rwanda bicycle tour

Rwanda Bike Tours!

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Welcome to Rwanda Bike Tours!

Rwanda is famous for its rolling hills, which makes this country in the heart of Africa an ideal destination for off-the-beaten-track cycling tours.

Since 2009 we have been guiding such group tours throughout rural Rwanda in collaboration with local partners.

Click on "see the itinerary" at the bottom of the page to see a day-to-day outline of our 2015 tours.

In order register and participate, you will find our e-mail address on the contacts page .

Our tours include:

• Transfers to and from Kigali airport (KGL)
• Hotels and accommodation
• Breakfast and lunch
• Evening meals where stated in the itinerary
• Happy Hour where stated in the itinerary
• Water whilst riding
• Local and European guides
• Luggage transfers during the tour
• Optional bike and helmet hire
• Reasonable level of fitness
• Some cycling experience
• Desire to be off-the-beaten track
• Enjoy cycling downhill
• Happy cycling uphill
• Adventurous nature

Rwanda Cycling Tour

Rwanda Cycling Tour is one of the most adventurous tourism activities in Rwanda since Rwanda is known as a country of a thousand hills. Cycling around those magnificent hills rewards an authentic and great way of interacting with local people. Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris provide different tour package for cycling around Rwanda.

The famous package for Rwanda Cycling Tour  is the one for Congo Nile Trail and the One of cycling around volcanoes National park. The cycling on the Congo Nile Trail starts from Rubavu and ends in Rusizi just in 5 days with a travel distance of 227 km by ascending and descending on the interval of 1450m and 1800m above the sea level. While biking on the Congo Nile Trail you will get the great chance of interacting with locals while they are in their day to day working lifelike by cultivating, by harvesting, local market, coffee plantations,… and you will have a chance to sleep in the local villages.  After this biking we

The other great Rwanda Cycling Tour is the one taking place around the Volcanoes National Park , this trip starts from your hotel around volcanoes for your twin lake biking tour that takes you to Burela and Ruhondo the two lakes separated 1 km wide strip of land. Tourists bike through the green land by interacting with locals who leave around the park.

The tourist can cycle within Kigali City which is ranked as the cleanest city in Africa. During the cycling in Kigali the client can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre , the local markets, the hills of Kigali.

The tourists can do biking tour to the eastern part of Rwanda which is more of plains, no mountains Rwanda Eco Company and safaris organizes the biking trip from Kigali to Lake Muhazi.

When you are planning an adventure trip to Rwanda, we advise combining with the biking safaris especially when you are doing tourism activities in the Volcanoes National Park, on shores of Lake Kivu on the Congo Nile Trail , even heading the Nyungwe National Park . You can contact a travel consultant from Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris to put together all the details and ideas for your trip and come up with a well-designed tour package that includes the Rwanda Cycling Tour.

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Cycling tours in rwanda.

Rwanda is a top African destination for adventurous cycling tours. Cycling in Rwanda takes you across the country’s lovely countryside: the land of a thousand hills encompasses some of Africa’s most captivating scenery, including stunning volcanoes,  dense rainforests, sweeping savannah grassland, and some of the continent’s largest lakes.

Unlike any other Rwanda tour, Cycling Tours in Rwanda are the perfect way to immerse yourself in the country’s richly diverse landscape. Known as the “Land of a thousand hills,” Rwanda is a landlocked country in East Africa just below the Equator. Ever since the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, Rwanda has worked hard to emerge as one of the top African safari destinations for incredible gorilla safaris in the Volcanoes National Park and African luxury safaris; boasting world-class accommodations and a variety of other tourist attractions. As a result, Rwanda is a top African destination for adventurous cycling tours. Cycling Tours in Rwanda take you across the country’s lovely countryside: the land of a thousand hills encompasses some of Africa’s most captivating scenery, including stunning volcanoes,  dense rainforests, sweeping savannah grassland, and some of the continent’s largest lakes.

Cycling through this magnificent scenery is a genuine and wonderful way to not only get up close and personal with Rwanda’s natural heritage, but also its friendly local people. Cycling Tours in Rwanda will meet your requirements and objectives, whether you are a mountain biker or a roadie. Rwanda provides off-the-beaten-path riding adventures with continuous cycling paths and roads that traverse not only through the country’s sweeping savannah plains, bustling cities, Rocky Mountains, wide highways, valleys, rocky mountains, and beautiful lake shores;

When is the Best Time for Cycling Tours in Rwanda?

