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Tour de France 2025: The Photo of the Day

Photographer James Startt has been documenting the Tour de France for 36 years. Follow his journey through the 2025 edition - day by day.

Written by James Startt

20 min readPublished on 09.07.2025 · 12:42 UTC

Stage 1: Mont Cassel

Mont Cassel is the French equivalent of a Flemish climb – short, punchy, and cobbled. It frequently features in bike races held in this corner of northern France. It comes as no surprise, then, that the Grand Départ of this year’s Tour de France has included it not on one, but on two of the opening stages.

The first stage of the Tour de France is always a special moment: the crowds are thick, and the tension is palpable. And while this year's race did not begin abroad – as it did in Florence last year, or will in Barcelona next year – the French fans made their presence felt.

This year marks my 36th Tour de France, and the first in several years to be held entirely within France. But in the Tour, nothing is ever predictable – and this opening stage, initially tipped for the sprinters, still delivered its share of surprises.

Stage 2: Arras in the Rain

Arras has long been one of the jewels of northern France. A hub of the historic wool trading industry, it was an affluent city for centuries, and the historic centre reflects the town's richness even today.

Rains greeted the Tour de France riders on stage two, however, providing a stark contrast to yesterday's opening stage. As a result, opportunities for picturesque roadside shots were few and far between during the opening kilometres. But I held out hope for Arras.

Arriving early, as I wanted to have time to reconnoitre the situation and find the proper perspective that would capture the Tour de France as it rolled through this expansive square. Fortunately, I quickly saw a couple looking down from their apartment above. I motioned to them and they understood that I wanted to join them. They kindly agreed. Meanwhile, a local gendarme helped me move some barriers so that I could park the car behind the crowds, before I made my way up to their second-floor apartment.

Once inside, I saw that they really did have a bird's-eye view of the square, and I simply had to wait now for the race to enter, and when it did, well, I just snapped away.

As I edited the images, I certainly would have preferred to have a clear day, to better get a sense of the colours of the peloton against the golden stonework of the buildings. Yeah, that would have been a real bonus. But this is bike racing. This is the Tour de France.

Stage 3: Red Bricks and the Bleu, Blanc, Rouge

Today was the final day of this year's Grand Départ, which was held in and around Lille. So I set my sights on capturing something distinctly regional. With rains once again greeting us at the start, however, such a task was easier said than done.

Driving ahead of the race I came up empty-handed as I passed one village after the next where fans simply had to take cover rather than picnic and party in anticipation of the Tour. But finally around Orchies, the weather started to break. Orchies, of course, is best known for its cobbles that are such a crucial part of Paris-Roubaix each year. I know these roads well, even though the Tour decided to avoid the cobbles this year.

And it was just after Mons-en-Pévèle—another town made famous by the Hell of the North, as Paris-Roubaix is often called—that I came across a father and his family decked out in the bleu, blanc, rouge of the French flag. They were gathered in front of an ageing house with the red bricks that are so typical of this region, not to mention the blue shutters, weathered like so much of the landscape here. The contrast to the French colours was perfect, and I could only imagine how they would take on another dimension when the peloton passed by.

And I was not disappointed! But that is what I love so much about the opening week of the Tour. Sure, there are no high mountains, but so often the images, and the stories they tell, have a drama all their own.

Stage 4: Cathedrals and the Peloton

Yesterday in some ways was the Tour of the classic cathedrals, as we started in Amiens and finished in Rouen, two cities renowned for their masterpieces of Gothic architecture.

Looking at the race book, I was unsure if yesterday’s stage actually went in front of the cathedral in Amiens, but when we arrived at the start this morning, I took a walk to find out. And while it did not go in front of the façade, the race course did trace its way behind the nave.

I had thought that I’d found my spot, but then a woman came up to me and explained that she actually lived in the building I was standing in front of, and proposed that I come up to look at different perspectives.

I said yes.

In the end, the first floor above the street offered the best perspective where I could capture both the cathedral and the peloton passing on the street below. But as I set up my shot, I also noticed the ageing lead glass windows, which offered me yet another visual dimension. I love building a frame. It is one of the aspects of photography that still intrigues me the most. And with this shot I actually managed to build a frame within a frame—made better, of course, when the peloton passed!

Stage 5: Time Trial Moods

A Tour de France time trial is many things. It is the race against the clock. It is a study in speed and aerodynamics. It is a battle for the maillot jaune. But it is also a great way to spend time with family and friends. And yesterday's time trial around the northern city of Caen provided plenty of opportunities.

The 33-kilometre affair looped around wheat fields and through small villages. And while the Tour is known for its pressure and drama, for many of the fans here yesterday, it was simply an opportunity to hang out and cheer on the cyclists—all of the cyclists in this year's Tour.

