Cycling: The favourites and what to expect in the key stages of the Men's Tour de France

In the upcoming Tour de France, Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard are set to battle for the coveted yellow jersey as the race kicks off in Florence and concludes with a time trial in Nice. The 111th edition of the Tour will feature a route that includes challenging climbs, varied terrains, and key stages that will test the riders' skills and endurance. 

Among the notable stages are the hilly 206km Stage 1 from Florence to Rimini, the mountainous Stage 4 from Pinerolo to Valloire passing through the iconic Col de Galibier, and the unique Stage 9 from Troyes to Troyes featuring gravel roads in the Champagne region. Additionally, Stage 15 stands out with a tough summit finish at Plateau de Beille, while Stage 19 includes multiple climbs above 2,000m, and Stage 20 culminates at the Col de la Couillole. 

The Tour will wrap up with a 33.7km individual time trial from Monaco to Nice on the French Riviera, adding a thrilling climax to the race. As cycling enthusiasts eagerly anticipate this intense competition, the battle between Pogacar and Vingegaard promises excitement and strategic racing throughout the challenging stages of the Tour de France 2024.