Time to get the lycra out Tour time is almost with us



The 2024 Tour de France route is a thrill-seeker, seeking to capture the increasingly elusive attention of as broad an audience as possible. We have mountains at the start, mountains at the end, and gravel in the middle. We have the hilliest ever opening stage and we have a real race on the final day for the first time in 35 years.

In short, we have plenty of ammo for this run-down of 'unmissable' stages.

Here, we take a closer look at the days that will either shape the race, bring the drama, or, with a bit of luck do both at the same time.

Read more: Tour de France 2024 route revealed

Stage 4: Why take a tunnel when you can climb a col?
July 2: Pinerolo – Valloire, 139.6km




“Never before has the Tour been so high, so soon,” said Christian Prudhomme as he unveiled this early foray into the Alps. We knew the race had to get from Italy to France, and that means negotiating the Alps, but doing so in this way was not on many bingo cards.

“We could have passed through some tunnels, but we had no interest in doing that, so we preferred to pass over some cols,” Prudhomme added with a mischievous smile.

This is a proper mountain stage. Even if you look at it and think it’s not the likeliest to generate decisive general classification movement, you then remember it’s only stage 4 and that this sort of thing isn’t supposed to happen this early in a Grand Tour.

A full-on mountain stage this early is unprecedented, but it's not the first time the Tour has started with some hills. In some respects the first few stages of this Tour are a natural step up from what we saw last year. We have more elevation gain on the opening day in 2024 (3,600m) than we did in the Basque Country last year, which was followed by an early foray into the Pyrenees where, even on routes that didn’t look ultra-decisive, Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogačar traded significant blows.

The same is possible on this route, which effectively climbs from the gun, all the way to Sestrières at 2035m. The race crosses the Italo-French border via the Col de Montgenèvre (8.3km at 5.9%) and then it’s time for the Galibier, one of the most iconic mountains of the Tour de France.

It's the southern side of the mountain in action here, totalling 23km at 5.1%, much of that being a steady plod up the Col du Lauteret, where the prevailing headwind could see a contained race. But things suddenly change when you ignore that left turn and head right onto the upper reaches of the Galibier, as the gradient ramps up dramatically, the mountainside vertiginously falls away, and the altitude starts to bite.

This will be as much about the descent as the ascent, with the route re-tracing the steps that made Tom Pidcock a Netflix star, so we’re in for a spectacular finale, however the Galibier leaves it hanging. The draggy nature of much of the climbing may fail to inspire some fans, but you have a Tour de France icon, altitude, and a stunning descent, and then you remember it’s only stage 4.

Read more: Analysing Ineos Grenadiers’ Tour de France 10-rider long list

Stage 9: Gravel storm incoming
July 7: Troyes – Troyes, 199km



Love gravel, hate gravel, you are not missing this. This could be a massive moment for the race; it could be a massive moment in the history of the Tour de France; it could amount to very little at all; but it’s going to be captivating viewing, either way.

There was a sense of shock after Christian Prudhomme had unveiled the parcours for this stage. The very presence of gravel had been heavily touted in the pre-presentation rumour mill, but, sorry… how much?! No fewer than 14 sectors will line the route of stage 9, totalling more than 32km of the so-called chemins blancs (white tracks). That’s not Strade Bianche territory, but it’s considerably more than the 12.9km used when the Tour de France Femmes visited this area in 2022, the 11.6km on offer at next year’s Giro d’Italia, and any helping of cobblestone sectors we’ve had over the years.

It’s going to kick up a storm of dust on the day but it has already whipped up a stormy debate. “It is not necessary,” said an exasperated Jumbo-Visma boss Richard Plugge, a feeling echoed by his Bora-Hansgrohe counterpart Ralph Denk and in more diplomatic terms by his rider, the defending champion Jonas Vingegaard. Remco Evenepoel has already spoken out against the gravel, while his Soudal Quick-Step boss Patrick Lefevere has never hidden his own distaste for gravel and cobbles.

