The 2023 Tour de France will open with a team time trial in Bilbao, Spain, on July 1, marking the third consecutive year the race has started with a mass-start time trial. This format, while not entirely unprecedented, has sparked discussion among riders and analysts about its strategic implications and historical context.
Why the Opening Team Time Trial Is Unusual
The decision to begin the Tour de France with a team time trial has drawn attention due to its rarity in the race’s modern history. According to the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the official organizer of the Tour, the format was chosen to emphasize team cohesion and tactical preparation early in the race. “The team time trial sets the tone for the entire race,” said ASO spokesperson Marie Lefevre. “It’s a chance for teams to establish their hierarchy and test
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Daniel Richardson is the Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, where he leads the editorial team and oversees all published content across nine sport verticals. With over 15 years in sports journalism, Daniel has reported from the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, NFL Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tennis tournaments. He previously served as Senior Sports Editor at Reuters and holds a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Recognized by the Sports Journalists' Association for excellence in reporting, Daniel is a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). His editorial philosophy centers on accuracy, depth, and fair coverage — ensuring every story published on Archysport meets the highest standards of sports journalism.
