Montmartre and Rue Lepic on Track for Permanent Tour de France Inclusion

The Tour de France is considering a permanent route change to include Montmartre and Rue Lepic in its final stages after a successful trial run in the recent race
that thrilled both participants and spectators. Organizers are enthusiastic about the new route, with Pierre-Yves Thouault, Deputy Director of the Tour, stating, "Obviously, we want to continue passing through Montmartre. The success has surpassed our hopes, and the desire to include this new route in the long term is present."

The 2025 Tour's passage through these iconic Montmartre streets was noted for its energetic atmosphere, drawing praise from team managers like Jean-René Bernaudeau, who emphasized the joy of spectators even amid challenging weather conditions. He expressed sentiments of wanting to replicate the experience, saying, "À refaire, à refaire absolument, c'était génial," meaning, "To do again, absolutely, it was great."

Paris officials, including Sports Deputy Pierre Rabadan, are optimistic about the potential for these routes to remain in future editions. The official plans for the 2026 route are anticipated to be revealed in October. Despite this positive momentum, there are concerns that changing the final stages could affect sprinters' motivations, as they may feel less encouraged to compete if the route becomes less favorable for traditional sprint finishes.

Discussions with local police regarding safety and logistical arrangements will be critical in finalizing any permanent changes, reflecting on similar past innovations incorporated into the race's route. Meanwhile, incidents like a court sentencing for a spectator mishap during the Tour underscore the need for diligence in future planning.