The upcoming Tour de France, scheduled from July 5 to 27, will feature 23 teams, including 18 World Tour squads and several invited teams. Tour director Christian Prudhomme highlights the significance of supporting the Second division in cycling. Notable participants include Julian Alaphilippe, making his return, and teams like TotalEnergies, Tudor, and Uno-X with strong lineups. Despite concerns about safety with the additional team, Prudhomme reassures that safety measures are a priority while enhancing race excitement.
23 Teams Set to Compete in the Tour de France
Excitement is building as the Tour de France prepares to kick off from July 5 to 27, featuring a total of 23 teams. This unique lineup includes eighteen World Tour teams, one automatically qualified 1st division team, the two highest-ranked teams from the 2nd division, and three additional teams invited by the organizers. The International Cycling Union’s board recently approved this proposal from the Professional Cycling Council, allowing a 23rd team to participate in this year’s three Grand Tours, giving organizers the flexibility to choose a third invitee.
Highlighting Key Teams and Riders
Christian Prudhomme, the Tour director, emphasizes the importance of nurturing the Second division of cycling. “The Tour de France sits at the pinnacle of the cycling pyramid. If the foundation weakens, the entire structure is at risk. Our aim is to ensure that when a promising project emerges, the involved riders and teams can aspire to greatness,” he states. This year’s participants include TotalEnergies, Tudor, and Uno-X, leading to a competitive peloton consisting of 184 riders, an increase from 176 in 2024.
Among the notable returns is Julian Alaphilippe, who has been absent from the Tour since 2023. Prudhomme expresses enthusiasm about his comeback while also recognizing the strength of the Tudor team, which includes the talented Michael Storer and Marc Hirschi, both of whom bring significant experience and skill to the race. Meanwhile, Uno-X is highlighted for its robust lineup, featuring accomplished riders like Jonas Abrahamsen and Alexander Kristoff, known for their tenacity and competitive spirit.
As for TotalEnergies, the team, led by Jean-René Bernaudeau, continues to cultivate a deep passion for cycling in Vendée, evidenced by their past successes and commitment to developing new talent. While some, such as Team Visma Lease a bike’s Richard Plugge, have raised concerns about the safety implications of adding a 23rd team, Prudhomme assures that safety measures are continually being assessed and improved. He emphasizes that the focus is on maintaining a balance between safety and the excitement of the race, noting that changes made over recent years have transformed the dynamics of the competition.