Read more: Does gravel belong in the Tour de France? Off-road stage of 2024 route divides opinion

The general argument against is that the heightened risk of mechanical problems or crashes could take a leading contender out of contention or out of the race altogether – rather than being decided on strength and tactics, it increased the role of Lady Luck. The argument in favour draws on both the past and future of cycling. Prudhomme pointed out that some of the sport’s legends were making their mark before long before paved roads were the norm, while gravel as a modern discipline is the sport's major growth area.

The Tour de France has made obvious efforts in recent years to appeal to the social media generation, so it’s no surprise to see them jump on the gravel hype train. If nothing goes drastically wrong on stage 9 next July, we can expect to see them lean further into the drama and entertainment angle, with Tour routes veering further away from the traditional. This is part of the testing ground for how a Grand Tour could and should be designed.

As for the day itself, the luck factor will be impossible to predict but in purely racing terms there is plenty of time to be won and lost. Plugge may have underlined Vingegaard’s bike handling skills, but the Jumbo-Visma reaction doesn’t scream confidence, nor does that of Primož Roglič’s Bora-Hansgrohe, while Evenepoel will have flashbacks to his nightmare outing on the Tuscan gravel in the 2021 Giro. That’ll be music to the ears of Pogačar, a former winner of Strade Bianche and the reigning champion at the Tour of Flanders. He is, quite simply, a more rugged and rounded rider, and he will surely see this not as an obstacle but an opportunity.

However it falls, the sight of the yellow jersey and co. careering onto the gravel – a haze of dust in the dry, or a mudbath in the wet – will be compelling viewing. Even if nothing much happens, you’ll be holding your breath on the edge of your seat for each sector, but there’s every chance this could be one of the most dramatic days of the whole Tour.

Stage 15: A Bastille Day epic
July 14: Loudenvielle – Plateau de Beille, 197.7km



Bastille Day, and as if the French fans needed any more incentive to get out there and scream their lungs out, we have a crazy day in the Pyrenees.

Let’s start with the stats: 198km, six climbs, 4850m elevation gain. It’s a big, big day and, what’s more, it comes hot on the heels of another big day. Stage 14 might not be quite as heavy, but it still goes over the Tourmalet, Hourquette d’Ancizan and up Pla d’Adet, meaning the legs will already be dulled for this epic.

It’s another summit finish, up at Plateau de Beille, but more on that later. The stage rips out of the traps, climbing the western flank of the Col de Peyresourde from the gun. The ascent from Loudenvielle measures 6.9km at 7.8% and the bunch is going to explode immediately. Breakaway artists will be on the move, pawns will be placed, lower-rung GC riders will be on the hunt, and we could even see a favourite or two looking to take advantage of the chaos. After the descent there are 20km in the valley but then the Col de Menté hits and it’s vicious (9.3km at 9.1%), followed straight away by the Portet d’Aspet (4.3km at 9.7%).

The valley roads in the middle of the stage should be where things settle back into some sort of pattern, but the shake-up will recommence on the Col d’Agnes (10km at 8.2%), and the short hop over to the Port de Lers. A descent and a short valley stretch then lead to the final climb to Plateau de Beille (15.8km at 7.9%), which didn’t see much action on its last appearance in 2015, but then again this is a harder stage in general. The first few kilometres are the hardest, averaging 9%, and it hangs mostly between 7-8% the rest of the way up. For such a long climb, the average gradient is high, and there’ll be guaranteed damage by the top.

The 2024 Tour route seems to have less of a penchant for super-steep climbs than previous years, with a return to more of the traditional steadier efforts, but this stage features the sharpest gradients of the whole Tour, and also the most elevation gain of a single stage. It’s set to be a defining day.

Stage 19: Up in the clouds
July 19: Embrun – Isola 2000, 144.6km



Rivalling stage 15 for the honour of the race’s ‘queen stage’ is this trip down the eastern flank of the French Alps, and it offers a real contrast to its Pyrenean counterpart.

For starters, it’s shorter, by 53km, and it contains almost as much elevation gain. Although it doesn’t start uphill, it’s a more intense affair. Secondly, the climbs are less steep, but longer, the Col de Vars and Cime de la Bonette both around the 20km mark.

