Riders burn an average of 5,000–7,000 calories per day. Over the course of the entire race (which lasts about three weeks), that's roughly 120,000–140,000 calories.

Every summer, the world's best cyclists take on one of the most gruelling athletic events in modern sports—the Tour de France. Beginning this year on July 5, the 2025 race will span 21 stages and over 3,000 kilometres across France. First held in 1903 to boost newspaper sales, the Tour has grown into cycling's most iconic race. Riders compete in mountain climbs, sprints and time trials, with the race traditionally ending in Paris.

Descending the Col du Tourmalet in the French Pyrenees during the 2021 Tour de France, the route reaches more than 2,000 metres above sea level. Whether you're a cycling enthusiast or a casual fan, the Tour offers breathtaking scenery, fierce competition, and a true test of endurance.