Tour de France 2021 is a cycling simulation game that combines strategy, simulation, racing and sports elements on PC. Players manage riders or entire teams across official routes and classic events while handling objectives, recovery and peloton dynamics in real time.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on controlling riders through stages that replicate real road racing conditions. Riders maintain position in the peloton, respond to breakaways and adjust effort based on terrain, wind and team instructions. The peloton behaves more realistically than in prior entries, with favourites staying grouped, the yellow jersey protected near the front and pursuit of early escapes limited to fewer squads. This setup gives teams controlling the race an advantage on flat sections.
Before each stage a new selection screen lets managers assign roles and objectives to every rider using details like current ranking, role and race day condition. These choices directly shape in race decisions and performance. A recovery system tracks condition changes between stages, with lower recovery ratings imposing penalties on subsequent days. Riders earn condition bonuses by meeting objectives, such as claiming the yellow jersey or winning a stage, which can push them into a higher State of Grace level.
Wind mechanics have been adjusted so low probability zones no longer display in advance. The sports director instead calls out actual wind presence during the race. Official roadside elements including kilometre arches and banners add visual authenticity, while licensed equipment from brands such as Lazer, Specialized, Vision, Rudy Project, Corima, HJC, Canyon, POC and Merida equips the riders.
Game Modes
Five distinct modes structure the experience. Race mode covers the full 21 stages of the 2021 Tour de France plus official events including Paris Nice with new stages, Paris Roubaix, Liege Bastogne Liege and Criterium du Dauphine with new stages. Unofficial races such as 3 Days in Provence, Breizh Cup, Euro Tour, Open Tour and World Championships provide additional variety.
Pro Team mode places the player in charge of a squad starting at the bottom of the rankings. Strong results earn invitations to major races, and the goal is to climb the Pro Cycling team standings. Pro Leader mode lets players create a custom rider and select one of four profiles climber, sprinter, puncher or versatile. Progression involves completing missions that improve ratings while competing against established stars.
My Tour mode received a redesign focused on greater freedom. Users select rest days, stages from a pool of 89 options and participating teams including the 19 World Tour squads plus Alpecin Fenix, B and B Hotels P B KTM, Team Arkea Samsic and Total Direct Energie. National teams can also be included. Practice mode supports isolated stage runs or skill refinement without full race commitments.
Teams, Riders and Customisation
The database includes updated rider ratings and real world squads. Players can manage an existing team or develop their own rider from the ground up. The editor now supports selecting teams and starting riders for each race, with support for up to three custom databases. These tools allow tailored experiences ranging from full official rosters to personalised line ups.
Is It Worth Playing?
Steam user reviews rate the game Very Positive, with 81 percent approval from 59 reviews. Players note that the simulation rewards patience and tactical awareness, particularly in managing recovery across multi stage events and directing the peloton effectively. The experience suits dedicated cycling fans who appreciate realistic mechanics over arcade style action. Newcomers may find the depth and required knowledge of roles and condition management challenging at first. The title remains available as a complete package with no ongoing seasonal content required. Those seeking an authentic cycling management and racing blend on PC will find the verified features and modes deliver consistent value.