The most important factor – and the thing that truly sets this stage apart – is the altitude. 2000 metres has become a sort of mythical benchmark, often referred to as 'the barrier'. Above the barrier, things change as the paucity of oxygen dulling both the muscles and the senses. At that height, you can crack and never recover.

The Tour goes above 2000m on the Galibier on stage 4 and the Tourmalet on stage 14, but stage 19 is ‘the altitude stage’ of the 2024 Tour.

The Col de Vars takes us to 2109m with an 18.8km climb at an average gradient of 5.7% that’s heavily mitigated by a 3km plateau in the middle. It’s then over to the Cime de la Bonette, which, at an eye-watering 2802m, is one of the highest paved roads in Europe.

This is extreme altitude, and while the climb, measuring 22.2km at 6.9%, would be hard enough from seal level, half of it is above the 2000m barrier, where the riders will be toiling for more than half an hour.

The long descent to Isola sets us up for another vertical kilometre on the final climb to Isola 2000, which as the name suggests, punctures that 2000m barrier for a third time. It’s another long climb at 16km, and while it’s a steady traditional ski resort seven percent-er, the day’s exertions will start to take their toll.

It’s the sort of stage, heading into the clouds, where the idea of climbers ‘taking flight’ feels very apt indeed.

Read more: Analysing Visma-Lease a Bike’s Tour de France long list

Stage 21: Drama til the last
July 21: Monaco – Nice, 34km (ITT)



For the first time in the history of the Tour de France, the race will finish away from Paris, and for the first time since 1989, we’ll have a competitive final day.

Those memories from 35 years ago will only whet the appetite for this 35km time trial between Nice and Monaco. The final day of that 1989 edition, concluding with a time trial into Paris, is one of the most memorable day’s in the race’s rich tapestry, with a pioneeringly aerodynamic Greg LeMond snatching the yellow jersey from Laurent Fignon by a mere eight seconds – the tightest ever Tour.

The arrival of the peloton in Paris is, for many, symbolic. However, the champagne-fuelled procession is not to everyone’s taste, and those who prefer the last day of the race to be, well, a race, will delight in the 2024 finale on the Côte d’Azur.

Provided it’s not a complete walkover to that point, the yellow jersey will be in play until the very last metres and moments of the Tour de France.

If the yellow jersey is indeed in play, then even the flattest of time trials would be gripping, but this is a far more interesting route than most, heading into the hills behind Nice to provide an all-round test of climbing, descending, flat power, and also bike handling.

The route starts in Monaco and spends all of 3km on the flat before heading up La Turbie, a well-trodden training climb for the enclave of Principality-based pros. At 8.1km at 5.6%, it’s a solid climb but more of a steady, seated effort. It provides a link to the Col d’Eze, famous from Paris-Nice, so it’s not the full climb but a steep 1.6km kicker at the top, which is followed by a long, fast, sweeping descent into Nice for a flat final 6km.

It’s a stunning route, perched above the glistening blue waters of the Mediterranean, and it should balance things finely between the remaining yellow jersey contenders, coming down to who’s still firing after three weeks. That’s another part of the novelty; the 2024 Tour effectively has one extra day of ‘real’ racing, and this TT comes after two big summit finishes, and five mountain stages in the space of the previous seven days.

If it goes down to the wire, it will live long in the memory.

Leamington manager Paul Holleran has undergone surgery for prostate cancer.

The newly-promoted National League North club have issued a statement over the health of their long-serving 53-year-old boss, who was first diagnosed in March, when Leamington were in the middle of an ultimately successful Southern League promotion battle.

"Following speculation regarding the health of Paul Holleran and him receiving many enquiries from within the football community, and following discussions with the club, initiated by Paul, it has been decided to make a statement on what is a very personal matter for Paul," the club said.

"Paul advised the club almost three months ago that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and would be having an operation in very early June with a then yet to be determined course of treatment.

"The operation took place as scheduled and Paul is now recuperating at home, following doctor's orders. He envisages being back in the dugout in time for the season ahead."

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Holleran said: "I would like to thank all of my family, close friends and football family for all their support over the recent months since my diagnosis of prostate cancer.

