For years we’ve been getting involved in the annual editions of Tour de France and Pro Cycling Manager, yet each and every year we have been left disappointed. But hey, 2021 is going to be the year of the cycling game, at least if NACON and Cyanide Studios have their way and it’s with great excitement that we can announce that Tour de France 2021 and Pro Cycling Manager 2021 have been detailed and dated.
For those who are new to the cycling video gaming scene, each and every year we get to take in two options – Tour de France covers the iconic Grand Tour for console and PC players, whilst those on the latter system also get access to the fun, the games and the strategic calls of Pro Cycling Manager.
2021 is no different and NACON and Cyanide will be pushing out Tour de France 2021 on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5 and PC via Steam, with Pro Cycling Manager 2021 dropping onto PC, with both games schedules to drop down the time trial ramps from June 3rd 2021.
- Tour de France 2015 Review
- Tour de France 2016 Review
- Tour de France 2017 Review
- Tour de France 2018 Review
- Tour de France 2019 Review
- Tour de France 2020 Review
Taking what we feel is the main game first, if only because we’re console players, and Tour de France 2021 will follow on from the games that have preceded it in past years to faithfully recreate the latest route of the Tour de France. The 2021 Tour rolls out of Brest in Brittany, before covering the length and breadth of France prior to finishing with a few laps up and around the Champs-Élysées in Paris. It’ll be up to you to try and take the yellow jersey to Paris, proving your worth as the best bike rider of the year.
Prior to that though there will be a ton of stages in between, and it’s here where you’ll be battling for green, polka-dot and white jerseys too as you help your team hit the breakaways, ride in the peloton, or nail the climbs. With a new recovery mechanic included this time around, some more realistic peloton behaviour and a ton of official gear from the biggest and best brands, we’ve got massively high hopes for what is delivered.
Features will include:
- The official route of the Tour de France 2021
- A redesign of My Tour mode, with more customisation options and 89 stages available
- A new recovery mechanic for added realism
- More realistic peloton behaviour
- Equipment from a wide range of official brands
If you are a PC player though, then you’ve got another option – Pro Cycling Manager 2021.
This is the only cycling simulation game that combines management and racing in real time, putting you in the shoes of a manager as you attempt to recruit riders for your team, taking them to the top of the rankings. Benefiting from Cyanide’s extensive experience, this new instalment lets you participate in over 260 races, including all 21 official stages of the Tour de France 2021, with a total of 700 stages included in all.
New features have been added to the game for 2021 too including:
- European championships and national teams added
- Improved AI, especially in the peloton behaviour
- More realistic weather, which affects fatigue and rider performance
- Top manufacturers’ helmets, bike frames and wheels recreated in game for added realism
Whether it be Tour de France 2021 or Pro Cycling Manager 2021, if you’re a fan of cycling, or just get excited for the arrival of the biggest races of the season, you’re going to be sorted come June 3rd 2021. It’s just a shame there isn’t any Zwift integration. But hey, take in the trailer and let us know your thoughts.