Cycling Tours in Rwanda are available all year but cycling conditions are optimal in the dry season from June to September and December to February when vegetation is low and cycling routes are drier, less muddy, and less slippery. On the other hand, the months of March through May and October through November the months are not ideal for Cycling Tours in Rwanda owing to severe rains, which make it wet, chilly, muddy, and slippery. However, if you prefer to go cycling during the wet months, be prepared to bring additional clothing because evenings tend to be cooler, and the rains are characterized by heavy downpours.

Best Cycling Trails in Rwanda

Cycling Tours in Rwanda offer an opportunity to cyclist tourists to explore the country’s lovely mountainous landscape: the country offers a wide range of cycling tours designated to take cyclists through the various parts while exploring its rich natural wonders. Here are some of the best cycling trails in Rwanda;

The Congo-Nile Cycling Trail

The Congo-Nile Cycling Trail is the most popular and longest in Rwanda. Popular for both Rwanda cycling and Rwanda hiking tours , the trail is arguably the best trail to explore: the trail spans 227 kilometers in length along the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu. Though it is called the Congo-Nile trail, the trail has nothing with Congo: the trail is named after a watershed that separates the Nile and Congo Rivers. The Congo-Nile Cycling Trails extends from Lake Kivu’s northern shores of Gisenyi to the southern coasts of Rusizi District. The trail travels through breathtaking scenery, including Nyungwe Forest National Park , Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s stunning rolling hills, and vistas of comprehensive DR Congo. Aside from the breathtaking landscape, cyclists may also encounter natives going on about their everyday lives on their farmlands and plantations.

Other fascinating cycling highlights via the Congo-Nile Cycling Trail include small towns, local markets, attractive valleys, and local markets, and fishing villages where you will be greeted warmly by the locals.  Among other things, you may pay a visit to the Mugonero Orphanage and interact with the traditional Rwandan community. Nonetheless, the highlight of it all is climbing to the highest top of the Congo Nile. The Congo-Nile cycling trail is a 5-day cycling round tour that begins in the trendy town of Gisenyi in the north and ends in Kamambe in the south. The first part of the trail takes you through the most spectacular section from Gisenyi to Kibuye. The trial’s 4-6 hour stretch between Kinunu and Kibuye, though the most arduous section, is also its most picturesque.

However, to complete the trail, cyclists can choose to walk, board a car, or bike still and each of these approaches has its own set of benefits. There is also an option of taking a 3-hour boat from Kibuye to Gisenyi at a cost of around 2,000 RWF including the transportation of bikes as well.

The Twin Lakes Rwanda Cycling Trail

This is also another popular trail for Cycling Tours in Rwanda. Located at the base of the Virungas in the Volcanoes National Park near Musanze town, the twin Lakes Rwanda are two attractive crater lakes, Ruhondo and Bulera. The lakes were formed after a volcanic eruption blocked a major river, forming two lakes that are separated by a 1km wide span of land. The Musanze Twin Lakes, known as among Rwanda’s most magnificent sights, offer visitors ecstatic cycling experiences, alongside gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park. Cycling Tours in Rwanda along the Twin Lakes Rwanda are often offered as two-day cycling trails to give cyclists the ultimate sense of adventure they may not have experienced on prior longer bike rides. Nonetheless, the trail can be explored in just a day.

In addition to taking in the breathtaking beauty that will unfold before you en route, you will enjoy the brief and heart-warming interactions with the locals in the communities you will ride through. Cycling tours along this trail start at 08:00 am, from Musanze, under the supervision of a knowledgeable guide. The whole round trip covers approximately 45 kilometers; it is an adventurous trail to explore as you ride through amazing scenery. While at the lakes, enjoy a canoe crossing to Lake Ruhondo. If you are a bird enthusiast, you will be delighted to spot colorful species including Kingfishers, Fish Eagles, Cormorants, and Hornbills, among others. Cycling tours along the Twin Lakes Rwanda Cycling Trail can take anywhere between 4 to 6 hours and they usually start at 11 am. Twin Lakes Rwanda Cycle tours cost up to USD 90 inclusive of meals. Self-cycling tours are also available along this trail.

