It seems absolutely crazy to talk about the Tour de France already, but the route is out, so we might as well talk about it. There is a nice mix of terrain for 2025, but after the second week, it looks like a battle of the climbers. Some of the most iconic Tour climbs are back in play for 2025 including; 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 start working on the long list for your fantasy Tour de France squad because this year is gonna be relentless.
Grand Depart in Lille’
For the fifth time, the Tour de France kicks off from northern France, a region steeped in cycling history and home to the legendary Paris-Roubaix. The last Grand Départ here, back in 2001 from Dunkirk, saw Christophe Moreau claim the Yellow Jersey in the prologue. But this year, the race for the first Yellow Jersey is set to be a full-throttle sprint across the “Land of the Giants,” where only the strongest will emerge victorious.
2025 Tour de France Time Trials
Notable, the 2025 Tour de France route includes two-time trials. These are expected to have a limited impact on the overall competition, but as we all know, anything can happen during a TT.
Stage 5 brings the first-time trial of the 2025 Tour, a flat and fast 33km loop around Caen. Viewers can expect an intense day as riders look to gain every 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 at the Peyragudes ski station. Look for big moves and even bigger implosions on a challenging and decisive day in the mountains.
Summit Finishes and Return to Mont Ventoux
The second half of the race is where the climbers can stretch their legs. The 2025 Tour de France route covers four mountain ranges and lots (six in total if you count the TT) of summit finishes.
- Stage 10 is the first summit finish and takes place on Bastille Day. Due to the French national holiday, organizers have delayed the first rest day by a day. Letting the crowds enjoy the showdown on the Puy de Sancy.
- Stage 12 is another summit finish on the iconic Hautacam. This double kicker of a finish comes right after a much-needed rest day. Riders will battle up two climbs before ascending the Hautacam. They will then tackle the 13.6-kilometre 7.8% final climb. This stage will show which team is ready for the final push and to support their GC contenders.
- Stage 13 is the 11km uphill mountain time trial, and we’re guessing there are no TT bikes for this stage. The unique stage ascends the Col de Peyresourde and ends at the Peyragudes ski station at 16% gradient!
- Stage 14 ends the three-day tour of the mountains and treats viewers to some of the Tour’s most iconic images. The peloton will ascend the Tourmalet, the Col d’Aspin and the Col de Peyresourde. The final climb is the 12.4km long and 7.5% steep Superbagneres.
- Stage 16 is the star of the summit finishes (to me, at least). This stage ushers in the return of Mont Ventoux and signals the final week of the tour. Riders will face this giant after the second rest day, and boy will they need it. There is only one climb for this stage, and it’s more than enough for most. Riders are treated to a nearly flat stage until the 20.8km, 7.7% average gradient Mont Ventoux.
- Stage 18 is the queen stage in the 2025 Tour de France, and it is undoubtedly a doozy with 5,500m of vertical gain. Riders will tackle the Glandon and then Madeleine, only to meet the final boss at the Col de la Loze. This is only the third time in Tour history that the Col de la Loze is included in the Tour de France.
- Stage 19 is the final mountain stage, and it looks relentless. The rider will start with the appetizer of the Col des Saisies, and teams must be organized. The Col du Pre comes right after the Col des Saisies, then the Cormet de Roselend. Teams will have a little time to check the damage on the descent, but not too long, as soon as they hit the La Plagne.
Back to the Champs-Élysées
With the 2024 Paris Olympics in the rearview mirror. Tour organizers are happy to have their iconic final stage back at the Champs-Élysées. Look for an epic showdown between the best sprinters in the world—those looking to add a cherry on top of finishing the most prestigious races.
For all the stages and detailed maps, check out Letour.fr
