Arnaud de Lee's first visit to the Tour de France in 2024 was one of the valuable experiences, but for the Belgian sprinter, perhaps even the iconic Champs-Elysees finish in Paris, some big dreams remain, including a first-stage victory. Shooting both at the same time in 2025 will be a dream scenario.

"Being in Paris and sprinting for victory is a big goal," De Lie told Cyclingnews at the recent Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterion.

"So, yeah, it's going to be there next year and it's also good parcours for me with lots of opportunities. Also, during the sprint, I think I took a lot of experience from this year. I think it is really possible to win in 1 stage, and indeed, next year we will go for it, we will go for victory, but it is not so easy.

De Lie had a chat with Biniam Girmay Intermarché Wanty, who wore a green jersey before an interview with cyclingnews, but when discussing his experience at this year's Tour de France, he turned warmly and stroked the third-time stage winner still nearby on his back and said, "Because this guy was there, he was there." I did not win.

Lotto Dstny claimed before the tour that there was no pressure or expectation on De Lie as this was his tour debut, So the top 5 and 2 3rd 5 finishes were something to celebrate.

"I think I've done very well with a few podiums and a lot of experience next year," De Lie added.

The results of his debut on the tour were probably even more pleasing in light of the challenges the rider had faced in the first half of the season. 

The classic certainly did not go to plan with a crash in Lusamin and a suspected bout of lyme disease that caused Delhi for a while to doubt his talent on the bike. 

The victory in the return match at the Famenne Ardenne Classic began a rebuild of confidence, followed by a strong result. The week before the Tour de France de Lee won the Belgian champion's black, yellow and red tricolor, he wore it on his debut on the tour. 

Of course, a lot of motivation will also be provided in 2025. 

"Sure, if I can stand on the podium, it's already a really, really good thing, but to take the victory, I think it's the broadest goal of my life, to win the Tour de France."

The opening flat stage of the Lille Metropole in particular means that the sprinter will have an additional carrot to chase in 2025 – the first yellow jersey of the race.

"It's very rare that the first stage is a sprint," De Lie says. 

"It's always chaotic, so you'll see what happens on that first stage, but I think winning on the Champs Elysees is bigger. Winning in Paris is very special, so if I had to choose, for sure, I would take the Champs-Elysees."

Still, there are plenty of other goals for the 2025 Tour de France, not to mention the final finish line, before De Lee starts, for the 22・year・old. He has won 7 races this season and feels the advantage of having 3 seasons as a pro at his feet.

"Physically, I feel better already every year.

The big target will begin in earnest in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad at the beginning of the 2022 month, the race in which De Lee became 2nd place in 3rd place.

When asked outside the Tour de France goal what he wanted to achieve in the season ahead, De Lee's reaction was "to be in shape for the Flemish classic – that's really a big goal for next year."

"When I say I'm in good condition, it's not about winning, it's about being in the fight for victory. It is a big goal for next year to exist in all Flemish classics, starting with Nieuwsblad until Paris Roubaix.”