A sporting event with millions of spectators on-site – judged by this criterion alone, there is no greater competition in the world. The Tour de France, the world’s most prestigious cycling race, will remain entirely within France in 2025 and will once again conclude in the capital, Paris. Last year, the Tour ended in Nice to avoid spatial and temporal conflicts with the Olympic Games. Similarly, the start was not moved abroad, as has often been the case in recent years. The three-week Tour de France is one of the three Grand Tours – and quite literally so, as the route has been a loop since the first edition in 1903. In odd-numbered years, the peloton rides counterclockwise; in even-numbered years, clockwise.

Predicting the most exciting, spectacular, and decisive moments of the Tour de France stages in advance is nearly impossible due to factors such as personal and team tactics, injuries, daily form, and weather conditions. However, experience shows that drama and key moments usually unfold on steep climbs, mountain stages, or near the coast where strong winds prevail.
In this regard, the 2025 Tour offers excellent potential for multiple thrillers with six high mountain stages, only two relatively flat days, four coastal sections, and a mountain time trial. The real challenges – such as the Col du Tourmalet and summit finishes in Luchon-Superbagnères, Mont Ventoux, Col de la Loze, and La Plagne – only appear later in the race, starting from Stage 14.

By Stage 14 at the latest, riders aiming for top positions in the general classification (GC) must show their full hand. From the start of this pure mountain stage, the gradual ascent to the iconic Col du Tourmalet begins, followed by a relentless sequence of climbs and descents, leaving no time to rest or regroup. Strong teams like UAE or Visma Lease a Bike can usually support their GC leaders on flatter terrain, but such opportunities are virtually nonexistent on this day. The steeper the climb, the more individual performance matters. GC refers to the general classification, i.e., the cumulative time of all stages. The current leader wears the famous yellow jersey. Special jerseys also honor the best sprinter, climber, and young rider. You can read more about how these classifications work and other insights.

There’s no team support in the mountain time trial on Stage 13 either – another highlight where every rider must fight alone. A solo uphill time trial is a rare and spectacular feature in a Grand Tour. Despite the short distance, time gaps can be huge since no rider can pace themselves against another. It’s all about thirty minutes of full effort! Several hundred thousand fans are expected to line the eleven-kilometer route, mainly along the seven uphill sections. It’ll be tight – and phenomenal.

In general, all mountain stages with an elevation gain of over 3,000 meters are considered especially tough (see table). While high and steep climbs are the essence of road racing and Grand Tours, the route also hides less obvious challenges. Stages 2, 4, and 6 already offer high potential for riders to inflict serious pain on each other, in a sporting sense. These hilly courses with constant short, punchy climbs and fast descents are more typical of spring classics. Stage 2 to Boulogne also runs perpendicular to the coast. If the wind blows inland, a single tactical mistake can push inattentive riders into groups that lose minutes, sometimes more than on mountain stages. This and the demanding profile won’t win anyone the Tour on Day 2, but it could certainly be lost. It’s also an ideal day for breakaways – guaranteed excitement!

And then there are the off-bike highlights. At Mont Ventoux, the only real climb on Stage 16, massive crowds are expected – the kind most other sports can only dream of. The flat profile leading up to the “Bald Giant” will encourage all major teams to go full throttle early, exposing any weaknesses. On such decisive climbs, fans usually line the entire ascent several rows deep. In 2016, a last-minute shortening of the climb led to such crowding that a motorbike had to stop, causing race leader Chris Froome to crash and run several hundred meters on foot due to a mechanical issue – one of the rare accidents caused by the overwhelming presence of fans.
Stage 19 will offer similarly stunning scenes. It includes the Col du Pré and the Cormet de Roselend – two of the most beautiful climbs in the Alps. Anyone interested in watching the Tour live or even riding a stage themselves should consider this section.

Where is the TdF broadcast on TV? Which stages can I ride myself? Where can I watch the Tour? What makes the route so special? We’ve compiled all the tips and information you need to experience the excitement and fascination of the Tour de France in a separate article. Whether you don’t want to miss a second of the TV coverage, please plan to visit the Tour for a day, or even follow it along the route, we’ve got planning and execution tips for you. It’s also possible to ride a stage yourself as an amateur racer – we provide details and tips for the “L’Étape du Tour” here. The following table provides an overview of the key stage data, including whether it suits sprinters or climbers, which stages are particularly demanding, and when it’s particularly worth tuning in or visiting.

A Tour stage is defined not only by its scenery but also by its course, profile, length, and the type of finish. Depending on whether the route is flat like a riverbank, rolling, hilly like a low mountain range, mountainous with climbs of ten kilometers or more, or high mountain terrain – meaning even longer, steeper, and higher – completely different tactical scenarios can be expected. This also determines which types of riders are most likely to succeed on a given stage.

