the Tour, which has traditionally been out of reach due to its formerly flat nature resulting in a bunch sprint.
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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