Kigali Cycling Tour

Cycling Tours in Rwanda in Kigali city take travelers through the bustling and clean city of Rwanda. Kigali City is picturesque and well-developed, with undulating hills, ridges, lush valleys, and towering buildings, and bike trips across the city are still as thrilling as ever! Cycling Tours in Rwanda in Kigali are done through the numerous designated trails; however, the most popular cycling trail is the 5-hour cycling expedition that allows you to explore Kigali and its plethora of historical sites. Top highlights of the Kigali Cycling tour include the genocide monuments, local marketplaces, museums, and art galleries, among others.  

Kigali is a famous destination for Cycling Tours in Rwanda; however, the city features massive traffic on its roads. As a result, inexperienced cyclists ought to keep to the outskirts of town, where traffic is lighter and more predictable to avoid accidents. But unlike several African cities, Kigali’s routes and roads are well-designed for cycling, allowing travelers to navigate around this mountainous city more efficiently.

Lake Muhazi Cycling Trail

This Rwanda cycling trail starts from Kigali and travels through the eastern portion of Rwanda to Lake Muhazi. Eastern Rwanda is majorly characterized by plains unlike the rest of the country which is mountainous.

Lake Muhazi is a pleasant lake town located 40 kilometers east of Kigali. Though this location is not ideal for cyclists who ought to spend hours or days on the trail, it caters to individuals who like to explore at a moderate pace. Trails along this lake are dirty; perfect for mountain cycling enthusiasts since they treat travelers to adventurous thrills. Moreover, it is important to keep in mind that mountain hikers also stroll these trails. You will be happy to be cycling through numerous villages while you connect with the locals.

What to Pack for your Cycling Tour to Rwanda!

• A good quality bike and the necessary gear.
• A pair of light clothing including shorts, leggings, and track pants.
• A rain jacket in case it rains.
• A pair of good comfortable cycling boots.
• A helmet for protection in cases of accidents. These are often provided by your biking company or the safari lodge at which you are staying.
• A good camera and a pair of binoculars to capture photos and sights in the wild.
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• A bottle of drinking water.

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Rwanda bike tours

Rwanda is a beautiful and diverse country known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” It offers a unique and exciting opportunity for bike tours, allowing visitors to explore its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and friendly people. Cycling through Rwanda provides an immersive experience that allows you to connect with the local communities and soak in the country’s natural beauty. Rwanda bike tours can be an option on its own or it can be combined with tours to other country destinations including gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes , game drive in kagera National park as well as Chimpanzee and canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park

Here are some popular destinations and experiences recommended for you:

Kigali City Tour as an option for Rwanda bike tours:  Start your journey in the capital city, Kigali, and explore its clean and organized streets. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and cultural centers to learn about Rwanda’s history and culture.

Musanze city tour as another option for Rwanda bike tours: Located near the Volcanoes National Park, Musanze offers stunning views of volcanoes and the surrounding landscapes. You can embark on a gorilla trekking adventure here or explore the scenic countryside by bike.

Lake Kivu bike tours , also known as the Congo Nile trail , is a good option for Rwanda bike tours as you drive along the shores of Lake Kivu and offers breathtaking views of the lake and the nearby mountains. You can also visit fishing villages and enjoy fresh fish while interacting with the locals as well as the shores of Lake Kivu to have a more relaxed and beachside atmosphere, enjoying the sandy beaches, hot springs, and scenic beauty of Lake Kivu and its surroundings.

Nyungwe Forest bike tour offers an opportunity to visit Nyungwe Forest and its  vast, biodiverse rainforest in Rwanda. Although it can be challenging to cycle through due to its hilly terrain, it offers a unique experience for adventurous cyclists and nature enthusiasts who are on their Rwanda Bike tours.

Akagera National Park: For those seeking a wildlife experience, Akagera National Park is a must-visit on Rwanda bike tours. While biking within the park may not be possible in certain areas due to safety concerns, there are designated cycling routes outside the park boundaries that offer glimpses of the wildlife and picturesque landscapes.

Huye bike tours: This city in southern Rwanda is home to the National Museum of Rwanda and the Ethnographic Museum, which provide insights into the country’s history and cultural heritage. When on a Rwanda Bike tour you will be able to explore this beautiful old city with a lot of historical sites.

Some areas may have challenging terrain, so it’s best to be prepared physically for the tour. it is also essential to check on local regulations by checking with local authorities or tour operators to understand any specific rules or guidelines for cycling in certain areas, especially in protected natural areas as well as wearing appropriate gear, use well-maintained bicycles, and follow traffic rules.

