Enthusiasts' Admiration Persists - Tour de France officials contemplate maintaining Montmartre, Paris, as the finale stage
The Tour de France is set to continue using the Montmartre circuit in future editions, with plans to officially include it in the final stage of the 2026 race and beyond[1]. The race organizers (ASO) have expressed enthusiasm about the success of the 2025 Montmartre circuit in Paris, citing overwhelming public and rider approval.
The Montmartre circuit, featuring three ascents of a Category 4 climb, marks a significant change from the traditional flat sprint finish on the Champs-Élysées. This addition introduces an element of difficulty and unpredictability that may disadvantage pure sprinters, who traditionally excel on the mostly flat final circuits.
Regarding the potential implications for pure sprinters, the inclusion of Montmartre could reduce their success chances due to the climbs[3][4]. Some elite riders, including Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel, have expressed skepticism or dislike for this route change, arguing it may detract from a pure sprint finale[3].
However, the new circuit has also sparked debate over its impact on race dynamics. The Montmartre climb could potentially create a more tactical and chaotic final stage, less predictable than traditional sprint finishes[4]. The overall consensus is that it will create a more dramatic and exciting finale, potentially favoring puncheurs or all-rounders over pure sprinters in the closing meters.
Wout van Aert, the winner of Stage 21 of the 2025 Tour de France, appreciated that GC times were taken before the climbs during the race. Jonas Vingegaard, on the other hand, did not enjoy the Montmartre circuit[5].
Further consultations with the minister for sport and Paris police chiefs are expected regarding the possibility of making the Montmartre route a regularity in the Tour de France. Pierre-Yves Thouault, deputy director of the Tour de France, plans to debrief with representatives from the city and the prefecture to discuss possible improvements for the Montmartre route[6].
In summary, while the Montmartre circuit is here to stay in the near future, it represents a shift away from a guaranteed flat sprint finish, making it a less sprinter-friendly finale of the Tour de France.
References:
- ASO announces plans to make Montmartre a permanent feature of the Tour de France
- Montmartre circuit: The Tour de France's new final challenge
- Montmartre climb: A new challenge for the sprinters in the Tour de France
- The Montmartre climb: A game-changer for the Tour de France finale?
- Wout van Aert wins Stage 21 of the 2025 Tour de France
- Pierre-Yves Thouault to discuss Montmartre route improvements with city and prefecture representatives
- The Montmartre circuit, featuring three ascents of a Category 4 climb, is set to become a permanent feature of the Tour de France in future editions, posing a challenge for pure sprinters who traditionally excel on flat final circuits.
- The introduction of the Montmartre circuit into the final stage of the 2026 Tour de France and beyond may reduce the success chances for pure sprinters due to its climbs, potentially favoring puncheurs or all-rounders in the closing meters.
