The route for the 2027 Tour de France has caught Alberto Contador’s attention because of the prominent role time-trial specialists will play. The French race will feature 71 kilometres of individual time trials, a total not seen for 15 years that could shape the battle for the general classification.

The former Spanish rider believes this emphasis could benefit riders such as Remco Evenepoel. However, he is unsure whether the time they can gain in the time trials will be enough to offset losses in the mountains to Tadej Pogacar. In his view, the route offers opportunities for very different rider profiles.

Contador has also assessed the main mountain challenges in the next edition, focusing in particular on the Pyrenees and a queen stage that finishes on the Col de Portet after two demanding climbs. He does not consider it one of the toughest editions in recent years, but he has highlighted several stages that could prove decisive.

'El Pistolero' has also turned his attention to the leading contenders, with Evenepoel, Florian Lipowitz and Jonas Vingegaard among the riders to watch. The Dane will aim to take a step forward after a season disrupted by a crash, while the German will have another chance to confirm his progress.

Tadej Pogacar won the 2026 Tour de France

Can the mountains offset 71 kilometres of time trials?

“The 2027 Tour de France route is giving time-trial specialists a nod,” Alberto Contador said in his assessment for Eurosport. He noted that the planned 71 kilometres represent a major commitment to the discipline. The French race has not included such a long time-trial distance since 2012.

However, Contador believes that distance may not be enough to balance out the gaps created in the mountains. “I consider a long time trial to be 50 kilometres, as they used to be until a few years ago and were common,” he said, adding that the route will try to balance both types of terrain.

The Spaniard admitted that the mountains do not look especially demanding compared with those in recent editions. Even so, he singled out stage nine, featuring the Grand Colombier, as well as stages 10 and 11, which will gradually toughen the route before the major Pyrenean challenges.

The queen stage stands out in that mountain block. It finishes on the Col de Portet after the riders tackle the Tourmalet and Hourquette d'Ancizan. Contador believes these climbs could create significant gaps and force time-trial specialists to defend their advantages against the climbers.

Evenepoel, Lipowitz and Vingegaard among the main contenders

Despite his reservations about the balance between the mountains and the time trials, Contador believes the route offers variety and promises an exciting race. On paper, Remco Evenepoel stands to benefit most. The Spaniard also highlighted Florian Lipowitz, third in the recent World Championship time trial, as a rider to watch as he continues to gain experience.

Jonas Vingegaard will be another key name in the race. The Dane will aim to take another step forward after a season disrupted by a crash that derailed his plans. His performance in the mountain stages will be crucial in showing how well he can make up for the time specialists gain in the individual time trials.

Contador gave the route a positive assessment for Eurosport, although he believes the time-trial kilometres may not be enough to balance the scales. Decisive stages in the Pyrenees, a lengthy time trial and a range of rider profiles among the main contenders point to a more open race than in previous editions.