Consider joining a guided bike tour organized by reputable tour operators who have experience in conducting tours in Rwanda. Rwanda’s bike tours offer a unique way to experience the country’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re a leisure cyclist or an experienced adventurer, Rwanda’s diverse offerings are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.  Welcome to Rwanda.

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Rwanda Cycling Tours

Rwanda Cycling Tours: Unearth the Beauty of a Thousand Hills

Are you a passionate cyclist with a yearning for adventure, a love for picturesque landscapes, and a desire to explore the countryside? Look no further than booking a Rwanda cycling tour with One More Adventure Safaris . Known as the “land of a thousand hills,” Rwanda offers an enticing terrain for cyclists who relish the challenge of conquering its rolling hills and lush valleys.

An Unforgettable Adventure Awaits: Our cycling tours take you from the vibrant heart of Kigali city into the serene countryside, offering a diverse tapestry of experiences. You’ll find joy in the challenge as you pedal your way through some of Rwanda’s most captivating attractions.

Discover the Secrets of Kigali: In Kigali, our cycling adventure unfolds as we traverse the city to explore its major attractions. Visit the intriguing art galleries, pay respects at the solemn genocide memorials, and follow the meandering path along the banks of River Nyabarongo. Immerse yourself in the poignant history at Nyamata and Ntarama memorials and so much more.

Exploring Musanze and Beyond: In Musanze, we continue our cycling expedition, heading towards the enthralling twin lakes . These tranquil bodies of water offer a serene backdrop to your cycling adventure, with the majestic Volcanoes National Park nearby. Explore the myriad attractions nestled in this region, from awe-inspiring volcanic landscapes to a rich tapestry of local culture.

The Enchanting Congo Nile Trail: But the crowning jewel of our cycling tours is the captivating Congo Nile Trail . Stretching for over 227 kilometers, this trail is renowned as Rwanda’s premier cycling experience. As you pedal along this exquisite trail, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the local community’s way of life. Visit the picturesque banana plantations, explore lush coffee gardens, and partake in an enriching coffee tour experience. Sail on the sparkling waters of Lake Kivu with a memorable boat ride. This cycling experience opens the door to an off-the-beaten-path adventure that will remain etched in your heart.

Beyond Boundaries: Our cycling tours don’t stop here. We also organize cycling trips to Kayonza, where you can relish a coffee tour, and to the mesmerizing Nyungwe National Park , known for its pristine rainforests and incredible biodiversity. With each pedal stroke, you’ll explore Rwanda’s diverse and captivating landscapes.

Pedal Across a Thousand Hills: Rediscover the beauty of Rwanda as you embark on a cycling journey like no other. Explore the “land of a thousand hills” on your bike and traverse its enchanting terrain with One More Adventure Safaris . The road is calling. Are you ready to answer?

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Rwanda cycling tour – Biking Safaris in Rwanda

Rwanda cycling tour – Our land of a thousand hills is an excellent destination for off-the-beaten-track cycling, with almost endless trails and roads crisscrossing the territory. Exploring Rwanda’s countryside on a bike is an authentic and rewarding way to interact with the rural population, with a huge dose of natural beauty.

Arguably the greatest route is the Congo Nile Trail, a 227km itinerary which runs roughly parallel to the eastern shore of Lake Kivu. Starting in Rubavu and ending in Rusizi, the journey takes about five days, although it is possible to do single stages for those with less time or dedication.

The specialist operator Great adventure safaris can create bespoke itineraries along the trail, as well as other locations including Kigali and Musanze. We organizes a 10-day tour of the country and this can be accompanied by gorilla tracking in volcanoes national park and golden monkeys.

The Africa rising cycling centre is the home of the Rwandan cycling team. Stop by for a visit, tour the grounds or even ride with Team Rwanda, in anything from an hour to bespoke multi-day tours. Some of the riders from Africa rising cycling centre have participated in Tour De France cycling tournament.

Their half day road training package, complete with carbon fiber bike, promises to teach riding techniques and an experience of High Performance Interval Training. Their Pro Mountain-Bike Race Training package takes guests out on the 2015 African Continental Championship MTB course, complete with training tips and debrief.

Founded in 2006, Team Rwanda now fields over 25 cyclists in all levels and disciplines of cycling, including the the excellent exploration of Rwanda’s beautiful land scape and the rivers and lakes.

The Rwanda cycling foundation organizes the Rwanda Cycling Cup series over the course of the year as one of the top events in Rwanda.The terrain of Rwanda makes it a fun country for cycling tours in the country side.

