Tour de France, the world's most coveted bike racing event, is all set for another pulsating and drama-filled edition as 22 teams and 219 bikers from around the world attempt to overcome more than 3,400 kilometers of gut-wrenching biking through the treacherous roads of France, all for one prestigious shirt - the Yellow Jersey.
Celebrating its 100th year, this year's Tour de France is expected to be more challenging than any other races with the starting point set in Corsica. It will feature a summit finish on Mont Ventoux on Stage 15 and grueling ascent to the iconic Alpine climb Alpe on Stage 18. The race will also go through the two remaining Départements in Metropolitan France that it has yet to visit since the inaugural race in 1903 - Corse-du-Sud and Haute-Corse.
Reigning Tour de France champion Bradley Wiggins already pulled out from this year's competition after suffering a potential career-ending knee injury. Nevertheless, the race will never lack the starpower with former champions Alberto Contador (coming off a suspension), Cadel Evans, and Andy Schleck all gunning for the crown.
Chris Froome, the 2012 Tour de France runner-up, emerges as the early favorite in the upcoming race after winning four racing events this season, including Criterium du Dauphine and Tour de Romandie. Richie Porte is also considered the race's darkhorse following his victory at Paris-Nice and second-place finishes at Criterium International and the Dauphine.
Stage 1 of the Tour de France will begin in Porto-Vecchio to Bastia for 213-kilometer flat race.
For the full roster of participating teams and bikers, the Guardian provides the details on their site.
NBC Sports TV Coverage of the Tour de France will begin on June 29, Saturday while TSM provides a free online live streaming of the race.
ESPN provides a Tour de France tracker to keep their audience updated about the latest development in the race.