It appears completely loopy to speak in regards to the Tour de France already, however the route is out, so we would as properly speak about it. There’s a good mixture of terrain for 2025, however after the second week, it seems to be like a battle of the climbers. A few of the most iconic Tour climbs are again in play for 2025 together with; Mont Ventoux, Courchevel’s Col de la Loze, and La Plagne.
The 2025 Tour de France kicks off in Lille on July 5 and concludes on the Champs-Élysées in Paris on July 27. So begin engaged on the lengthy checklist in your fantasy Tour de France squad as a result of this yr is gonna be relentless.
Grand Depart in Lille’
For the fifth time, the Tour de France kicks off from northern France, a area steeped in biking historical past and residential to the legendary Paris-Roubaix. The final Grand Départ right here, again in 2001 from Dunkirk, noticed Christophe Moreau declare the Yellow Jersey within the prologue. However this yr, the race for the primary Yellow Jersey is ready to be a full-throttle dash throughout the “Land of the Giants,” the place solely the strongest will emerge victorious.
2025 Tour de France Time Trials
Notable, the 2025 Tour de France route consists of two-time trials. These are anticipated to have a restricted influence on the general competitors, however as everyone knows, something can occur throughout a TT.
Stage 5 brings the first-time trial of the 2025 Tour, a flat and quick 33km loop round Caen. Viewers can count on an intense day as riders look to achieve each second on these historic roads.
The second time trial comes on the ominous Stage 13. This second Pyrenean stage is an 11km uphill mountain time trial up the Col de Peyresourde, ending on the Peyragudes ski station. Search for massive strikes and even larger implosions on a difficult and decisive day within the mountains.
Summit Finishes and Return to Mont Ventoux
The second half of the race is the place the climbers can stretch their legs. The 2025 Tour de France route covers 4 mountain ranges and much (six in complete when you rely the TT) of summit finishes.
- Stage 10 is the primary summit end and takes place on Bastille Day. Because of the French nationwide vacation, organizers have delayed the primary relaxation day by a day. Letting the crowds benefit from the showdown on the Puy de Sancy.
- Stage 12 is one other summit end on the long-lasting Hautacam. This double kicker of a end comes proper after a much-needed relaxation day. Riders will battle up two climbs earlier than ascending the Hautacam. They’ll then sort out the 13.6-kilometre 7.8% ultimate climb. This stage will present which group is prepared for the ultimate push and to help their GC contenders.
- Stage 13 is the 11km uphill mountain time trial, and we’re guessing there are not any TT bikes for this stage. The distinctive stage ascends the Col de Peyresourde and ends on the Peyragudes ski station at 16% gradient!
- Stage 14 ends the three-day tour of the mountains and treats viewers to a number of the Tour’s most iconic photos. The peloton will ascend the Tourmalet, the Col d’Aspin and the Col de Peyresourde. The ultimate climb is the 12.4km lengthy and seven.5% steep Superbagneres.
- Stage 16 is the star of the summit finishes (to me, at the least). This stage ushers within the return of Mont Ventoux and alerts the ultimate week of the tour. Riders will face this large after the second relaxation day, and boy will they want it. There is just one climb for this stage, and it’s greater than sufficient for many. Riders are handled to a virtually flat stage till the 20.8km, 7.7% common gradient Mont Ventoux.
- Stage 18 is the queen stage within the 2025 Tour de France, and it’s undoubtedly a doozy with 5,500m of vertical acquire. Riders will sort out the Glandon after which Madeleine, solely to fulfill the ultimate boss on the Col de la Loze. That is solely the third time in Tour historical past that the Col de la Loze is included within the Tour de France.
- Stage 19 is the ultimate mountain stage, and it seems to be relentless. The rider will begin with the appetizer of the Col des Saisies, and groups have to be organized. The Col du Pre comes proper after the Col des Saisies, then the Cormet de Roselend. Groups may have slightly time to test the injury on the descent, however not too lengthy, as quickly as they hit the La Plagne.
Again to the Champs-Élysées
With the 2024 Paris Olympics within the rearview mirror. Tour organizers are pleased to have their iconic ultimate stage again on the Champs-Élysées. Search for an epic showdown between one of the best sprinters on this planet—these wanting so as to add a cherry on high of ending essentially the most prestigious races.
For all of the phases and detailed maps, take a look at Letour.fr