Stage 6: Normandy Shakes Up the Tour

Normandy is known for many things in history. It was here that the Norman Invasion found its roots back in the 11th century, while the beaches of Normandy, of course, played a central role centuries later in WWII. And today, it was the scene of a different kind of battle, as Normandy shook up the Tour de France.

On paper, today’s stage appeared to be a picturesque loop around this corner of northern France, known for its rolling hills and quaint villages.

The riders decided otherwise.

Speeds were high from the start as the sprint teams stifled any attempted breakaways until the intermediate sprint—so crucial to the green jersey competition. And they didn’t let up after that.

By the finish, riders were strewn across the road, splintered into bunches. And if that wasn’t enough, the final kicker towards the line—with pitches of 10% or more—emptied the riders of whatever they had left.

Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe’s Florian Lipowitz was one of the fortunate ones. More than just a survivor, he continued to prove that he’ll be a real player in this year’s race, as he was one of just a select few to finish with the yellow jersey group.

Stage 7: Brittany at Full Tilt

Sometimes pictures come together unexpectedly and have a life of their own. And this image is a case in point.

I spent much of stage seven documenting the day as I often do—searching for images that document and illustrate the race. I photographed the start, spots in between, and the finish.

But this image, taken after the stage, describes the emotion of the day like none other.

The stage to Le Mûr-de-Bretagne is always a complicated one logistically in the Tour. After all, finishing the world’s biggest bike race on a two-kilometre climb on a farm road in Brittany is far from ideal.

The stage is always intense—just crazy, really. And the fans that climb to the top to get a glimpse of the riders are true diehards, while the riders that race to the top are forced to dig deep into their reserves and often finish on the edge.

This image captures the chaos found at the top of the Mûr-de-Bretagne after the finish line.

The riders are still trying to digest the many emotions experienced on the day as they refuel and roll back towards their team bus, while the fans are still savouring the moment. Meanwhile, the flag from Brittany flies high—a sort of impromptu testimony to the rich cycling culture that hails from this region.

As I already mentioned, I’m not quite sure why I took this picture, but it brings together what I witnessed yesterday, and the emotions I felt, like no other picture.

Stage 8: Moments at the Bus Doo

I love the mood in and around the team buses. There is a certain sense of calm before the storm, as well as the attention to detail as the rider attends to the final details before the start of another day.

I have shot around the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe bus over the years and remembered the way it reflected light from certain angles, and it caught my eye today. I studied the way the light hit the bus from different perspectives as I waited for the riders to step down.

I shot most of the team stepping off the bus, but there was something special when Danny van Poppel walked down, as the red, white and blue colours of his Dutch national championship jersey just stood out particularly.

I remember his father, Jean-Paul, from when I was just breaking into the sport, and while I don’t really know Danny, I was happy for his recent win at the Dutch championships—well deserved, to say the least.

Stage 9: The Art of the Sprint Finish

Miguel Indurain once told me that it was the sprinters he respected the most. They could turn themselves inside out to finish the mountain stages, he said, and then take the craziest high-speed risks.

The finish of yesterday’s stage in Châteauroux was a classic sprint finish. In fact, the Tour has renamed Châteauroux “Cavendish City”, since the British rider has won the last three editions. And even though Cavendish retired at the beginning of the year, Châteauroux still produced an epic sprint.

The long, straight finish—over a kilometre long—assures the inevitable sprint. The pack simply winds the speeds up to levels that make it difficult for any breakaway to stay away. Just Mathieu van der Poel, the last breakaway rider, was caught as the pack closed in on the finish.

And because there are no technical turns in the final, it is difficult for any one rider to jump away, and the sprint here is always tightly contested.

Perhaps the only good thing to come out of the Covid Tour was the fact that very few photographers were allowed on the finish line, and many of us had to find other angles and perspectives. This side-on shot has become a popular spot, as it offers a different perspective. It is a high-risk shot, and sometimes you can come up empty-handed. But when it works, it almost gives you a cyclist’s view of the sprint.

Stage 10: Black Stone and Breakaways

Back Stone and Breakaways
© James Startt

Le Tour de France shifted gears yesterday as it descended into the Massif Central mountain range. These mountains are not the highest in France, but they are some of the most gruelling for cyclists, as the terrain here leaves little room to recuperate.

Attacks started immediately, and by the time the race hit the city of Clermont-Ferrand, the pack had already splintered into several groups.

Clermont-Ferrand is a historic working-class city in the middle of France. But what makes Clermont stand out more than anything is the distinctive black cathedral that towers over the town centre. Dating back to the 13th century, it is unique, as it is constructed from the black lava rocks found here, tracing back to the numerous now-dormant volcanoes found in the neighbouring hills.

