How far in advance is the Tour de France route planned?

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The Tour de France route is planned three years in advance.

Planning for each year's Tour de France route commences three years prior to the event. Tour director Christian Prudhomme identifies the city that will host the Grand Départ for a specific edition three years in advance. Subsequently, route director Thierry Gouvenou receives the list of stage towns for the subsequent year's Tour at the end of August and typically finalizes the course design within one month, by September 25. The complete Tour route is then officially unveiled in Paris in October, nine months before the race commences.
Identification of Grand Départ Host City

The initial phase of route planning involves selecting the host city for the Grand Départ, which is the ceremonial start of the race. This decision is made by the Tour director, Christian Prudhomme, a full three years before the particular edition of the race will take place. This foundational step sets the geographical starting point for the subsequent planning stages.
Stage Town Selection and Course Design

Following the selection of the Grand Départ city, the route director, Thierry Gouvenou, receives a list of potential stage towns at the close of August for the following year's race. Gouvenou is then tasked with designing the specific course, a process that generally takes one month to complete, with a deadline of September 25. This involves selecting departure and arrival towns from a pool of approximately 300 candidates, including 50 from outside France.
Considerations in Route Planning

Several factors influence the route selection beyond purely sporting considerations. Tour director Christian Prudhomme highlights the importance of geographical diversity, aiming to showcase different regions of France, such as Brittany and the north, over a period of four to five years. Scenic beauty is also a key element, as organizers recognize that landscapes contribute to the race's appeal. Additionally, special attention is given to weekend stages and the stage on Bastille Day, due to their higher television viewership.
Inclusion of Iconic Mountain Stages

A non-negotiable aspect of the route planning involves the inclusion of historically significant mountain climbs. Prudhomme emphasizes that even if a route features numerous mountains, the absence of iconic ascents like the Tourmalet, Galibier, Ventoux, or Alpe d’Huez would lead to public criticism. The route design also incorporates elements of history and sentiment, such as passing through villages significant to national figures, as was seen with Antoine Dupont in 2023.

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How far in advance is the Tour de France route planned?

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