The 2024 Tour de France captured the hearts of cycling fans worldwide with its blend of tradition and groundbreaking moments. Starting in Florence, Italy, and finishing in Nice because of the Paris Olympics, the race covered 2,174 miles across 21 intense stages. This edition was especially historic, with Tadej Pogačar claiming his third yellow jersey after a dominant performance, solidifying his spot among cycling legends. Riders faced punishing mountain climbs, unpredictable gravel roads, and fierce sprint showdowns, creating drama at every turn. Key highlights included Biniam Girmay's record-breaking green jersey win and Mark Cavendish surpassing Eddy Merckx with his 35th stage victory. The race’s unique route, thrilling rivalries, and heroic efforts made 2024 one of the most iconic years in Tour de France history.

A Grand Départ to Remember

For the first time, the Tour de France began in Florence, Italy, with the Italian countryside providing a stunning backdrop. This marked another historic milestone, as 2024 was the 100th anniversary of Italy’s first yellow jersey winner, Ottavio Bottecchia. The opening three stages highlighted the riders' early efforts, blending hilly terrain, technical descents, and iconic landmarks. Frenchman Romain Bardet thrilled fans by claiming the yellow jersey after a tough Stage 1, kicking off the Tour with an emotional victory.

Tadej Pogačar, however, quickly stamped his authority. By Stage 4, he had already reclaimed the yellow jersey after a dominant performance on the Col du Galibier climb, signaling to the peloton that he was the man to beat.

The Pivotal Moments in Pogačar’s Domination

Tadej Pogačar’s road to victory in the 2024 Tour was nothing short of spectacular. Coming into the race fresh off a triumphant Giro d’Italia victory, Pogačar built his command over the general classification early and only widened his lead as the race progressed. His climbing prowess, team support from UAE Team Emirates, and tactical sharpness kept rivals like Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel chasing in vain.

Among many impressive performances, Pogačar's attacks during the mountain stages stood out. On Stage 14 to Saint-Lary-Soulan and again on Stage 15 to Plateau de Beille, he left the competition in his wake, sealing stage wins with jaw-dropping solo efforts. By the time he donned yellow for the finish in Nice, his lead was a commanding six minutes and 17 seconds over second-place finisher Jonas Vingegaard.

Girmay's History-Making Sprints

Eritrean rider Biniam Girmay carved out his place in cycling history during this year’s Tour. By winning not one but three sprint stages, he became the first Black African to achieve this on the Tour de France. Consistent and explosive, Girmay’s riding earned him the coveted green jersey for winning the points classification. His battle with sprinters such as Jasper Philipsen provided some of the most nail-biting moments on the flat stages, with photo finishes and high-speed jostling thrilling fans.

Philipsen also shone in the sprint battles, securing multiple stage victories to further cement his reputation as one of the fastest riders in the peloton.

Mountain Battles and the Polka Dot Triumph

The mountain stages in the Alps and Pyrenees tested every rider’s limits, with steep gradients and dizzying altitudes separating contenders from also-rans. Richard Carapaz emerged as the King of the Mountains, claiming the polka dot jersey after a heroic ride on Stage 19 to Isola 2000. Carapaz’s efforts in the high altitudes showcased his determination, leading to a memorable moment when he rode aggressively to secure this prestigious title.

While the polka dot jersey was decided in the mountains, it was Pogačar’s all-round dominance that continually captured the imagination of fans worldwide. With three consecutive stage wins to close the race, including the final summit finish on the Col de la Couillole during Stage 20, his superiority was undeniable.

Challenges on the Gravel Roads

Adding to the spectacle of this year’s Tour, Stage 9 took riders through sections of gravel near Troyes, France. This unique challenge tested both their skill and equipment, as the uneven terrain caused punctures and reshuffled the stage’s dynamics. Frenchman Anthony Turgis maneuvered his way to a gritty victory, pulling ahead to win on a day full of surprises and chaos. The inclusion of gravel typified the unpredictable nature of this year’s route.

A Historic Final Stages in Nice

For the first time since the Tour’s inception, the race concluded far from Paris, finishing in Nice due to preparations for the 2024 Olympics. The Riviera city didn’t disappoint, closing the event with breathtaking views and an electrifying time trial on Stage 21. Starting in Monaco, the 20.9-mile route delivered a dramatic end to the Tour, as Pogačar secured yet another stage win, punctuating his overall dominance with a strong solo ride.

The finale featured everything fans love about the Tour de France. Riders savored their last competitive moments as crowds along the sunlit streets of Nice cheered them on. For Pogačar, crossing the line in yellow marked not just the end of a race but also the completion of a monumental “Giro-Tour double” victory, a feat unseen since Marco Pantani’s legendary ride in 1998.

Mark Cavendish’s Record-Breaking Moment

Another unforgettable highlight came from Mark Cavendish, the British sprint legend. On Stage 5, Cavendish broke Eddy Merckx’s decades-old record with his 35th career Tour de France stage win. The win was both a historic and emotional moment as Cavendish, near the end of his storied career, proved he still had what it takes to compete against the best.

What made the 2024 Tour de France so special was its balance of tradition and innovation. From starting in Florence to the groundbreaking finale in Nice, the race offered a fresh perspective on an event steeped in history. The gravel roads, intense rivalries, and record-breaking achievements provided fans with gripping storylines to follow.

Pogačar’s dominance, Girmay’s groundbreaking success, and Cavendish’s historic win were just a few of the moments that reminded us why the Tour de France remains the pinnacle of cycling. With its mix of emotion, grit, and competition, the 2024 edition will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most iconic in recent history.