The challenging course used for the road race at the 2024 Paris Olympics has influenced Tour de France organisers to shake up tradition by altering the final stage of the 2025 edition. Instead of the usual ceremonial ride into Paris followed by a sprint on the Champs-Élysées, the route will now include the steep, cobbled Montmartre climb the same one that played a decisive role in the Olympic race.
Reactions to the change have been mixed. Many fans are enthusiastic about the added drama this climb could bring to the race’s conclusion. However, for riders, it introduces new safety concerns. Two-time Tour winner Jonas Vingegaard voiced his apprehension during a press conference, saying, “Honestly, I don’t think it’s a good idea. Montmartre was great in the Olympics with the crowds and atmosphere, but that race had just 50 riders by the time they reached the climb. In the Tour, we’ll have 150 riders all jostling for space on a narrow road it could be far more chaotic than the organisers expect.”
👀 A few days after Jonas Vingegaard, it was @TamauPogi who was scouting the roads of the time trial between Loudenvielle and Peyragudes today….
💛 The #TDF2025 is approaching
👀 Quelques jours après Jonas Vingegaard, c'est @TamauPogi qui était aujourd'hui en reconnaissance… pic.twitter.com/u7k0D5PNtP
— Tour de France™ (@LeTour) May 20, 2025
Vingegaard isn’t alone in his concerns. Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel also expressed doubts, telling Sporza that the Tour doesn’t need added complexity. “Just stick to the traditional circuit,” he said. “There’s already enough tension fighting for position in the opening week. Adding Montmartre to the finale, when we’re all exhausted, just makes it harder.”
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