Stages are often categorized based on their likely tactical dynamics or the types of riders expected to dominate:

• Sprint stages typically conclude with a mass sprint involving the entire peloton.
• Solo rider stages favor strong time trialists who can maintain a high pace over long distances and launch attacks at unexpected moments.
• Breakaway stages typically feature a group of riders escaping early, working together against the peloton, and only battling each other near the finish.
• Puncheur stages are decided by short, explosive efforts, often on steep ramps close to the finish, followed by solo rides to the line.
• Mountain stages in the high or low mountains are often too long for heavier puncheurs, giving lightweight climbers a better chance to break away thanks to their superior power-to-weight ratio.
• GC riders (General Classification contenders) aim to achieve the best overall time by the end of the Tour. Although they deliver the most consistent and highest performance overall, they must focus their efforts on a few key stages where they can gain time.
• Time trials are where all GC contenders and specialists give their maximum effort. Riders not competing for stage wins or GC rankings often conserve energy for other days.

Those who have followed the Tour de France for years or even decades will recognize many of the climbs, stage towns, and route sections. For the less experienced, here’s a brief overview of what riders and spectators can expect on each stage in terms of landscape, route profile, wind exposure, and especially race dynamics — and where key decisions might be made.

Stage 1: Lille to Lille

The Grand Départ takes place in the region known for its fearsome spring classics, such as Paris–Roubaix. While this stage lacks the infamous cobblestones and short, steep “hellingen,” it features many direction changes and the typical chaos of an opening stage. The sprinters’ teams are still fresh and should be able to neutralize any breakaways in the final 45 kilometers after the last small climb. A side competition will unfold at the three King of the Mountains points — whoever scores at two of them will wear the polka-dot jersey the next day. Expect a hectic, ultra-fast finale, as the winner will wear the yellow jersey on Stage 2.

Stage 2: Lauwin-Planque to Boulogne-sur-Mer

On day two, alarm bells will be ringing across all teams. The profile may look flat, but the route toward the sea is shaped like a saw blade. Numerous punchy climbs and the chance to move up in the general classification due to small time gaps will trigger dozens of early attacks. This will keep the pace extremely high for a long time, and such swarm-like attacks are hard to control even with a steady tempo. If headwinds near the coast come into play, gaps can open quickly — gaps that exhausted domestiques may not be able to close. As if that weren’t enough, two steep ramps await just before the finish. This will be a race of attrition, favoring classics specialists and GC contenders.

Stage 3: Valenciennes to Dunkirk

Once again, the route heads from inland toward the sea. With almost no elevation gain, it will be hard for breakaways to succeed if there’s a headwind. But with a tailwind, a large group could get away if the chasers can’t agree on who should lead the pursuit. The Mont Cassel, 30 kilometers from the finish, isn’t too tough for sprinters. Depending on wind conditions, this could be a calm stage ending in a bunch sprint, or the peloton could split, with a large group gaining significant time. Anyone caught out could lose several minutes.

Stage 4: Amiens Métropole to Rouen

Another day of crosswinds and mountain points: like Stage 2, this one features many small but sharp climbs, adding up to over 2,000 meters of elevation. According to Tour director Christian Prudhomme, wind will again play a significant role in this region. Expect early attacks, but with the individual time trial looming the next day, the top contenders will likely hold back until the Côte de Belbeuf, 31 kilometers from the finish — even though the finale, with four ramps, seems tailor-made for three-time Tour winner Tadej Pogačar (SLO). Time trialist Filippo Ganna (ITA) probably won’t take risks either. The stage win will likely be contested by duos like Jasper Philipsen (BEL) and Mathieu van der Poel (NED) from Alpecin-Deceuninck, or Mads Pedersen and Mattias Skjelmose (both DEN) from Lidl-Trek. Even if the stage is decided in a sprint or late attack, it’s worth tuning in early!

Stage 5: Individual Time Trial – Caen to Caen

Time trials always feature two races: one for the stage win and one for GC seconds. In recent years, the same riders have often been involved in both. But this flat course on wide, open roads favors pure time trial specialists. Powerful riders like Italy’s Ganna or, if recovered from his Giro crash, British rising star Joshua Tarling could take the win. Superstar Remco Evenepoel is a wildcard — after a serious crash, his physical and mental form is still uncertain. If he’s in top shape, he could gain early time on favorites Vingegaard and Pogačar. Riders start in reverse GC order, so depending on where Ganna and others are ranked, you might only need to watch the second half of the broadcast.

