The Tour de France isn’t just any bike race — it’s a testament to human endurance as determined cyclists defy wind, gravity, and other forces of nature through challenging climbs and long stretches of road. It’s undeniably an inspiring event, and it may even galvanize you to take on challenges of your own. But no matter if you’re preparing for the world’s biggest cycling competition or leisurely making your way through a trail at a local park, you need a sturdy pair of cycling sunglasses for a safe and comfortable ride.
As you prepare to tune into the Tour de France this year, we’ll go over all the details so that you know when to catch the race and what to expect. And if you feel like upgrading your gear for your own rides, we’ll dive into our recommendations for the best cycling sunglasses.
What You Need to Know About the Tour de France in 2024
Every year, the Tour de France stirs up excitement amongst cycling enthusiasts, but 2024 will be a noteworthy year for a few reasons. Instead of starting in July as it traditionally has, the race will kick off on June 29 and end on July 21. This is due to the Olympics, which, as you may already know, will commence in Paris on July 26. The key locations will also be switched up this year. For the first time ever, the race will begin in Italy, with the Grand Départ starting in Florence. And instead of in Paris, the race will finish in Nice, again due to Olympic events. Not too long after the Olympics, the 2024 Tour de France Femmes for women will kick off on August 12 in Rotterdam.
This year, the Tour de France will feature 21 stages in total, including 2 time trials, 8 flat stages, 4 hilly stages, and 7 mountain stages. To give the 22 participating cycling teams a good challenge, the race will encompass 3,492 kilometers in total — that’s over 1,000 kilometers more than the original race in 1903.
The Best Cycling Sunglasses
Perhaps you’re up for taking on a few cycling goals yourself after watching the Tour de France. Whether you plan on biking solo or with a tour, you’ll want to invest in the right pair of sunglasses for your cycling adventures.
Before we dive into our top recommendations from our men's sunglasses and women’s sunglasses collections, here’s a brief primer on the key features to look for in cycling sunglasses.
- Good coverage: Wind and debris are inevitable when you’re biking, so you want to make sure that your shades give you good coverage. A wrap frame is just-right for protecting your eyes on the trail.
- Sun protection: When you’re exploring the roads outside, you want your sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and keep your vision nice and clear. With any pick from Dragon Alliance, you can enjoy 100% UV protection and color-optimizing Lumalens technology. If you’re concerned about excess glare, consider polarized lenses, too.
- Comfortable fit: A comfortable fit is key when you’re cycling. A go-to pair of cycling sunglasses should be lightweight and fit snugly without feeling too tight on the face.
And now, without further ado, here are the best cycling sunglasses from our collection.
Calypso Polarized
Ideal for protection against wind and dust, the 8-base curve style on Calypso Polarized will give you maximum coverage. Wherever your journey takes you, there’s also an integrated cam hinge for an extra secure fit. Plus, the lenses are polarized, so they can be helpful if you come across any patches of glare on the road or by bodies of water.
The Box 2
The Box 2 has a slim profile that’s perfect for wearing underneath bulky helmets. When you’re on the trail, its wrap silhouette offers extensive coverage to shield you from the elements. The universally fitting bridge also ensures a comfortable fit when you’re riding. To cut down excess glare, check out The Box 2 Polarized.
Momentum
Keep up the momentum with a single wide lens for an unobstructed view of your path. Along with its sleek shield silhouette, Momentum features an integrated cam hinge for the just-right fit. Choose your go-to cycling shade from vivid colorway options such as purple, red, and green.
Vantage H2O Polarized
As part of our H2O Floatable Collection, Vantage H2O Polarized is designed to float on water, courtesy of its low-density material. Besides being great for cycling by the water, it also has an 8-base lens curvature for maximum coverage. Additionally, the lens coating repels water and smudges to help your vision stay sharp and clear.
Get ready to ride with cutting-edge eyewear from Dragon Alliance. Wherever your trail takes you, keep your vision in the clear with sports sunglasses that provide maximum coverage, enhanced vision, and rugged style.