Welcome to Kigali Rides

The ultimate way to discover kigali.

Kigali Rides is a locally owned business located in Kigali Rwanda. Inspired by the rising love for sports and fun in Kigali, we specialise in everything bicycle-related from renting to repairing and riding them too! We aim to make sports problem-free, time-saving, convenient, reliable, but most importantly – FUN!

What We believe

Our customers and their bikes come first. We have all gained something from cycling, and we are passionate about giving it back to the community! That passion is the foundation of the business and the reason we give to every customer the same excellent service that we would expect.

Fun & Health

At the heart of this business is a dream to create opportunities for Kigalians to have fun while staying healthy! At Kigali rides, we are all avid riders specialised in a wide range of bikes, and we love to share that with our clients. Our riding programs are designed to offer an exclusive experience to riders by their goals while having fun at it!

Our Services

Bike Rental

Has your friend invited you for an afternoon joyride but you don’t own a bike? Perhaps you are flying in from out of town, and you want to ride while you’re here. Or, maybe you are planning to workout, and you want something a little lighter and faster to ride. We got you covered! Kigali Rides brings you a dual of exercising and visiting places on our bicycles. We also provide bicycle accessories including locks, helmets, water bottle holders etc...

Best itineraries

At Kigali Rides, we specialise in friendly, small group bike tours of Kigali, and outside Kigali. You’ll enjoy a fun and engaging ride, discovering places and stories that a lot of tourists miss out on. We’d love for you to join us on a bike tour and discover places with the people who know and love Rwanda. Who knows, we might end up friends at the end!

Bike Repair

Maintenance.

Our fully trained and professional bike mechanics will take care of your repairs for all brands of bikes. We can make a full diagnosis for your bike and fix it fast enough for you to get back on the road in no time. You can also trust us to do maintenance for your bike.

Bike Classes

Intermediate.

Do you want to join in on your friends’ joyful experiences? Are you struggling with balance, starting or stopping your bike? We got you covered! We offer affordable bike classes at varying skill levels for you to get comfortable with your bike and HAVE FUN TOO!

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Cycling Tours

Rwanda is a land locked country in east Africa popularly known as the ‘land of a thousand hills’ because of her various gently sloping hills and mountains. With spectacular views of nature and true African wilderness, the country also has flat lands, lakes, rivers, forests, swamps and above all a cool environment and very welcoming hospitable local people. All these give tourists visiting the country a feeling of home away from home. For so many years now many tourists have been visiting the country to the various national parks in 4X4 wheel drives and others even using charter flights yet the place of a thousand hills can be well explored on just a bike or a cruise on one of the water bodies in the country especially lake Kivu.

The country has several hills and 5 outstanding mountains that can be hiked by physically fit tourists in just few days; additionally, Rwanda also has many biking trails which are very safe and can enable an adventurous tourist to explore the Rwanda’s major tourist attractions in just days. Biking and cruising in Rwanda is very cool and relaxing and there also many stopping areas where tourists especially bikers can rest and get some refreshments. The following are the major biking trails and cruising area one can explore while on a Rwanda biking safari.

The Congo Nile Biking Trail

This is a 227 kilometer trail extending from Rubavu through Rutsiro to Rusizi along Lake Kivu. On this trail, there are beautiful hilly and valley landscapes, evergreen forests, banana and coffee plantations and most interesting the bilharzia and crocodile free Lake Kivu where bikers can swim and relax after a trek. The Congo Nile trail includes both uphill and low land biking across the tarmacked roads as well as the dusty village roads in the remote areas of Rwanda.

This trail can be hiked in only 10 days if one is physically fit and has bike in a good mechanical condition. TheCongoNile trail includes a boat ride and has many stopovers which include the L’Esperance fruit farm, the Muslim market village and Nyungwe forest national park as the outstanding attraction. Tourists can visit the national park for chimpanzee tracking, birding, canopy walks and many other safari experiences. The Congo Nile trail biking experience can however be done in sections by those travelers who do not have the entire 10 days to hike who can do it in five days.

