"We have consciously decided not to leave the country" - No cross-border trips for Tour de France in 2025 reveals Christian Prudhomme

With the first three stages of the 2025 Tour de France having now been revealed, the race's director, Christian Prudhomme has given some further detail on his plans for the race in that year.

"The second stage is truly one for champions. There are more than 2,500 meters of elevation, with steep climbs," Prudhomme tells various media outlets, with quotes collected by In de Leiderstrui. "Once on top of those climbs, the riders often end up on plateaus. The wind will also play a role there. The last two hills are extremely steep. It will be a spectacle."

One thing that won't be present in the opening of the 2025 Tour de France in Lille however, are cobbles. Despite the prospect having been much rumoured. "There are many hills in the first stages, but no cobblestones," says the Frenchman. "The hills will force the best riders to stand shoulder to shoulder."

The biggest bike race on the planet, the Tour de France has often visited different countries across Europe on it's travels. In 2025 however, it will truly be a tour of the French nation. "We have consciously decided not to leave the country. The success we have achieved and will achieve abroad will also be achieved in France in 2025," Prudhomme explains.