"I have had exceptional treatment and care from all the staff at the Birmingham Queen Elizabeth Hospital and am thankfully at home now being cared for by Mrs H.

"I would like to urge all men from their late 40s onwards to request a simple PSA blood test from your local GP, symptoms or no symptoms, to help with early diagnosis.

"I would also like to pay special tribute to National League sponsors Vanarama as I can still remember their MANarama campaign for awareness of prostate cancer. At Leamington FC, we will hold another men's health day this coming season."

Leamington went back up to English football's sixth tier by beating AFC Telford on away soil in the Southern League Premier Division Central play-off final at the Bucks Head in May.

The Brakes' first pre-season fixture is at Coventry Sphinx on Tuesday 9 July, followed by a home game against a Coventry City XI the following Saturday.

The new National League North season starts on Saturday 10 August.

Macclesfield have appointed Robbie Savage as their head coach, while former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey has also joined the club in an unspecified role.

Former Leicester, Birmingham and Blackburn midfielder Savage, who is a shareholder at the club, takes over from Michael Clegg, who departed on Monday.

Savage, 49, had held a director of football role with the club since their reformation in 2020 following the downfall of Macclesfield Town.

"As a result of achieving two promotions as well as reaching a play-off final and FA Trophy semi-final within the club’s first three years, it came as no surprise when Robbie was offered a senior role elsewhere recently," a club statement said., external

"Robbie subsequently agonised over this on numerous levels as it would have meant him relinquishing his role at Macclesfield FC – in addition to his shareholding.

"This was something which the board was not prepared to let happen and it was unanimously decided that Robbie should be given the chance to prove himself here at Macclesfield FC as he launches his coaching career with us."

Former Wales midfielder Savage, the club's seventh managerial appointment since 2020, has brought in Peter Band as his assistant.

His appointment comes after the Silkmen narrowly missed out on promotion from the seventh-tier Northern Premier League Premier Division last season having been defeated in a play-off by Marine.


Since his retirement, he has worked with former club Leicester City as a coach of their women's team, taking over as head coach on an interim basis in 2021.

In 2023, he took on a coaching role with England's youth set-up before last year's Under-17 World Cup.

Macclesfield FC launched following the demise of Macclesfield Town, who were expelled from the National League in 2020 having been wound up by the High Court.

The newly formed club entered the league pyramid in the North West Counties League, achieving two promotions and reaching the FA Trophy semi-final in their first three and a half years of existence.

I assume most are watching.
Quite a struggle for the so called better sides.
(Including us) 
Shows us lots of excellent unknown talent are out there. Brings me on to what the hell are our recruitment department doing.

Whow, that's a real shocker - RIP KEVIN CAMPBELL, at just 54

Birmingham City have appointed Tottenham Hotspur assistant boss Chris Davies as their new manager on a four-year deal.

Davies, 39, who was a coach at Swansea City, Liverpool, Celtic and Leicester City under Brendan Rodgers, succeeds Tony Mowbray at the newly relegated League One club.

Blues have agreed a compensation package with Spurs as Davies still had two years left on his contract.

The club spoke to over 40 candidates - reportedly including Frank Lampard and Alex Neil - for the job, which became vacant on 21 May when Mowbray confirmed he would not be returning to the role for health reasons.

"From our first meeting, it was clear we were aligned on values and shared our ambition for Blues," said owner and chairman Tom Wagner, who was part of the recruitment panel along with co-owner Tom Brady and chief executive Garry Cook.

"He is widely respected in the game and fulfils our goal to appoint an ambitious, progressive coach. He is motivated to help redefine the club, the culture, and the playing identity."

Davies added: "As soon as I spoke with Tom, Garry, Tom Brady, and other board members it was clear to me how passionate and committed the football leadership team are to bringing success to this club.

“I will give everything to build an attacking team that reflects this great city, and most importantly to produce a team that our supporters can be proud of.”

Truro City have appointed former Macclesfield Town, York City and Port Vale boss John Askey as their new manager.

The 59-year-old succeeds Paul Wotton, who left the Tinners last month to take on the vacant role at National League South rivals Torquay United.