Biking From Kigali to Burundi Border

This is a 40 miles ride south of Kigali on the well tarmacked Kigali Nyamata road. While biking, one gets a chance to feel the cool weather of the country, view of the green vegetation, a view of some hills and large banana plantations. Taking this biking trail will enable one to visit the Nyamata church where many Rwandese were killed during the genocide, a visit to Gashora village and interact with the local Rwandese if interested and a visit to Lake Rumira for birding activities. Tourists on this trail can have an overnight at Nyamata about 30 miles from Kigali or in Gashora at the la Palisse hotel. Tourists are however advised not to cross the border to Burundi because it might be insecure.

Gisenyi to Ruhengeri Biking Trail

This biking expedition covers a distance of about 114.1 kilometers and gives a tourist a chance to view and hike some hills as well as nature walks in some valleys plus a visit to the local communities. This biking experience may take around 7 days.

Gisenyi to Kibuye Biking Trail

This covers about 80 kilometers with great views of Lake Kivu, hills with coffee and banana plantation terraces and a capability of returning to Gisenyi on a boat ride on the fresh waters of Lake Kivu. Tourists can have an over night at the coffee washing station and learn more about coffee growing and processing and probably a visit to the local Rwandese villages.

Gishwati Forest Biking

This may only take about 35 kilometers and can be covered in 2 days depending on the cyclist’s preferences. This biking trail is easy when one is riding from Gisenyi to the Gishwatiforest reserve. On the first day one can ride from Gisenyi and have an over night near the forest reserve and the next day visit the reserve for birding, forest walks and other activities and then ride back to Gisenyi.

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Tour du Rwanda 2024

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Tour du Rwanda

Official Sponsor of the Yellow Jersey

Visit Rwanda, in partnership with the European Union are proud to be the Official Sponsor of the Yellow Jersey for the 16th Tour du Rwanda.

This year, the 16th edition of the UCI 2.1 Level Tour du Rwanda will begin from 18 February and last till 25 February 2024. The race is organised by the Rwanda Cycling Federation, the Ministry of Sports and other partners.

The Tour du Rwanda is one of Africa™s most celebrated cycling events. Its route is across the length and breadth of the visually stunning country of 1000 hills. If visiting Rwanda has been on your bucket list, the Tour du Rwanda offers the perfect chance to fulfil your dreams. This race offers you a chance to see with your own eyes every corner of the country as it takes you on an exhilarating journey through the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western provinces and ultimately finishing in the heart of the capital, Kigali.

Africa's Leading Cycling Race

• 8 days of racing
• 6 cities and 8 stages
• 4 provinces crossed with final stage in the heart of the capital, Kigali

The 20 teams in the Tour du Rwanda 2024:

UCI PRO TEAMS

• Israel-Premier Tech (Israel)
• TotalEnergies (France)
• Polti-Kometa (Italy)
• Bingoal-WB (Belgium)

UCI CONTINENTAL TEAMS

• Java Inovotec (Rwanda)
• May Stars (Rwanda)
• Soudal – Quick-Step (Belgium)
• Astana Qazaqstan Development Team (Kazakhstan)
• Lotto Dstny Development Team (Belgium)
• Groupama-FDJ (France)
• Bike Aid (Germany)
• Development Team DSM-Firmenish (Netherlands)

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Results from the 2024 Tour de France

Stage-by-stage recaps and overall standings of the French grand tour.

Here are the results from each stage of the Tour de France.

Stage 1: Florence to Rimini, 206 km

Stage 1 - top 10 results.

• Romain Bardet (dsm–firmenich PostNL): 5:07:22
• Frank Van Den Broek (dsm–firmenich PostNL): -:00
• Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike): -:05
• Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates): -:05
• Maxim Van Gils (Lotto-Dstny): -:05
• Alex Aranburu (Movistar): -:05
• Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek): -:05
• Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quick-Step): -:05
• Pello Bilbao (Bahrain Victorious): -:05
• Alberto Bettiol (EF Education–EasyPost): -:05

Yellow Jersey Standings After Stage 1

• Romain Bardet (Team dsm–firmenich PostNL): 5:07:12
• Frank van den Broek (Team dsm–firmenich PostNL): -:04
• Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike): -:11
• Tadej Pogačar (Team UAE Emirates): -:15
• Maxim Van Gils (Lotto Dstny): -:15

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Recap: Stage 1 of the 2024 Tour de France

Who’s Winning the 2024 Tour de France?

Preview: Stage 1 of the 2024 Tour de France

Can Visma-Lease a Bike Defend Its Tour Title?

2024 Tour de France: A Team-by-Team Breakdown

Who Isn’t Riding the Tour de France This Year?

