Imagine the roar of the crowd on the Champs-Élysées, the pinnacle of cycling's grandest stage race, where legends are made and careers can be defined in a single pedal stroke. But here's where it gets controversial: should the final day of the Tour de France cater to explosive sprinters like Jonathan Milan, or is it fair to let all-rounders and general classification contenders turn it into their playground? Former winner Daniele Bennati is sparking this fiery debate, urging race organizers to tweak the route so that the fast men still have a fighting chance despite the return of the Montmartre climb.
In a candid chat with Bici Pro, Bennati—who triumphed on that very Champs-Élysées stage back in 2007—vehemently argues that the Paris finale should prioritize sprinters, not become an exclusive showcase for versatile riders and overall race leaders. He emphasizes that even with the hill in play, talents like Milan shouldn't be counted out, as long as teams are proactive in their chases and the conditions cooperate.
'When it comes to Jonathan Milan,' Bennati declares passionately, 'there's ample opportunity to reorganize a pursuit. Undoubtedly, someone will launch an attack on Montmartre, creating gaps—think riders like Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, Tadej Pogačar, or Remco Evenepoel. But from my perspective, the terrain allows for a regrouping, paving the way for a potential sprint finish. Or at minimum, design the stage to facilitate that high-speed climax.'
For Bennati, this isn't about taming the excitement; it's about balancing thrill with inclusivity. The route can be challenging and visually stunning, but the endgame should enable a group sprint to remain within reach.
And this is the part most people miss: the critical role of weather and rider fatigue. The revamped Paris stage will once again feature Montmartre, but crucially, the ascent is now positioned about 15 kilometers from the finish, unlike the 2025 edition where it was repeated three times and ended just 6 kilometers out. On paper, this extra buffer seems ideal for sprinters to rally. Yet, Bennati stresses that success depends entirely on how the race unfolds.
'It's obvious that after three grueling weeks, energy reserves are depleted,' he explains. 'However, if the roads are dry, sprinters absolutely can strategize for a dash to the line.'
He draws directly from the pandemonium of last year's rainy edition, where neutralized general classification times turned the stage into a battleground for aggressive attackers. A small group of six broke away, and Wout van Aert delivered an unforgettable performance, outlasting Tadej Pogačar on the final climb to solo triumph on the Champs-Élysées. From a sprinter's viewpoint, Bennati wasn't thrilled with the aftermath. 'I doubt we'll see rain again next year,' he notes, 'but who can predict? Wet conditions diminish the show—last time, after the initial surge, only a handful of riders remained, which isn't thrilling for such an iconic final stage. As someone who thrived in sprints, it was disheartening to watch riders scattered everywhere, with groups coasting to the finish. Honestly, if it repeats, I'd favor the classic circuit. Not just because I won there as a sprinter, but it infused the last day with so much more heart-pounding action.'
Van Aert and Pogačar clashed dramatically on Montmartre in 2025, highlighting the climb's potential to rewrite race narratives.
Delving deeper, Bennati clarifies that Montmartre isn't inherently daunting from a technical standpoint—it's the broader context that tips the scales. The climb itself is manageable, dwarfed by the steeper Flemish hills, with uneven cobblestones that are more annoying than treacherous. But arriving at it after 21 days of intense competition changes everything. If a powerhouse like Pogačar aims for stage glory, it becomes a real hurdle for sprinters. General classification riders, or GC contenders as they're commonly called (think the overall top spots in the race standings), often recover faster than pure speed merchants, giving them an edge.
He also debunks the notion that the final day is merely ceremonial, pointing out that the circuits turn it into a demanding ordeal. 'From my own races, the last day of the Tour, Giro, or Vuelta is far from easy,' Bennati shares. 'After weeks of hardship, the early kilometers drag with celebrations and rituals, but once the pace ramps up, it's a brutal test. On this kind of route, versatile riders like Van Aert and Van der Poel gain an advantage, even without being elite climbers. Meanwhile, sprinters who've battled daily for sprint wins or the green jersey (awarded to the points leader for stage finishes) have expended more effort. Ironically, this shorter stage could amplify the climb's challenge. Sprinters must rely on every teammate to shield them from the wind and chaos.'
His advice to the speedsters is straightforward: don't passively expect the pack to reform; they need to actively shape the day if they want a Paris victory.
Reflecting on his 2007 triumph—outdueling Thor Hushovd and Erik Zabel in a classic Champs-Élysées sprint—Bennati contrasts it with today's setup. 'Back then, as the winner, I felt sharper than many sprinters in those closing days, likely due to better recovery,' he recalls. In the modern version, he'd adapt his tactics, depending on the yellow jersey's (the race leader's) intentions. 'I'd need to gauge if my team should control the tempo on Montmartre to suit my pacing, since Pogačar could easily seize the initiative if he attacks. For him, 15 kilometers is nothing. That's why I'm eagerly anticipating this stage—it promises massive intrigue.'
This encapsulates the core tension of the Montmartre experiment: crafting a finish that invites stars like Pogačar, Van der Poel, Van Aert, or Evenepoel to strike inevitably sidelines pure sprinters, forcing them to the edge.
Bennati isn't advocating for removing the climb altogether; instead, he calls on organizers, squads, and athletes to 'design the stage to enable a sprint.' Paris, in his vision, should remain a day where riders like Jonathan Milan and other speed demons arrive at the start with genuine winning prospects—not just spectators in a spectacle tailored for others.
What do you think—should the Tour de France prioritize sprinters in its grand finale, or is it time to embrace the unpredictability that all-rounders bring? Is Bennati's stance outdated in today's versatile cycling landscape, or does it protect the essence of the sport? Share your opinions in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a counterpoint to add to this debate!