Askey led Macclesfield to the National League title in 2018 and guided York City to promotion back to the fifth tier two years ago.

Stewart Yetton will stay at the club as assistant manager under Askey, having been Wotton's number two at the club.

"We want to try and write some more history for the football club," Askey told BBC Radio Cornwall.

"The league they're in now is the highest league that they've been in, Truro is the biggest club in Cornwall, and we need to try to move the club forward and get everybody behind us and make Cornwall proud of Truro City.

"That's what everyone's looking forward to now, being back at the ground and it's exciting times, but the most important thing is getting the results on the football pitch and that'll keep everybody together."

City’s football consultant Alex Black said: “John is someone that can bring a clear vision, longevity and a structure for the club moving forward.

“His credentials are fantastic, having managed in the Football League, but in more recent times he got York City promoted out of Step Two – the same league we are in.

“John delivered that from a difficult position and also, he won Step One with Macclesfield on a very limited budget.

"He gives us a good blend of knowledge and experience of the level up in the Football League, but he also has an intimate knowledge of how non-league works."

Askey 'excited' about Truro 'project'
Truro City's new stadium
IMAGE SOURCE,COLIN BRADBURY
Image caption,
Truro City's new stadium will be operational in time for the start of the season

Askey still has the core of the squad that helped City finish 16th in their first season back in National League South.

The club is set to move into a new purpose-built stadium in Truro, three years after they left the Cornish city after their ground was sold for redevelopment.

He is also the first manager to be appointed since the club was taken over by the Canadian consortium that also owns the Cornwall rugby league side.

"I was excited about the project ahead," Askey said.

"New owners and it's a new experience for myself - I've not managed in National League South before, so it's something I'm looking forward to.

"I've had in my career six promotions as a player and as a manager and it's not all about having the finances.

"It's about creating a good team spirit and I think getting everybody involved in the football club is really important so that the players feel as though they're playing for someone and the supporters feel as though they're part of it.

"If we can get that right off the pitch, then it's a big help on it."

Askey says his priority over the coming weeks is to strengthen the Truro squad ahead of the forthcoming season, as they aim to establish themselves in the sixth tier.

"We've got a nucleus of 12 players from last season, so we'll be looking to add and try to bring better players in," he said.

"That's always the secret, trying to keep improving, and if we can do that we're looking to do better than they did last season."

As if relegation to League One at the hands of Hamilton wasn't bad enough, allied to a fans' revolt against the proposed move of their training base to Kelty, it now seems that the board are warning about the possibility of administration.

Chairman Ross Morrison resigned following the fans' protest against the training ground move and the board have confirmed that the proposed move has been called off. The club are now trying to attract new investment, but are covering every base, including possible administration. The main question is can the club afford to retain both full-time status and also Duncan Ferguson as manager?

Burton Albion have appointed Chelsea development squad boss Mark Robinson as their new head coach.

The 57-year-old replaces Martin Paterson, whose departure was confirmed last month having only been appointed in January.

Robinson was previously AFC Wimbledon boss for just over a year before leaving in March 2022 with the club in the bottom three of League One.

After being sacked by the Dons, he was appointed by Chelsea as head of their development squad in May 2022.

As boss of Chelsea's under-21 side, he guided them to two top four finishes in the Premier League 2 table.

His appointment at Burton follows the Nordic Football Group's takeover of the east Staffordshire club, with Ole Jakob Strandhagen becoming chairman and Fleur Robinson, daughter of former owner Ben, named as chief executive.

Bendik Hareide, who is the son of former Manchester City, Norwich City and Denmark midfielder Age Hareide, has taken up the post of sporting director following the change of ownership.

Hareide said Robinson "fits well" with the club and was what the new owners desired.

"Mark brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in developing players and teams, which aligns perfectly with our vision for Burton Albion," added Hareide.

Burton chairman Robinson sells majority stake
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Robinson said he was "extremely proud to have been given this opportunity" and was "excited" by the new owners' plans for the club.

"I want to create a team that is enjoyable to watch, aggressive, and energetic, one that the fans and town feel they can really get behind and be proud to represent them," he told the club website.