How to Watch the 2024 Tour de France

When Could Cav Break the Stage Wins Record?

2024 Tour de France Predictions: Cav, Pog, & More

Americans In the 2024 Tour de France

How Long Is the Tour de France?

Tour de France standings, results: Race outlook after Stage 1 winner

For the first time in its 111-year history, the 2024 Tour de France began in Italy. The Grand Départ saw the field of 176 riders across 22 teams make the 128-mile journey from Florence to Rimini in just over five hours.

Two Team dsm–firmenich PostNL riders took control after an early breakaway to win the opening stage. Frenchman Romain Bardet took first ahead of teammate Frank Van den Broek and both finished with a time of 5:07:22. Saturday's victory marked Bardet's fourth career Tour de France stage win and with it came his first career yellow jersey.

2024 Tour de France: Everything to know about this year's historic event

The peloton split into multiple groups, the first of which crossed the line at 5:07:27 led by Visma–Lease a Bike's Wout van Aert . Tour de France favorites and two-time winners Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard were in that group as well.

The final group of riders - including one of the greatest sprinters in Tour de France history, Mark Cavendish - crossed the line with a time of 5:46:34.

Here's how the classification looks after the opening stage:

Tour de France Stage 1 results

Tour de france standings, tour de france jersey standings.

• Yellow (general classification) : Romain Bardet
• Green (points classification) : Frank van den Broek
• Polka dot (mountains classification) : Jonas Abrahamsen
• White (young rider classification) : Frank van den Broek
• Yellow numbers (teams classification) : Team dsm–firmenich PostNL
• Golden numbers (combativity award) : Frank van den Broek

Tour de France Stage 2: How to watch, schedule, and distance

• Date: June 30, 2024
• Location: Ceseantico to Bologna (Italy)
• Distance: 123.8 miles (199.2 kilometers)
• Type: Hilly stage
• Streaming: Peacock , fuboTV

How to watch: Catch the 2024 Tour de France FREE on Fubo

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Tour de France 2024: First crash caused by fan's backpack

The first accident in this year's Tour de France occured before the race even began in Florence, Italy on Saturday when rider Jan Hirt was knocked off his bike by a fan's backpack.

The Soudal Quick-Step cyclist was riding from from the starting sheet signing to the start line when he crashed, resulting in three broken teeth and a nightmare start to this year's competition.

"There are 100 rules [to be respected] for the team but someone with a backpack knocked Jan Hirt down on his way from the signatures to the bus. Three broken teeth," team boss Patrick Lefevere wrote on X.

The 33-year-old from Czechia caught his handlebars on the bag of a fan and fell onto his face after fans found their way into the team area.

Soudal Quick-Step teammate Yves Lampaert saw the incident happen, telling Belgian TV news station VTM NIEUWS : "It's complete chaos."

"The organization has no control over it at all. People are running everywhere. Jan kept stuttering and went over the top. We riders get fines galore for small things, the organization should take a look in the mirror. It's unacceptable."

A video published on the Cyclingnews Instagram page showed another Soudal Quick-Step rider colliding with a person while trying to cycle between the bus and the sign-on podium.

Hirt is a key part of the Soudal Quick-Step team aiming to help Remco Evenepoel to secure the yellow jersey.

France's Bardet claims first yellow jersey in Tour stage one

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What to Know About This Year’s Tour de France (Which Begins in Italy)

Two previous winners are the leading contenders to win cycling’s most famous race, which, in a rarity, does not end in Paris.

By Victor Mather

For three weeks starting Saturday, the world’s best cyclists will do battle in the Tour de France, racing through valleys, hills and high mountains. Though 176 riders will start, most eyes will be on a pair of two-time winners who seek title No. 3.

After more than 2,000 miles and dozens of punishing climbs, will the winner be Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark, who took the last two Tours de France but was hurt in a crash this year? Or Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia, the 2020 and 2021 winner ? Or will an unexpected contender jump up and surprise them?

And, wait: Is it really the Tour de France if the race doesn’t finish on the Champs-Élysées? Here’s a primer to read before the race gets underway.

Where will they race?

For the first time, the race will start in Italy , with the opening stage beginning in Florence and winding through the Apennine Mountains to Rimini, a city on the Adriatic coast. It will be more difficult than most opening stages, with several uphill climbs.

After a few days in Italy, the race will enter France, then go counterclockwise around the country, passing through the Alps, the Massif Central, the Pyrenees and then the Alps again.

