If the Tour de France is a business, who are its clients? Certainly TV audiences and roadside spectators alike. But there’s third group: mayors and local government officials.

While President Macron’s visit yesterday matters – name another race where the head of state visits every year – mayors and their colleagues in local government are the hidden VIPs of the Tour de France, they make route happen, they help pay for the race and they’re changing the shape of the sport more than you might think.

The Tour goes to Bordeaux today, a city that’s been on the race route more often than Pau, and is second only to Paris for Tour visits. Only the race hasn’t been here since 2010. The fact that it’s back is a tale of sports and politics.

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Normally the heart sinks a touch at the mention of “sprint stage”, a day with an inevitable conclusion and minutes of action but if it helps riders rebuild their arsenal of fireworks for the weekend and gives followers more time to digest the last two days’ sport, so be it.

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The second day in the Pyrenees and the first summit finish of the race, of sorts.

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There are 22 teams in the Tour de France with a variety of sponsors from household goods to governments. Here’s a closer look, presented in the start list order…

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A stage in the Pyrenees that promises plenty of action with a fight to get in the breakaway and the steep upper slopes of the Marie Blanque towards the end.

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Another sprint stage but this time much flatter.

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The Tour de France returns to France but stays in the Basque country for a likely sprint finish in Bayonne.

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The Basque weekend continues, another scenic stage with plenty of climbing and a city finish.

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Welcome to the first of the daily previews. The Tour de France starts with a lively stage in the Basque Country that should be lined with fans and offers a finale open to many if they can make the front group over the climbs, through some crosswinds and into Bilbao.

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Series 110 of the Tour de France starts tomorrow so here’s a look at the overall contenders for the yellow jersey. It’s a 2022 rematch with Vingegaard and Pogačar clashing again and seemingly everyone else chasing the third step of the podium.

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