The Tour de France 2025 opens with a flat and fast Stage 1 on Saturday, July 5, in Lille Métropole. This first day is made for sprinters. Riders will race along wide roads, short hills, and open fields in northern France. The finish line is set up for a tight sprint, with the first yellow jersey on the line.
Expect teams with strong lead-out riders to control the final kilometers. Big names like Tim Merlier, Jasper Philipsen, and Biniam Girmay are already marked as favorites. The route suits them well, and the weather could add more excitement—especially if crosswinds hit late in the stage.
If you’re planning to follow the race live, this guide has everything you need: the full schedule, how to watch it free, who’s racing, and what time the action starts in your country.
Tour de France 2025 Stage 1 at a glance:
| Date: | Saturday, July 5, 2025 |
| Start Time: | 13:10 CEST / 6:10 AM ET |
| Route: | Lille → Lille (Flat, 184.9 km) |
| TV Channels: | France.TV, ITV4, NBC, SBS |
| Free Streams: | SBS On Demand, ITVX, France.TV |
| Access Free Streams Anywhere: | Try ExpressVPN (30 Days Risk free) |
When does the Tour de France 2025 Start?
The 2025 Tour de France begins on Saturday, July 5, with Stage 1 kicking off in Lille, France. Riders are scheduled to roll out at 1:10 PM local time (CEST).
Here’s what that looks like in local time for cycling fans around the world:
| Country/Region | Local Start Time |
|---|---|
| France (CEST) | 1:10 PM |
| United Kingdom (BST) | 12:10 PM |
| USA (Eastern Time) | 6:10 AM |
| USA (Pacific Time) | 3:10 AM |
| Australia (AEST) | 8:10 PM |
| Canada (Toronto, EDT) | 6:10 AM |
| Belgium (CEST) | 1:10 PM |
| Netherlands (CEST) | 1:10 PM |
| Germany (CEST) | 1:10 PM |
| Italy (CEST) | 1:10 PM |
| Spain (CEST) | 1:10 PM |
| Switzerland (CEST) | 1:10 PM |
| Denmark (CEST) | 1:10 PM |
| Japan (JST) | 8:10 PM |
| New Zealand (NZST) | 10:10 PM |
| South Africa (SAST) | 1:10 PM |
| Colombia (COT) | 5:10 AM |
| Brazil (Brasília time) | 7:10 AM |
The race should end between 5:30 and 5:45 PM CEST, depending on race pace and wind conditions.
Where is Stage 1 of the Tour de France in 2025?
Stage 1 takes place in Lille Métropole, a city in northern France. The route begins and ends in Lille and follows a loop through nearby towns and countryside.
The terrain is mostly flat, but there are a few short hills. It’s designed to favor sprinters, with wide roads and a fast finish.
Key Climbs (Category 4):
- Côte de Notre-Dame-de-Lorette – 1 km at 7.6%
- Mont Cassel – 1.9 km at 3.6%
- Mont Noir – 1.3 km at 6.4%
A 5 km safety zone near the finish helps protect general classification riders from late crashes. Checkout the full tournament schedule here.
How Long is Stage 1 of the 2025 Tour de France?
Stage 1 is 184.9 kilometers long. That’s about 115 miles. The route is mostly flat, making it ideal for a bunch sprint. There’s a slight rise in the middle of the stage, but nothing strong enough to drop top sprinters.
Expect a fast, tight finish among the strongest sprint teams.
Who are the Top Riders in Tour de France Stage 1?
This stage is made for sprinters. Many are expected to fight for the first yellow jersey of the race.
Riders to Watch:
- Tim Merlier – Fast and consistent this season
- Jasper Philipsen – Proven Tour finisher
- Jonathan Milan – Powerful and in great form
- Biniam Girmay – Green jersey winner in 2024
- Dylan Groenewegen – Veteran with sprint experience
Team tactics will play a big role. Expect high speeds and possible crosswinds in the final 40 km.
How to Watch Tour de France Stage 1 in 2025?
Here’s where you can watch Stage 1 live, by country:
| Country | TV Channel(s) | Free? |
|---|---|---|
| France | France.TV | Yes |
| United Kingdom | ITV4 (TV), ITVX (streaming) | Yes |
| USA | NBC, Peacock, FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu | No |
| Australia | SBS, SBS On Demand | Yes |
| Canada | FloBikes | No |
Some platforms offer HD and 4K streams. You may need an account to access them, even if free.
Where Can I Stream Tour de France 2025 Stage 1 Live for Free?
You can stream Stage 1 for free in several countries. Here are the best options:
| Country | Free Platform |
|---|---|
| France | France.TV |
| United Kingdom | ITVX |
| Australia | SBS On Demand |
| Belgium | RTBF / Auvio |
| Germany | ARD Mediathek |
| Italy | Rai Play |
| Spain | RTVE Play |
Live coverage usually begins 30 to 60 minutes before the stage start. Some platforms require free registration.
Note: Some streams are geo-restricted. Use a VPN to access them from other countries.
Can I Watch Tour de France Live From Outside My Country?
Yes. If you’re traveling or live in a region without coverage, use a VPN.
VPN Setup:
- Get a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN
- Connect to a server in the UK, France, or Australia
- Visit the free streaming site (like ITVX or SBS)
- Watch the race live from anywhere
VPNs work on phones, desktops, tablets, and smart TVs. Make sure your VPN has fast speeds for smooth playback.
Who is Expected to Win Stage 1 of Tour de France 2025?
Stage 1 should end in a sprint finish. Several riders could win it, but a few names stand out.
Expert Picks:
- Tim Merlier – Top pick due to strong recent form
- Jasper Philipsen – Strong Tour track record
- Jonathan Milan – Rapid development and raw speed
- Biniam Girmay – Always in the mix for early stages
- Dylan Groenewegen – Reliable and experienced
Wind could be a factor. If crosswinds hit, the peloton may split before the sprint. Hope this guide helps. If you have any questions, please drop a comment below.