“We want to combine the team’s success with the development of young players, something that I have been committed to throughout the last two decades as a coach."

Robinson will take over a Burton side that finished 20th in the third tier, just two points clear of the drop zone.

The relegation near miss came after years of battling campaigns to avoid the drop.

Dino Maamria steered them to safety in 2022-23 after working as assistant to former Netherlands and Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who returned for a second spell at Burton in January 2021 and helped them stay up after taking the job when they were bottom of the table.

Robinson, a former Fulham youth player who had his career on the pitch curtailed by injuries, moved into coaching with Wimbledon in 2004 and helped establish their academy.

He filled various roles during 18 years with the Dons before stepping up to take charge of the first team after the sacking of Glyn Hodges in January 2021. He took charge for 70 games, with 18 wins, 29 losses and 23 draws.

Robinson will be joined at Burton by Tom Hounsell, who leaves Fulham's academy to take up the assistant head coach role at the Brewers.

Strength and conditioning coach Elliott Axtell also joins Burton's backroom staff from Chelsea's development squad.

Long-serving Burton Albion chairman Ben Robinson has sold his majority stake in the club to Swedish-based Nordic Football Group.

Burton have also appointed his daughter Fleur Robinson as their new chief executive, following three years in the same role at newly-promoted fellow League One club Wrexham.

Robinson's son, Ben Robinson Jr, will remain "an integral part of the club’s operations".

Ole Jakob Strandhagen will become Burton's chairman, while NFG’s founder Tom Davidson, sporting director Bendik Hareide and commercial director Kevin Skabo also join the new board.

Robinson's time in charge, totalling almost 40 years over two spells as chairman, has brought a new home at the Pirelli Stadium, in 2005, followed by promotion to the English Football League in 2009, with a team built by Nigel Clough.

Clough left in the January of the season they went up to join his father Brian's old club Derby County, but returned to the Pirelli to guide the Brewers into the Championship in 2016.

The Brewers returned to League One in 2018, but have since finished 9th, 12th, 16th, 16th, 15th and 20th last season, when they lost on the final day but stayed up as Cheltenham Town also lost.

They parted company with manager Martin Paterson last week, as well as coaches Gary Mills and John Dreyer.

Having appointed a new sporting director in Molde Under-19s coach Hareide, the son of former Manchester City, Norwich City and Denmark midfielder Age Hareide, they will now be expected to name a new head coach.

Ben Robinson's 50-year love affair with Burton Albion
Robinson named Wrexham chief executive
Published
12 March 2021
Burton Albion confirm manager Paterson's departure
Published
3 days ago
The Pirelli Stadium
IMAGE SOURCE,GETTY IMAGES
Image caption,
The Pirelli Stadium has been Burton Albion's home since leaving Eton Park in 2005

Crucial to have the Robinsons by our side - NFG
After having the takeover approved by the EFL, the new majority owners issued a statement.

"We understand that the future progress and performance of Burton Albion now rests squarely on our shoulders, as they have on Ben's," it said.

“We fully understand that for the supporters, it has been a frustrating and uncertain time. We intend to follow an approach of being accessible and engaged. This is very important to the way we wish to operate.

“Our gratitude goes to Ben Robinson. His unwavering love for this football club, the people, and the town of Burton upon Trent has been evident throughout our conversations.

“He has profoundly shaped what Burton Albion is today, epitomising what a football club should stand for: unity and belonging through a proud and rich history, a devoted fan base, dedicated staff, and a strong sense of connection with its community.

“Every club has its own rich history, but we love Burton's underdog story. We feel it is unique - coming from non-league football to climb the divisions against all odds through stable leadership and financial sustainability.

"The prospect of being part of the broader Burton family and community was incredibly compelling for us.

“While NFG has strong experience across the Nordic region, running an English football club is unchartered territory and the town, people and culture of Burton upon Trent is new to us. Therefore, it is crucial to have the Robinson family by our side, leaning on their immense expertise, experience, and ethos. We are thrilled to be working together with Ben, Fleur, and Ben Jr."