Who are the favorites?

Vingegaard won last year’s event by an emphatic seven and a half minutes. But after a good start to the 2024 cycling season, he crashed badly in the Tour of the Basque Country in April and spent 12 days in the hospital with a broken collarbone. He is expected to ride in the Tour de France, but there is uncertainty as to what kind of shape he will be in.

As a result, Pogacar, who has been in fine form, is the favorite to win and regain his crown.

Pogacar rode in the Giro d’Italia, or Tour of Italy, in May. Unlike riders in that race who hold back to preserve their strength for the Tour de France, he gave it his all, winning by almost 10 minutes. If Pogacar claims the Tour as well, he will be the first cyclist since Marco Pantani, in 1998, to win the Giro and the Tour in the same season.

After the big two, other possible contenders include Primoz Roglic of Slovenia, the 2023 Giro winner, and Remco Evenepoel of Belgium, who won the 2022 Tour of Spain.

Though an individual wins the Tour, his team can help a lot, pacing him in the mountains and blocking attacks from rivals. Last year’s leading team, Jumbo-Visma (now Visma–Lease a Bike) has broken up; Vingegaard is still its leader, but Roglic left to join Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. UAE Team Emirates will support Pogacar with a squad that includes Adam Yates of Britain, a rider with the talent to win the Tour himself; he placed third last year.

Tell me the days that really matter.

The first stage to focus on is July 2, when the riders travel from Italy to France. It includes a climb up the Galibier, one of the Tour’s toughest mountains, and one that still has snow on the side of the roads.

In the midst of a week of flat stages that won’t change the leaderboard much, there is a time trial on July 5 in Burgundy wine country. The riders will race alone against the clock, with no help from teammates, which is why a time trial is known as “the race of truth.”

The real action comes at the end, with five mountain stages. The July 13 stage is particularly notable; it includes a climb up the Tourmalet in the Pyrenees and ends with an uphill — or more accurately, up-mountain — finish that is sure to winnow out any pretenders. Also make note of July 14, 17, 19 and 20 as four more brutal mountain stages where the Tour is likely to be won, or lost.

But even the flat stages, which are usually won by sprinters and seldom affect the overall standings, may have some extra interest this year. The great sprinter Mark Cavendish, 39, has 34 career stage victories and needs one more to break the record he shares with Eddy Merckx, the dominant rider of the 1960s and ’70s.

What’s different this year?

The day after that last mountain stage, the race will end, but not with the traditional ceremonial cruise down the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Instead, the field will hold a time trial to finish the Tour for the first time since 1989. If the race is close, the winner could be decided on that final day, as it was in 1989. That year, the American Greg LeMond snatched the Tour from Laurent Fignon of France in a time trial by a mere eight seconds, still the closest margin in history.

To avoid the Paris Olympics, which open five days later, the time trial will run from Monaco to Nice. It is the first time since 1974 the race has not ended on the Champs-Élysées and the first time ever it has not ended in Paris or its environs.

Remind me what the jerseys mean.

In each stage, whoever is the overall leader wears the yellow jersey to make him easier to spot for TV viewers and the thousands of fans along the route.

But there are other jerseys, too. Finishing near the front in individual stages, especially flat ones, earns points toward the green jersey for best sprinter. Last year’s winner of this jersey was Jasper Philipsen.

The first riders to reach the top of the race’s many mountains earn points toward the garish polka-dot jersey for best climber. The top contenders for yellow are also favored to win this jersey, as is Giulio Ciccone of Italy, who won last year.

Are there any Americans racing?

The days of American favorites like LeMond and Lance Armstrong are over for the time being. Moreover, Sepp Kuss, the American who won the 2023 Tour of Spain, is out because of a Covid-19 infection.

Matteo Jorgenson, 24, on the Visma team, is the top-ranked American. He won this year’s weeklong Paris-Nice race, and some think he can contend for the tour’s title in the future, or maybe, if all goes well, this year.

How can I watch?

Stages generally start around 6 or 7 a.m. Eastern time and last four to five hours. In the United States, Peacock will stream every stage live. Some stages will be shown on NBC and USA as well.

Other broadcasters include ITV and Eurosport (United Kingdom), SBS (Australia), FloBikes (Canada), France Televisions (France), ARD (Germany) and J Sports (Japan).

Victor Mather , who has been a reporter and editor at The Times for 25 years, covers sports and breaking news. More about Victor Mather