Tour de France 2025: Will Remco Evenepoel conquer the French roads?

Sporting events have always set the rhythm of our summers. A month after Roland-Garros, which marks the end of the school year, the start of the Tour de France signals the beginning of the summer holidays.

But it won’t be a holiday for the 184 riders who will cover 3,320 kilometers over 21 stages in three long weeks. Among them, 29 Belgians will try to make history — the largest Belgian contingent since 1989.

And one of them might just dream of wearing the yellow jersey on the Champs-Élysées on July 27: Remco Evenepoel. Paris has already smiled on him at the last Olympic Games, where he won two gold medals. And in his first Tour de France last year, the native of Schepdaal finished in a promising third place.

Will he make it to the top step of the podium, becoming the first Belgian to win the race since Lucien Van Impe in 1976? Here’s everything you need to know to bet smartly on the 112th edition of the Tour de France with GoldenVegas Sport.

*Odds may be subject to change. Event ends: July 5 at 12:00 p.m.

Pogacar and Vingegaard, the top favourites

Of course, the task ahead looks daunting for Evenepoel, facing two cycling giants: Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard. The Slovenian and the Dane have won the last five editions between them. And the former already gave the Belgian a hard time during the Ardennes classics two months ago.

So, what can our compatriot do to trade his Soudal Quick-Step jersey for the long-awaited yellow jersey?
"I have to be realistic and keep my feet on the ground. I’ll try to aim as high as possible, with the primary ambition to win a stage. But if I feel I can’t compete with Tadej and Jonas, I’ll just ride my own race… and focus on the podium, or maybe something else.”

Like the polka dot jersey?

*Odds may be subject to change. Event ends: July 5 at 12:00 p.m.

That doesn’t bode well. That said, Evenepoel remains realistic. In the recent Critérium du Dauphiné — often seen as the dress rehearsal before the Tour — he stood no chance against his two main rivals.

And even though the race kicks off just a stone’s throw from Belgium, in Lille, that doesn’t necessarily work in favour of the man who just finished second in the Belgian championship. The first week looks treacherous — and already brutal.

"We know it’s going to be intense and stressful. I’m not exactly looking forward to those first stages, but I’ll try to survive them. We’ll see where things stand at the end of week one, after ten days of racing. But I just hope to avoid abrasions and injuries," he says cautiously, having been hampered during the off-season by yet another crash.

A Belgian in yellow as early as Saturday?

Even if Evenepoel isn’t brimming with optimism, that doesn’t mean we won’t see a Belgian in the yellow jersey. First, Remco could aim for it on Wednesday of the first week, during a time trial that suits him perfectly.

"It’s built for specialists. It’s not too technical, and winning the Belgian time trial championship last week was the ideal preparation," he explains. But before that, his teammate Tim Merlier might be the one to raise his arms in triumph as early as this Saturday.

The sprint expected in Lille’s metropolitan area seems perfectly suited to him. "Everyone keeps bringing it up — and it’s starting to put some pressure on me. Of course I’m thinking about it, as it might be a once-in-a-lifetime chance. But I’m not obsessed. There are plenty of other strong contenders. It would be a mistake to stake my whole Tour on just one day," he says, keeping it in perspective.

And what about you — do you believe in Merlier’s chances of becoming the first race leader?
One thing’s for sure: he’s the odds-on favourite.

*Odds may be subject to change. Event ends: July 5 at 12:00 p.m.

The resurrection of Arnaud De Lie?

Among the other Belgians, all eyes will be on Arnaud De Lie. The man who wore the Belgian national champion's jersey until last week saw his season derailed by Lyme disease.

That didn’t stop his team, Lotto, from selecting him for the most legendary race in the world. “It’s a mountainous Tour, that’s true, but I fully intend to make it to Paris and sprint down the Champs-Élysées,” he declared.

That’s all we can wish for the "Bull of Lescheret", who could still salvage his season by winning a stage in the next 20 days.

And because this race thrills everyone, Golden Vegas Sport is offering a 25% BetXtra on every bet placed on the Tour de France. Just like the riders on the road: play responsibly and stay in control.