How to Watch the Tour de France: Live Broadcasts by Country

The 2024 edition of the Tour de France promises to be an electrifying event, showcasing the world’s best cyclists as they traverse the challenging routes of France. Known for its gruelling mountain stages, thrilling sprints, and strategic battles, this year’s race will not only test the limits of the riders but also captivate millions of viewers worldwide. The Tour de France is one of the most-watched sporting events globally, with an estimated 3.5 billion people tuning in across 190 countries, although the source on this number is sketchy (even if it did come from the race organisers). A press release from race sponsor Skoda in 2013 said 1.4 billion viewers instead. This immense viewership highlights the race’s unparalleled popularity and the extensive global reach of its live broadcasts.

This year’s Tour de France is packed with intriguing storylines and promises plenty of battles across three weeks of intense racing. For the first time, the Grand Tour will begin in Italy, with Florence hosting the Grand Depart and San Marino becoming the 14th country to be visited by a stage. This historic start marks a significant milestone in the race’s rich history.

The conclusion of the race will also see a significant change. Due to the ongoing preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics, a time trial in Nice will replace the traditional Champs-Elysees sprint. This individual time trial will be the first to conclude the Tour since 1989, when Greg LeMond memorably pipped Laurent Fignon in the closest edition in history.

When is the Tour de France?

The 2024 Tour de France will be held between June 29 and July 21 and will consist of 21 stages, with two rest days included in the itinerary. For the first time, the race will not finish in Paris; instead, Nice will host the final stage due to the Olympics later this summer.

Where is the Grand Depart?

The Grand Depart will be held in Italy for the first time, with Florence in Tuscany selected to begin the route. Stage 1 will finish in the coastal resort of Rimini, while the next three stages will also begin in Italy before the race crosses the border into France.

How long is the Tour?

In total, the peloton will cover 3,492 km (2,170 miles) across 21 days of racing. Stage 3 (Piacenza to Turin) is the longest stage at 229 km (142 miles), while the 133 km (83 miles) route on Stage 20 (Nice to Col de La Couillole) is the shortest road stage. There are two individual time trials: Stage 7 is 25 km (16 miles), and the final stage from Monaco to Nice will be contested over 34 km (21 miles).

Where to watch the 2024 Tour de France?

Europe

North America

Latin America & Caribbean

Asia

Africa & Middle East

Oceania

Additional Coverage

For those who prefer a broader European coverage, Eurosport and Eurosport Max offer pan-European broadcasting, ensuring fans across the continent can catch all the action live. Eurosport provides comprehensive coverage of the Tour de France, and it is available in multiple European countries, bringing extensive live coverage, highlights, and expert analysis.

Discovery+, as part of the Discovery network, also offers live streaming options for viewers who prefer to watch the race online. This service is available in various regions, providing flexibility for fans who may not have access to traditional television broadcasts.

Eurosport Max offers an enhanced viewing experience with additional features such as multiple camera angles, in-depth race statistics, and interactive content. This premium service is ideal for die-hard cycling enthusiasts who want to immerse themselves fully in the Tour de France experience.

The availability of these services can vary depending on your country and existing access agreements. For example, some regions might have exclusive agreements with local broadcasters, limiting access to Eurosport or Discovery+ services. Therefore, checking your local listings and available services is recommended to ensure you can catch every moment of the race.