Tour de France Riders Prepare for First Major Mountain Challenge

General classification contenders are expected to attack as the race enters its decisive climbing stages.

The Tour de France is entering one of its most demanding phases as riders prepare for the first major mountain stages that are expected to reshape the overall standings.

Following several fast-paced opening stages, the race remains tightly contested, with only seconds separating many of the leading contenders.

Cycling experts believe the upcoming climbs will provide the first real opportunity for overall favourites to establish significant time gaps before the race heads deeper into the Alps.

Teams have spent the opening week carefully protecting their leaders while conserving energy for the demanding mountain terrain, where endurance and climbing ability become decisive factors.

Millions of fans continue following the world's most prestigious cycling race, which remains one of the biggest annual events on the international sporting calendar.