Tour de France 2023: stage-by-stage guide to this year’s race

The Grand Depart will be in the Basque Country this year before crossing the Pyrenees and then heading across the Massif Central

The Tour starts in Spain's foremost cycling heartland, with a stage through the Basque Country hills which will give many the jitters. Four stiff ascents in the final 80km with the Cote de Pike less than 10km from the line means an initial sort-out of the field; at least one favourite could lose the race here. The finish is made for Julian Alaphilippe, so France will expect a win and yellow jersey.