Stage 21: Mantes-la-Jolie to Paris Champs-Élysées
The Tour concludes with its traditional parade to Paris, followed by the fast laps around the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, with a final sprint preceding the last podium ceremony.
Start: 10:15 am EST
Est. Finish: 1:14 pm EST
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Stage 21 preview
Course: The Tour concludes with its typical parade along the Champs-Élysées in front of the Parisian crowds. The typical photographs of champagne and hugs will commence in Mantes-la-Jolie before the slow procession to Paris. The sprinters get their chance to play, but with tired legs, expect the strongest to take the victory.
Favorites: Alexander Kristoff, Peter Sagan, Caleb Ewan, André Greipel
Jens Voigt’s take: First thing’s first: The peloton will have a flight transfer in the morning, almost like every year. A late start, today goes northwesterly to Paris, and then it’s all about enjoying the scene: taking pics, chatting to each other, and simply enjoying the fact that they made it to Paris. Everyone is proud and happy. But as soon as the Eiffel Tower gets in sight, the pace quickens, and after the team with the yellow jersey leads the peloton over the finish line, the race is on! It’s the most prestigious day for the sprinters. Winning on the Champs is like a knighthood for every sprinter. And riders get to see their families again after three weeks of brutal racing. It’s always a fantastic moment.