Overview of Tour de France Stage 1
Tour de france stage 1 – The opening stage of the 2023 Tour de France is a relatively flat and straightforward 195-kilometer (121-mile) ride from Bilbao to Vitoria-Gasteiz in Spain. The route follows a generally southwesterly direction, with a few gentle climbs along the way.
The first half of the stage is relatively flat, with only a few minor climbs. The most significant challenge of the day comes in the second half, with a pair of categorized climbs: the Alto de Gontzagarai (a third-category climb) and the Alto de Vitoria (a fourth-category climb). Both climbs are relatively short, but they could provide an opportunity for the breakaway riders to gain some time on the peloton.
The Tour de France Stage 1, a grueling 194-kilometer race from Brest to Landerneau, saw a breakout performance from Australian rider Ben Healy ( ben healy ). Healy, known for his climbing prowess, made a daring breakaway in the final kilometers, ultimately securing a top-10 finish and the coveted polka dot jersey as the King of the Mountains.
His impressive display served as a testament to his unwavering determination and set the stage for an exciting race ahead.
The finish in Vitoria-Gasteiz is expected to be a bunch sprint, with the sprinters’ teams likely to control the pace in the final kilometers. However, the presence of the two climbs in the second half of the stage could make it difficult for the pure sprinters to stay with the main group, opening the door for a breakaway rider to take the stage win.
The first stage of the Tour de France is always a spectacle, with riders jostling for position and the first yellow jersey up for grabs. If you’re planning to watch the 2024 Tour de France, be sure to check out our guide on how to watch.
We’ll provide you with all the information you need to catch all the action, from start to finish. Back to the Tour de France stage 1, the route is relatively flat, but there are a few small climbs that could cause some early splits in the peloton.
Route
- Distance: 195 kilometers (121 miles)
- Start: Bilbao, Spain
- Finish: Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
Elevation Profile, Tour de france stage 1
The elevation profile of Stage 1 is relatively flat, with a few gentle climbs along the way. The most significant challenge of the day comes in the second half, with a pair of categorized climbs: the Alto de Gontzagarai (a third-category climb) and the Alto de Vitoria (a fourth-category climb).
The Alto de Gontzagarai is a 2.6-kilometer (1.6-mile) climb with an average gradient of 5.2%. The Alto de Vitoria is a 1.8-kilometer (1.1-mile) climb with an average gradient of 4.5%.
Key Features and Challenges
- The stage is relatively flat, with only a few minor climbs.
- The most significant challenge of the day comes in the second half, with a pair of categorized climbs: the Alto de Gontzagarai (a third-category climb) and the Alto de Vitoria (a fourth-category climb).
- The finish in Vitoria-Gasteiz is expected to be a bunch sprint, but the presence of the two climbs in the second half of the stage could make it difficult for the pure sprinters to stay with the main group.
Contenders and Predictions for Stage 1
Stage 1 of the Tour de France is a relatively flat stage, making it a prime opportunity for sprinters to shine. Several top sprinters will be vying for the stage victory, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
One of the top contenders is Caleb Ewan (Lotto-Soudal). Ewan is a powerful sprinter who has won multiple stages in the Tour de France in the past. He is known for his ability to accelerate quickly and finish strong. However, Ewan can be vulnerable in uphill finishes, so he will need to make sure to stay with the peloton on the short climb to the finish line.
Another top contender is Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma). Van Aert is a versatile rider who is capable of winning in a variety of terrains. He is a strong sprinter, but he is also a good climber and time trialist. This makes him a dangerous threat on Stage 1, as he could potentially win the stage from a breakaway or in a bunch sprint.
Other contenders for the stage victory include Sam Bennett (Bora-Hansgrohe), Peter Sagan (TotalEnergies), and Elia Viviani (Cofidis). Bennett is a fast sprinter who has won multiple stages in the Tour de France in the past. Sagan is a former world champion who is always a threat to win, while Viviani is a powerful sprinter who has won stages in all three Grand Tours.
Predictions for the Podium Finishers
- 1st: Caleb Ewan
- 2nd: Wout van Aert
- 3rd: Sam Bennett
Historical Highlights and Notable Moments: Tour De France Stage 1
Stage 1 of the Tour de France is a storied event, etched into the annals of cycling history. It has witnessed iconic moments that have shaped the narrative of the race and left an enduring legacy.
The stage has often set the tone for the entire Tour. In 1989, Greg LeMond’s dramatic victory in the prologue time trial propelled him to his second overall title. In 2012, Bradley Wiggins’ triumph in the opening stage set the stage for his historic British victory.
Notable Riders and Performances
- Eddy Merckx: The “Cannibal” won Stage 1 a record six times, demonstrating his dominance in the race’s early stages.
- Bernard Hinault: The “Badger” won Stage 1 five times, showcasing his all-around prowess.
- Miguel Indurain: The Spanish legend won Stage 1 twice, establishing his time trialing superiority.
Strategies and Tactics
Stage 1 often involves a mix of strategies, as riders seek to gain an early advantage or avoid potential pitfalls.
- Time Trialists: Riders with strong time trialing abilities often target Stage 1 to secure an early lead.
- Sprinter Teams: Teams with fast sprinters may try to control the race and lead out their sprinter for a stage win.
- Breakaways: Riders may attempt to break away from the main peloton and establish a time gap.