Tour de France 2024 on TV: Watch Live Coverage and Highlights

The Tour de France is a global cycling spectacle.The 2024 edition promises to deliver excitement, featuring top cyclists like Tadej Pogačar, Jonas Vingegaard, and Mark Cavendish. 

For UK fans, watching the Tour de France on TV is a fantastic way to catch all the action and drama from home. 

This article covers everything you need to know about watching the Tour de France 2024 on TV, including live coverage, highlights, and where to find the best broadcasts.

Why Watch the Tour de France 2024?

The Tour de France is much more than just a race; it’s a showcase of endurance, strategy, and sheer determination. The 2024 edition will feature the world’s best cyclists, including past winners and emerging talents. 

The race traverses varied terrains, from flat sprints to challenging mountain stages, highlighting the beauty of France and the athleticism of the competitors. 

Watching it live on TV allows you to follow every twist and turn, witness strategies unfold, and experience the human drama of the race.

Best Channels for Live Coverage and Highlights

In the UK, several broadcasters offer comprehensive coverage of the Tour de France. Here’s where you can catch all the action:

ITV4

ITV4 has been a mainstay for Tour de France coverage in the UK. They broadcast each stage live, complete with detailed analysis and highlights. 

Their team of commentators and analysts, including former professional cyclists, provide deep insights that enhance the viewing experience.

 ITV4’s coverage is known for its accessibility and high quality, making it a favorite among UK viewers​​​​.

Eurosport

Eurosport also provides extensive coverage of the Tour de France. Renowned for their detailed sports broadcasting, Eurosport offers live coverage of every stage, as well as comprehensive highlights and expert analysis. The channel is available through various TV packages and streaming services, making it a convenient option for many viewers​​​​.

Discovery+

Discovery+, which owns Eurosport, streams the Tour de France, making it ideal for viewers who prefer to watch on the go or catch up on missed stages. Discovery+ offers flexible viewing with live streaming and on-demand highlights​​​​.

Key Stages and What to Watch

The 2024 Tour de France features 21 stages, each offering unique challenges and highlights. Here are some key stages to keep an eye on:

  • Stage 5: This challenging mountain stage could see the first major shake-up in the general classification.
  • Stage 12: A flat stage perfect for sprinters, where Mark Cavendish will aim for his record 35th stage win.
  • Stage 17: The queen stage with multiple high-category climbs, likely decisive in the fight for the yellow jersey.
  • Stage 21: The final stage into Paris, a celebratory ride for the overall winner and a last chance for sprinters to shine.

Commentary and Analysis

The quality of commentary and analysis greatly enhances the viewing experience. ITV4’s team, including popular commentators like Ned Boulting and David Millar, provide engaging and knowledgeable insights. 

Their chemistry and deep understanding of the sport make the broadcasts informative and entertaining​​. Eurosport’s coverage, featuring experienced commentators like Carlton Kirby and Robbie McEwen, also adds depth to the race analysis​​.

Viewing Options and Accessibility

For UK viewers, accessing the Tour de France coverage is easy. ITV4 is available on Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media, and other major TV platforms. Eurosport can be accessed via subscription services like Sky, Virgin Media, and BT TV. 

For streaming, Discovery+ offers a convenient way to watch live and on-demand content, perfect for those who prefer digital viewing​​​​.

Highlights and Special Programs

Both ITV4 and Eurosport provide daily highlights, ensuring viewers can catch up on any action they missed. 

These highlight programs summarize the key moments of each stage, including breakaways, sprints, and dramatic finishes. 

Special programs delve into the history and culture of the Tour de France, rider interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage, adding extra depth to the coverage​​​​.

FAQs

Where can I watch the Tour de France 2024 live in the UK?

In the UK, you can watch the Tour de France 2024 live on ITV4 and Eurosport. ITV4 offers free-to-air coverage, while Eurosport provides extensive coverage available via subscription services like Sky, Virgin Media, and BT TV. Discovery+ also streams the event, which is great for viewers who prefer online streaming.

What time does the live coverage start?

Live coverage times can vary, but typically, ITV4 starts broadcasting around 12 pm each day, while Eurosport usually begins their coverage at about 11:30 am. For flat stages, ITV4’s coverage may start later, around 2 pm.

How can I watch Tour de France highlights?

You can watch daily highlights on ITV4 and Eurosport. ITV4 airs its highlight show at 7 pm, summarizing the key moments of each stage. Eurosport’s highlight show usually follows at 8 pm, providing an in-depth recap of the day’s action.

Is there an option to watch the Tour de France for free?

Yes, you can watch the Tour de France for free on ITV4 and its online platform, ITVX. In Wales, S4C provides free coverage with Welsh-language commentary, also accessible on BBC iPlayer.

Can I stream the Tour de France online?

Yes, you can stream the Tour de France live and on-demand through ITVX, Eurosport Player, and Discovery+. These platforms offer flexible viewing options for those who prefer digital access.

How long is the Tour de France 2024?

The 2024 Tour de France covers a total distance of 3,492 kilometers (2,170 miles) over 21 stages. Stage 3, from Piacenza to Turin, is the longest at 229 kilometers (142 miles), while the shortest is Stage 20, a 133-kilometer (83 miles) route from Nice to Col de La Couillole.

Can I watch the Tour de France if I am abroad?

Yes, you can use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to watch the Tour de France from abroad. By connecting to a UK server through a VPN, you can access the live streams and highlights available on ITVX, Eurosport Player, and Discovery+.

Conclusion

The Tour de France 2024 is set to be an exhilarating event and watching it on TV in the UK has never been easier. 

With comprehensive live coverage, detailed highlights, and expert analysis available on ITV4 and Eurosport, fans can immerse themselves in every moment of the race. 

Whether you’re a long-time cycling enthusiast or a new viewer, the Tour de France offers something for everyone, making it a must-watch event this summer.


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