Stage 6: Bayeux to Vire, Normandie

According to the official Tour roadbook, this is the toughest flat stage in recent history. The rolling start will be accelerated by an early sprint point, followed by an intensified version of Stages 2 and 4. With 3,500 meters of climbing and six categorized climbs, gaps will open by the end of the first week. Riders who lost time in the time trial may try to regain ground with an early breakaway, but the brutal climbs of Normandy carry the risk of overexertion. Expect the mountain points contenders to emerge here — experienced climbers like Tom Pidcock or a resurgent Julian Alaphilippe (FRA) could seize the opportunity if they make the break.

Stage 7: Saint-Malo to Mûr-de-Bretagne

It doesn’t let up — another unrhythmic stage with mountain points in the finale. The famous “Breton Wall” isn’t the finish line but the final climb, and it carries significant prestige. The stars won’t let breakaways steal this one. Their teams will likely control the race, which may only truly ignite around the sprint point at kilometer 139. But from then on, it’ll be intense. GC riders must enter the climb near the front to avoid getting boxed in. The Mûr-de-Bretagne is steepest in the middle, making it ideal for both light climbers and powerful sprinters. At least the final hour will be full-throttle drama.

Stage 8: Saint-Méen-le-Grand to Laval Espace Mayenne

In any other race, this would be a 170-kilometer lead-in to a mass sprint. But the Tour is so prestigious that breakaway riders, solo attackers, sprinters, and their teams will all fight fiercely. Smaller teams will use the chance to showcase themselves. The only categorized climb of the day isn’t tough enough to slow the chasing peloton. Key attacks, if any, are likely to occur in the final ten kilometers, which rise steadily. Strong riders like Josh Tarling, Mads Pedersen, or Wout van Aert could use this for a late solo move.

Stage 9: Chinon to Châteauroux

After a brutal first week and with a punishing stage ahead, this could be a chance for the GC and climbing teams to conserve energy. For the first time, the Tour moves significantly inland, away from the Atlantic. The top teams may hesitate to chase breakaways, allowing the front group to gain a large gap. Time differences of 15 to 20 minutes are possible. History shows that such stages can unexpectedly put a rider in the yellow jersey, and they may hold it for a long time due to the massive time buffer. The real suspense lies not in the stage win but in the shifts within the general classification.

Stage 10: Ennezat to Le Mont-Dore

The day before the first rest day, the Tour heads south into the volcanic mountains of the Auvergne. It’s also Bastille Day, France’s national holiday — traditionally a day when French riders are five times more motivated and aggressive. With eight categorized climbs, there are plenty of points up for grabs in the mountains classification. Narrow, winding roads will make it challenging to follow the race, but they will offer stunning scenery. Tactically, anything can happen on a day like this. With the rest day ahead, even a late attack from a GC rider is possible, even if the climbs aren’t challenging. Even though July 14 isn’t a holiday in Germany, this is a stage worth watching from the start.

Stage 11 (Midpoint): Toulouse to Toulouse

Like a copy of the spring classic Milan–San Remo, the return from the rest day features a relatively short loop around the Haute-Garonne, circling Toulouse. It may seem uneventful, but like Milan–San Remo, the race will be decided on the final climb. Just before entering Toulouse, there’s a hill less than a kilometer long but with a maximum gradient of 20%. Such ramps can split the field — if a favorite feels particularly strong, they could gain a few seconds with an explosive attack and daring descent. The course and profile suggest little action until the finale.

Stage 12: Auch to Hautacam

The gateway to the high mountains: with the Col du Soulor and a summit finish in the ski resort of Hautacam, riders face the first two climbs in the top two of five difficulty categories. The first 110 kilometers will see the landscape shift from elegant and historic to rugged and rocky. The peloton will likely leave these climbs to the pure climbers and supporting riders. Even the summit finish in the Pyrenees is too moderate in terms of gradient and length for major GC attacks, especially given the time trial the next day. The climb is relatively steady with many curves — more arduous climbs await in the coming stages. A high, steady pace will win the stage and the mountain jersey. If Pogačar’s domestique João Almeida or German talent Florian Lipowitz are free from team duties, this could be their chance to shine.

Stage 13 (Mountain Time Trial): Loudenvielle to Peyragudes

Cards on the table! Mountain time trials are pure Tour de France spectacles. No team tactics, no drafting, no attacks — just 20 minutes of full effort over nearly 11 kilometers. This is where gaps between the favorites will finally open, and we’ll see who has the most power and who recovered best from the first high mountain stage. The first four kilometers are tame, but after that, the gradient rarely drops below 9%. Spectators can watch each rider up close and at a slow pace due to the steepness. It will be interesting to see how the crowds fit along such a short course — hopefully without chaos. Even the tired riders at the back of the GC can’t take it easy today: if they’re too slow compared to the winner, they’ll be eliminated. The stage win will almost certainly go to one of the favorites.

