Tour ends with traditional parade into Paris

'Tis done, the 96th Grande Boucle is over. The final stage into Paris has always meant success for some - as well as relief for many others - and the champagne will once again flow for all. There is one more treasure at stake today: the highly-valued stage win on the Champs-Élysées. With its false-flat uphill cobbles between the Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe, the 'world’s most beautiful avenue' is always a spectacular finish of the Tour, whether a sprinter or a puncher wins.

See full-size map and profile.

Vaughters' views

Cavendish will have to win here if he wants to take the green back from the sprinter that survived the close-to-finish climbs in the middle of the race.

Cav does well under pressure, so I’m sure he can manage this feat.

Of course, I’m hoping for a little beginner’s luck for Tyler Farrar.

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1