To celebrate the 100th edition of the race, the 2013 edition of the Tour de France ended in spectacular fashion with an evening stage to the traditional finish on the Champs-Elysees in Paris. According to L'Equipe, the final stage of the 2014 race have a similar format, with a finish around 20.30 local time likely to be scheduled.

The finish of the 100th edition of the Tour de France was a memorable one as a number of new inventions increased the spectacle on the stage that that traditionally brings the race to a close on the Champs-Elysees in the French capital of Paris. Unlike in previous years, the final stage of the race ended in the evening at around 21.30 and included a revised circuit that took the riders all the way around the Arc de Triomphe.

Apparently, organizers ASO plan to replicate the success as a similar scenario may take place in 2014. Today it has been confirmed that the revised circuit will be in place also for the next edition of the race.

"The police commissioner has permitted to use a course on the last part of the stage that is completely identical to the one used for last year's Tour," vice director Pierre-Yves Thouault said in a press release.

At the same time, L'Equipe reports that the stage will again end in the evening, with a finish at around 20.30 local time being proposed. This will be slightly earlier than last year and so the podium ceremony is unlikely to take place in the darkness that marked the crowning of Chris Froome as Tour champion in 2013.

The Tour de France will kick off on July 5 with a road stage from Leeds to Harrogate.