The 2025 Tour de France (cycling's most prestigious three-week stage race) begins today with 17 Dutch riders on the startlist — four more than last year and the most since 1970. Ten of the 17 are making their Tour debuts, matching a decades-old record, with standout names including sprinter Olav Kooij and classics specialist Mathieu van der Poel, who is targeting stage wins and potentially the yellow leader's jersey as early as the opening team time trial. The strong Dutch contingent raises expectations of multiple stage victories, building on the three Dutch wins recorded in last year's edition.