How to Watch Tour de France 2025: The Tour de France 2025, the 112th edition of the world’s most iconic cycling race, kicks off on July 5 in Lille and wraps up on July 27 in Paris. Spanning 3,338 kilometers across 21 stages, this year’s race stays entirely within France, featuring seven flat stages, six hilly stages, six mountain stages with five summit finishes, and two time trials. Whether you’re a die-hard cycling fan or a casual viewer, here’s everything you need to know to catch every thrilling moment.
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Streaming Options for Global Access
For fans worldwide, streaming is the easiest way to watch the Tour de France 2025. In the U.S., Peacock Premium ($7.99/month) offers live coverage of all 21 stages, pre- and post-race shows like THEMOVE with Lance Armstrong, and full-stage replays. In Canada, FloBikes ($209.99/year) provides live streams with Eurosport’s commentary. UK viewers can choose between ITV4’s free-to-air coverage or TNT Sports/Discovery+ for comprehensive streaming (£6.99/month). Australian fans get free live coverage on SBS On Demand, while in France, France Télévisions (France 2, France 3, France.tv) delivers every stage with expert commentary from Alexandre Pasteur and Laurent Jalabert. For geo-restricted platforms like Eurosport, a VPN like PureVPN can unlock access by connecting to a French server.
TV Broadcasts for Traditional Viewing
If you prefer watching on TV, several broadcasters offer live and highlight coverage. In the UK, ITV4 provides free-to-air broadcasts of every stage, hosted by Gary Imlach with commentary by Ned Boulting and David Millar. In the U.S., NBC airs select stages (1, 20, and highlights of 2, 15, 20, 21) alongside Peacock’s full coverage. Australian viewers can tune into SBS One for live stages starting around 9 p.m. AEST. In Colombia, RCN Televisión offers free-to-air selected stages, while South Africa’s SuperSport broadcasts every stage via DStv. Check local listings for exact times, as stage starts vary (typically 6–7 a.m. ET in the U.S.).
Key Stages to Watch
Don’t miss these pivotal moments in the 2025 Tour. Stage 1 (July 5, Lille) sets the tone with a sprint finish, likely crowning the first yellow jersey wearer. Stage 12 (Hautacam) marks the first “Beyond Category” climb, where GC contenders like Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard will battle. Stage 13’s mountain time trial to Peyragudes is a game-changer for the general classification. Stage 18, with over 5,000 meters of elevation gain and the Col de la Loze, is the race’s toughest. Finally, Stage 21 in Paris, featuring climbs up Montmartre before the Champs-Élysées finish, promises a dramatic close.
Tips for an Enhanced Viewing Experience
To make the most of your Tour de France experience, plan around key stages using the official route map on letour.fr. Follow post-stage analysis on Bicycling.com or Cyclingnews for insights into tactics and performances. If you’re recording stages, avoid social media to dodge spoilers. For international viewers, a VPN can bypass geo-restrictions, ensuring you never miss a moment. Pair your viewing with a subscription to the official Tour de France race guide for detailed stage profiles and maps, especially if you’re planning to watch in person.
FAQs
- Can I watch the Tour de France 2025 for free?
Yes, in the UK, ITV4 and ITVX offer free-to-air coverage. In Australia, SBS On Demand streams every stage for free. In France, France Télévisions provides free access via France.tv. - What’s the best way to watch the Tour in the U.S.?
Peacock Premium ($7.99/month) is the go-to, streaming all 21 stages live with replays and highlights. NBC also airs select stages. - How can I watch if I’m outside the broadcast region?
Use a VPN like PureVPN to connect to a server in a country with coverage (e.g., France for Eurosport). This bypasses geo-restrictions for smooth streaming. - Which stages are must-watch for 2025?
Focus on Stage 1 (sprint), Stage 12 (Hautacam), Stage 13 (Peyragudes time trial), Stage 18 (Col de la Loze), and Stage 21 (Paris finale). - Is there coverage for the Tour de France Femmes 2025?
Yes, Peacock streams the women’s race (July 26–August 3), which overlaps with the men’s final days. Check the official schedule for details.