And as the lead pack bombed down into the city centre, they had a great view of this distinctive cathedral… if only fleeting

Stage 11: A View from the Capitole Balcony

So, I was on my way to the start this morning and I decided to turn around. Why, you ask? Well, logistics—even with race accreditation—appeared difficult, and after taking a closer look at the road book, I realised that the Tour de France would roll out right through the Place du Capitole, the historic main square in Toulouse.

OK, I should perhaps have studied the situation earlier, but well, better late than never!

Regardless, Capitole, as it is simply called, is unique not only in its size, but also its distinctive red-brick architecture, so characteristic of this region. And with the added colours of the peloton as an extra ingredient, I knew this shot would have real potential for a winning image.

I returned my car to the hotel and walked over more than two hours before the start, so that I could study the best perspective and places to shoot.

City Hall immediately jumped out, but security was tight and chances at first appeared slim. But suddenly a group of local dignitaries stepped out and I was able to speak with Aude, who was overseeing the Tour de France protocole with City Hall.

“Go on upstairs,” she said. “It’s open. You can photograph from any window.” Suddenly things got much easier.

After looking around, the main balcony—front and centre—was simply too hard to pass up, as the square below was in near-perfect balance. I watched as the publicity caravan passed (holding my ears from the incessant noise it always produces), and then finally the peloton.

There was a strange moment of quiet just before they arrived, and then a thunder of cheers as they rounded the corner into the square and rolled below.

Stage 12: Slovenian Fans on the Slopes of Hautacam

Slovenian fans on the climb to Hautacam
© James Startt

One thing that has really struck me in this year’s Tour is just how popular Primož Roglič is. And that was never more evident than from where I stood today on the Hautacam climb. The Hautacam is a rustic ascent in the Pyrenees—essentially a dead-end road at the top of a remote mountain. To come here as a fan, you have to be dedicated. And today, there were a lot of dedicated fans.

By total chance, I ended up next to the camper van of a Slovenian family on summer vacation. They had come to see the Tour—and to see Primož. In fact, the father’s name was Primož.

We chatted for a while, and they generously offered me a place in the shade as we waited for the race. Then, as the riders approached, they brought out their Slovenian flags. Needless to say, when Primož arrived, he got a hero’s welcome!

Stage 13: In the Shadows of James Bond

In the shadow of James Bond
© James Startt

Peyragudes might not be known as an international ski resort, but it is etched in the memories of James Bond fans as certain scenes for Tomorrow Never Dies were filmed here. But today, the mountain-top time trial finish, the Tour de France created plenty of suspense all its own.

The time trial was short, but the road only went one way--up. And the final pitches are dizzingly steep as the riders pop out of the horizon as they crest the final meters.

Florian Lipowitz, it is safe to say, was not thinking of any Bond movies as his main focus was edge into the top three of the Tour's overall standings. And he nearly did, making up all but six seconds, a slim margin with more than a week of racing and plenty of mountains still to come.

Stage 14: So yeah, the Pyrenees are like that

A day of stifling heat can easily be followed by freezing rain—even in July, even during the Tour de France. I’ve learned from experience on the Tour that when it comes to the Pyrenees, you never take anything for granted.

After the sweltering heat of yesterday’s time trial up to the summit of Peyragudes, today the riders were served a healthy portion of rain and inclement weather. While temperatures didn’t drop to freezing, a dense fog greeted the riders at the tops of the climbs, making visibility challenging, to say the least.

Today’s stage from Pau to Superbagnères was virtually a carbon copy of the legendary 1986 stage featuring the epic duel between Greg LeMond and Bernard Hinault. And today, nearly 40 years later, the ride to Superbagnères offered plenty of battles of its own.

Stage 15: The magic of the white jersey

I’ve always been intrigued by the white jersey — awarded to the best overall young rider at the Tour de France. Many who’ve worn it have gone on to greatness, yet it’s earned at a time when riders are only just beginning to understand the depths of their potential.

Today, watching Florian Lipowitz step onto the podium, I saw both the wonder and innocence of a young rider and the quiet composure of a proven champion.

After yesterday’s grueling stage to Superbagnères, Lipowitz now sits third overall. A new Tour de France has begun for the 24-year-old German. With the white jersey comes not only pressure, but podium protocol — more interviews, more appearances, and less time to recover before tomorrow’s stage. But these are the demands of being a Tour de France contender.

Fortunately, Lipowitz has had plenty of practice: he’s been on the podium of nearly every stage race he’s entered this year.

Simply put, his racing over the past two weeks has been nothing short of brilliant. With just one week left, he’s become the revelation of this year’s Tour.

Stage 16: Allez Lipo!

The Mont Ventoux takes no prisoners. It never has, and it never will. It’s a brutal climb that starts near sea level and rises to over 1,900 meters. It’s particularly feared for its long, straight pitches that leave little room for recovery.

At the start of the day, Florian Lipowitz had one goal: to solidify his grip on the white jersey, as well as third place in the overall standings. And by the finish, he did just that — but it wasn’t easy. The Ventoux never is.

