Visma | Lease a Bike release first analysis of 2027 Tour de France route: 'Fewer riders making it to the top'

"At first glance, it seems like a fairly balanced route, with a number of flat sprint stages, explosive finishes, and tough mountain stages. The two long, relatively flat time trials stand out in particular. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen that in the Tour," said Reef.

"Compared to last year, I'm seeing fewer riders making it to the top of a climb, and in my opinion, there could have been a few more. All in all, it's an interesting course," he explains.

Reef was at the Tour’s start in Yorkshire in 2014. “It was a huge cycling celebration back then. There were so many people lining the roads, and the enthusiasm was overwhelming. It was amazing to see how passionate people in Great Britain are about the sport. I’m really looking forward to experiencing that again.”

"These stages, along with the opening stage in France, also require us to be sharp right from the start for the general classification. These kinds of explosive finishes have often made the difference in the past," he says of the first three stages.

In France, we’ll once again face transitional stages, after which we’ll reach the Alps on day nine. “This is where the general classification contenders will face off for the first time. These are stages that could suit us well. Racing on the World Championship course also adds an extra dimension to the Tour,” he says, referring to the stage to Sallanches.

"The last time we had this many time trial kilometres was in 2012," Reef notes. "On top of that, most of these time trial courses are relatively flat. Time trials are a discipline we train for very intensively and invest heavily in. We’re generally very strong in this area and have several specialists on the team. These time trials are going to play a major role in the general classification.”

On days 18 and 19, we’ll be riding through the Pyrenees. “That’s where the race will definitely be decided. Some TV viewers might find it a little harder to relate to the climbs on this year’s Tour route, but there are still some fantastic stages. The finishes at the top of the Grand Colombier and the Col de Portet are definitely stages to look forward to. And the final stage in Paris is, of course, another highlight.”

All in all, Reef is optimistic about it on behalf of Jonas Vingegaard, Wout van Aert, and Matthew Breannen. “It looks like a course that should suit several of our riders very well. Our task now is to thoroughly analyse the route and, based on that, develop a plan that gives us as a team the best possible chance of success. One thing is certain: this course offers us plenty of opportunities to put on a great show.”