2024 Tour de France Route Preview

2024 Tour de France: What a Race That Was

Tour de France coverage has gotten complicated with all the hot takes and instant reactions flying around. As someone who watched every stage, I learned everything there is to know about one of the most dominant performances in modern cycling history.

By the end, we’d witnessed something special.

The Grand Départ from Italy

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. First time the Tour started from Florence, and what a stage to open with. The route from Florence to Rimini threw serious climbs at the peloton on day one – not the typical flat parade stage we usually get.

Starting in Italy was a brilliant choice. The scenery was stunning, the fans were passionate, and it set the tone for an aggressive race from kilometer zero.

Pogačar’s Complete Domination

Tadej Pogačar didn’t just win the 2024 Tour – he demolished it. The Slovenian attacked early and never let up. By the time the race hit the Alps, he’d already built a commanding lead.

What made this win different was the margin. He didn’t sit on wheels and defend. He attacked on climbs where he could have easily protected his position. Pure racing, not calculated time trial-style defending.

The mountain stages saw Pogačar gap his rivals repeatedly. Jonas Vingegaard, coming back from a serious crash earlier in the season, rode heroically but couldn’t match Pogačar’s form.

Vingegaard’s Remarkable Return

Speaking of Vingegaard – the fact that he even started this Tour was impressive. His crash at the Tour of the Basque Country left him with serious injuries. To come back and finish second, putting up fights on multiple stages, showed incredible determination.

On his best days, he kept things competitive. But Pogačar in 2024 form was simply a level above everyone.

Key Stages That Decided the Race

Stage 4 to Galibier – Pogačar’s first real statement. He attacked on the final climb and made it clear he came to race, not just survive.

Stage 15 to Plateau de Beille – The day that effectively ended the GC battle. Pogačar dropped everyone on the final climb. Vingegaard limited his losses but lost significant time.

The time trials confirmed what the mountains had shown. Pogačar was faster against the clock too, leaving no weakness for rivals to exploit.

The Supporting Cast

Remco Evenepoel rode his first Tour and finished on the podium. For a debut in cycling’s biggest race, that’s a statement. He won stages and wore yellow briefly, showing he’ll be a factor in future editions.

UAE Team Emirates rode a near-perfect support race for Pogačar. Their climbing strength let them control the mountains when needed, though Pogačar often just rode away from everyone anyway.

Sprints and Breakaways

Away from the GC battle, the sprint stages delivered. Biniam Girmay made history and put on a clinic in bunch finishes. Jasper Philipsen showed why he’s still one of the fastest.

The breakaway hunters had their moments too. Long-range attacks succeeding on stages where the peloton let groups go. Good variety in stage winners throughout the race.

Paris Finish

Watching Pogačar ride into Paris in yellow was watching cycling history. The dominance, the attacking style, the sheer margin of victory – this Tour will be remembered.

The Champs-Élysées finish remains one of sport’s great traditions. Champagne, photos, celebration laps, then the final sprint for stage glory. After three weeks of racing, that final procession into Paris never gets old.

What It Means Going Forward

That’s what makes the 2024 Tour endearing to us cycling fans who watched every stage. Pogačar at 25 winning his third Tour with complete authority changes the conversation. How many can he win? Is this a generation-defining talent who’ll challenge all-time records?

Vingegaard proved he’s still elite when healthy. The rivalry isn’t over – it just tilted heavily in one direction this year.

The 2024 Tour delivered drama, stunning scenery, and a dominant champion. If you weren’t watching, you missed something special.