As the pack splintered midway up the climb, Lipowitz first tried to follow the yellow jersey, but soon realized it was best to settle into his own pace. And while Primož Roglič dropped off the pace initially, he eventually caught Lipowitz and began pacing him — often turning around to shout words of encouragement, as true teammates do.

Stage 17: The Rhône River Valley

The Rhône River Valley cuts through southern France. It is known for its strong winds and endless wine vineyards. As today’s stage rolled out of Bollène, the peloton passed through vineyard after vineyard.

While the race resembled a picture postcard in the opening kilometers, the final stretch transformed into near-apocalyptic conditions. Rain intensified as the pack raced toward the finish. The peloton splintered, and a major crash turned the finale into chaos—once again reminding us that anything can happen in the Tour de France.

Stage 18: No holding back

Nobody had a crazier day on stage 18 than Florian Lipowitz. Today, deep into the third week of this year’s Tour, the riders tackled the queen stage in the Alps. At this point in the race, age and experience can pay high dividends, but Lipowitz of course, is wearing the white jersey awarded to the best young rider.

Little matter, he simply rode fearlessly.

After coming off the pace in the final kilometers of the epic Madeleine climb, Lipowitz caught back with what remained of the yellow-jersey group thanks to a masterful, high-speed descent. And then instead of sitting on, he attacked shortly afterwards. His move lasted well over a dozen kilometers, but he eventually got reeled, and finally paid for his efforts in the final kilometers to the finish on the Col de la Loze. But he dug deep to save not only his white jersey, but he grabbed third place.

The Tour de France takes no prisoners, it is often said. But Lipowitz did come to this Tour simply to wait and see what his competition does.

Stage 19: The Roselend Barrage

When the Tour de France announced that yesterday’s stage—the final stage in the Alps—would be shortened, my first concern was: which climb would be eliminated? Please don’t let it be the Cormet de Roselend, I thought as I read the official communiqué. Although I have never climbed the Cormet on my bike, as a cycling photographer it is absolutely one of my favourite climbs in France.

The Cormet de Roselend is often overlooked when it comes to classic climbs, and the Tour has never finished here. But it is undoubtedly one of the most visually diverse. First, there are the dizzying switchbacks at the foot of the climb, and then there is the rustic chapel perched on the Roselend Lake, as well as the barren, rocky summit.

But undoubtedly the most spectacular sight is the massive hydroelectric dam on the northern tip of the lake. Built in the 1950s and early ’60s, it used over 900,000 cubic metres of concrete. Numerous bike races, like the Critérium du Dauphiné or the Tour de l’Avenir, roll over the dam each year, but the thought of capturing the Tour de France crossing it on stage 19 made my choice for a photo location an easy one. And I was not disappointed.

Stage 20: The White Jersey

“The first white jersey was awarded to the best young rider in the Tour de France in 1975. It was awarded to Italian Francesco Moser. It was also worn by the likes of Laurent Fignon, Greg LeMond, Andy Hampsten, Andy Schleck, Nairo Quintana, Egan Bernal, Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel.

No, not all went on to win the Tour de France, but all have had illustrious careers.

To be wearing the white jersey—and sitting in third place overall—in your Tour de France debut is no small feat. And it hasn’t come easily. But one thing is certain: this year’s Tour de France has already transformed the career of Florian Lipowitz. From now on, he will be considered a Grand Tour contender.

If Lipo defends the jersey on the final stage, he will add his name to an impressive list of champions. No matter what happens in Paris, the cycling world has taken notice.”

Stage 21: Montmartre Magic

Montmartre has a special place in the heart of Paris. This hill on the northern edge of the city was once filled with windmills and vineyards. It was central to the Paris Commune and was made famous the world over by its cabarets like the Moulin Rouge.

But recently it has established itself as a spectacular stage for the world’s greatest bike races.

I will never forget the energy I felt last summer when the Paris Olympics came alive on the slopes of Montmartre. And when the riders crested the summit and rolled underneath the historic basilica—with the whole of Paris sprawling down below—well, that was something I will never forget.

And to be honest, when the Tour de France announced that it would finish with a Montmartre circuit, I wondered just how they could match the precedent set by the Olympics.

But the Tour is the Tour. And today is a reminder that it plays second to no one. The crowds were perhaps even thicker than just last year. The rue Lepic, in particular, was simply electric. Here, on this narrow cobbled street, remains one of the last windmills from that bygone era. And the crowds were five, six, even seven, eight or nine deep.

“They started aperitif at 11 this morning,” said one of the many gendarmes on hand today.

It goes without saying that Florian Lipowitz had no time for drinks, as the heavy rains turned the final stage into chaos. But the 24-year-old nevertheless finished the final stage with the white jersey awarded to the best young rider in the Tour—a result that only offers promise for the future.