The ŠkodaTour de Luxembourg is redefining itself once again!

 The start and finish locations for the first stage are moving to the very heart of the capital. It is on Place Guillaume II, better known as “Knuedler”, that the 114 riders will set off for the 84th edition of Luxembourg’s biggest cycling race – right where the traditional opening prologue used to end until 2019. On the same day, they will cross the finish line at Fëschmaart, in front of one of the most beautiful settings in Luxembourg City.

Here’s a preview of the race, which spans 707 km over five stages, including a 15.5 km time trial on the fourth day.

Here’s everything you need to know about each stage of the race

Stage 1: Luxembourg-Knuedler – Luxembourg-Fëschmaart (156.4 km)

After the neutral start in the heart of Luxembourg City, the peloton will descend the Côte d’Eich to the Alvisse Parc Hotel at the exit of Dommeldange, where the official start of a demanding stage will take place – a stage that could already influence the battle for the overall victory. Riders will face the climb of Niklosbierg in Vianden, followed by two other tough ascents: Côte de Bourscheid and Côte d’Eschdorf. These challenges are all within a span of just 45 km, promising an intense and exhausting race. The intermediate sprint, located just 23 km from the finish, could attract sprinters looking to score points. To conclude the stage, the course climbs the final 500 meters from Clausen and ends at Fëschmaart in Luxembourg City.

Stage 2: Junglinster – Schifflange (155 km)

On the second day, sprinters might get their chance, provided they can crest the Poteau de Kayl at the head of the peloton on the final circuit. The race begins in Junglinster and crosses the picturesque Mullerthal, also known as “Little Switzerland of Luxembourg”, a paradise for hikers with over 112 km through impressive forest and rocky landscapes. The route then heads south. At 30 km from the finish line, the peloton reaches Schifflange and takes on the final circuit, which includes the Poteau de Kayl, to be tackled three times.

Stage 3: Rosport – Diekirch (201.3 km)

It is time for the queen stage: on the third day, the riders face not only the longest distance but also the most climbs. The start takes place along the Sûre River in Rosport, where after a 36 km loop, the riders will tackle the climb of Michelsbierg. The route then heads north to the ascent of Um Knupp near Wiltz before entering the final circuit 32 km from the finish. Over the last 30 km around Diekirch, the riders will have to climb Haemerich three times and Seitert twice—two ascents of the highest category!

Stage 4: ITT Differdange – Differdange (15.5 km)

This day offers recovery for some riders. However, those aiming for overall victory must give their all once again in the individual time trial around Differdange. The climb of Col de l’Europe will separate the contenders from the rest.

Stage 5: Mersch – Luxembourg-Limpertsberg (176.9 km)

The 84th edition of the ŠkodaTour de Luxembourg concludes as usual: the final stage once again leads from Place Saint-Michel in Mersch to the capital. The course mainly passes through the northern part of the country and includes categorized climbs at Nommern, Gralingen, Kautenbach, and Misärshaff. At 30 km from the end of the race, the riders will enter the final circuit. Before the finish, the peloton will already cross the line near the Victor Hugo hall twice, shortly after climbing the Pabeierbierg, a short but extremely steep ascent. To win the overall classification and succeed Marc Hirschi, riders will need to give their very best one more time.