"This Tour will be different" - Romain Grégoire anticipates thrilling first week of the 2025 Tour de France

Even in absence of David Gaudu, Groupama - FDJ can aim high at the 2025 Tour de France. And with Romain Grégoire as leader for the explosive stages in first week, the French team may even dare to dream of yellow. Although Grégoire himself is a bit more hesitant speaking about his odds.

"I was not able to recon the Boulogne stage (stage 2)," the Frenchman admits at a pre-race press conference, explaining why he's not familiar with the stage. "I had a bit of a busy schedule in recent weeks so I preferred to prioritize recovery and calm before the start of this Tour rather than making the round trip to Boulogne."

But he's still well-aware of the opportunity to wear yellow after that day: "On the other hand, I still analyzed the map on the different supports that we can have at our disposal, it is a stage that could suit me, it is a stage promised to the punchers on paper. It looks complicated, there will inevitably be tension, it is the beginning of the Tour, on a stage where the yellow will be at stake too."

And so, Grégoire looks ahead to his second Tour de France participation without thinking too much of it. "I don't think there is much to change compared to last year, the Tour will be different that's for sure, by the profile of the first stages," he refers to the open first week.

It's a big difference compared to last year when the cards for GC were handed out on day 4 when riders took on the mighty Galibier. "Last year we had a race that settled down very quickly so there was much less pressure and stress in the peloton, this year it will be a little more tense, I expect that in any case."