Tour de France: A Beginner’s Guide
The Tour de France is more than just a bike race—it's a global spectacle that captivates millions each year. Whether you're curious about the event or eager to dive into the world of cycling, this guide will walk you through the essentials.
What Is the Tour de France?
The Tour de France is the world's most prestigious annual cycling race. It is a celebration of human endurance, strategy, and the beauty of cycling. Established in 1903, it spans approximately 3,300 kilometres over 21 stages, typically held in July. The race covers diverse terrains, including flat roads, rolling hills, and challenging mountain climbs, culminating in a grand finish on the iconic Champs-Élysées in Paris.
It's a chance to witness athletes push their limits, experience the culture of France, and become part of a global community united by a love for the sport.
Key Terms to Know
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Peloton: The main group of riders in a race.
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Breakaway: A small group or solo rider that separates from the peloton.
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Domestique: A team member who supports the team leader by setting pace or protecting them from wind.
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GC (General Classification): The overall race standings based on cumulative time.
- TT (Time Trial): A race against the clock, with riders starting individually.
How Is the Tour de France Race Structured?
The race is divided into 21 stages over 23 days, with two rest days. These stages vary in difficulty and type:
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Flat Stages: Fast-paced and ideal for sprinters.
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Hilly Stages: Moderate climbs that test endurance.
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Mountain Stages: The most grueling, featuring steep ascents in the Alps and Pyrenees.
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Individual Time Trials: Riders race against the clock over a set distance.
Each stage's winner is determined by the fastest time, while overall rankings are based on cumulative times across all stages.
The Four Key Jerseys
Riders compete for several jerseys, each representing a different classification:
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Yellow Jersey (Maillot Jaune): Awarded to the overall leader with the lowest cumulative time.
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Green Jersey: Given to the best sprinter, based on points earned through stage finishes and intermediate sprints.
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Polka Dot Jersey: Recognizes the best climber, awarded to the rider accumulating the most points on mountain stages.
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White Jersey: For the best young rider under 25, based on overall time.
How to Watch the 2025 Tour de France in Singapore
1. Eurosport Asia
Eurosport is the official broadcaster for the Tour de France in Southeast Asia, including Singapore. You can access their coverage through:
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Eurosport’s Digital Platform: Stream live stages and on-demand content.
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Discovery+: Offers comprehensive coverage, including live streaming and on-demand replays.
2. FloBikes
FloBikes will be streaming the 2025 Singapore Criterium by Le Tour de France, which takes place on November 1–2, 2025. You can watch it live or on-demand via:
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FloBikes Website: Stream directly from your browser.
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FloSports App: Available on iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast, and Apple TV.
Key Dates for Singapore Viewers
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Tour de France 2025: Held from June 29 to July 21, 2025. Live coverage is available on Eurosport and Discovery+.
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Singapore Criterium: Scheduled for November 1–2, 2025. Stream live or on-demand via FloBikes. flobikes.com
Time Zone Considerations
Singapore is in the Singapore Time Zone (SGT), which is UTC+8. The Tour de France stages are typically broadcast in Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1. This means there is a 7-hour difference, with races usually starting in the afternoon CET, translating to late evening or night in Singapore. Check the specific broadcast times on your chosen platform.