Stage 14: Pau to Luchon-Superbagnères

Nearly 5,000 meters of climbing, the Col du Tourmalet from its brutally steep north side, Col d’Aspin, Col de Peyresourde, and a summit finish — it doesn’t get much tougher in the Pyrenees. The stage starts uphill with no warm-up, forcing all teams to work from the beginning to position their GC leaders and stage hunters, and to keep them fueled and hydrated. Although it’s early, serious attacks will likely begin in the second half of the Tourmalet. The wide, gentle descent allows GC teams to recover some time. But by the final climb, 70 kilometers later, most team leaders will be isolated. After the time trial, this is the second direct showdown between the favorites. If they hesitate, a pure climber could seize the stage win.

Stage 15: Muret to Carcassonne

This is a classic transition stage from the Pyrenees toward the Alps — a chance for riders to “rest” for a day. The previous stages have been extremely demanding, and any action on the rolling first half would be a waste of energy. There might be a gentleman’s agreement only to start racing seriously at the mountain points in the second half. The final hill is interesting: the KOM point comes well before the summit, after a long, steep section. A rider with enough punch could break away here and maintain the lead over the top, then coast downhill for nearly 40 kilometers to the finish. If any strong time trialists are still in the peloton, they’ll have a good shot today. All-rounder Wout van Aert is a hot tip. Anyone who hasn’t recovered from the previous day could be in serious trouble.

Stage 16: Montpellier to Mont Ventoux

A legendary final climb with nearly 1,900 meters of elevation gain and a 130-kilometer lead-in awaits the riders at the start of the third week. Mont Ventoux has been the scene of tragic, bizarre, and thrilling moments in the Tour. In 1967, British rider Tom Simpson died here from exhaustion, dehydration, and an overdose of stimulants. In 2016, Chris Froome famously ran up the mountain in the yellow jersey after a crash. The “windy mountain” rises as a lonely giant from the plains of Provence — wooded and humid at the bottom, rocky and barren at the top. The heat reflects off the stones like a pizza oven, or the Mistral wind hits riders with full force. Tactically, top teams won’t take risks and will only let non-contenders gain a lead. The official climb begins in Bédoin, but riders will already have climbed 300 meters by then. To avoid surprises, domestiques will lead their leaders into the climb at a high pace. From there, it’s a grueling elimination race until a select group fights for the win.

Stage 17: Bollène to Valence

A breather before the Alpine finale? This short, relatively flat stage along the eastern Rhône Valley, heading toward the Mediterranean, could be a golden opportunity for sprinters and breakaway artists who still have energy left. GC teams will focus on keeping their leaders out of the wind. If they have time to look around, they can enjoy the picturesque hilltop villages and vast lavender fields. The GC battle may take a back seat today, but the fight for the stage win — left open by the GC riders — will be all the more exciting. Likely the last chance for puncheurs.

Stage 18: Vif to Col de la Loze

Despite Stage 14 featuring the Tourmalet, today’s triple climb — consisting solely of hors catégorie (HC) mountains — is the queen stage of the Tour. Nearly 70 kilometers of climbing and 5,500 meters of elevation gain make it a brutal day, even for specialists. With less than 10 kilometers of flat terrain before the Col du Glandon, and the rest either uphill or downhill, early attacks from pure climbers are likely. For GC contenders, the steep section after the short descent halfway up the Glandon is the only realistic place to attack — but only someone who has lost significant time earlier will take that risk.

The Col de la Madeleine is unpopular among riders: it’s not particularly steep but very irregular, requiring constant gear changes and cadence adjustments — something many riders struggle with, especially at an altitude of 2,000 meters. If the peloton is as fragmented as expected by the Madeleine, the descent will be taken at full speed, and many may forget to refuel before the final climb. That final ascent adds another brutal 1,715 meters of elevation. The first 22 kilometers are on roads, but near Courchevel Airport, the scattered riders will turn onto a narrow bike path for the final four kilometers to the summit — rough and, according to the Tour organizers, “nasty” to ride. Lightweight climbers like Jonas Vingegaard or Egan Bernal are the favorites today.

Stage 19: Albertville to La Plagne

Five categorized climbs in under 130 kilometers — this final high mountain stage promises action. The route climbs immediately out of Albertville, with the Col des Saisies split into five “terraces,” making it another irregular climb ideal for attacks, especially on the brutal middle ramp. After descending into the valley, the peloton faces perhaps the most scenic double climb in the Alps: between the Col du Pré and the Cormet de Roselend lies a picturesque reservoir, whose altitude is as breathtaking as its view.

Tactically, this section is tricky. Attacking before the lake means a long day in a breakaway with limited team support due to narrow roads. Attacking on the short climb after the lake risks burning energy only to be caught by a chasing group. Only with skill and risk can a lead be maintained. British rider Tom Pidcock could be a candidate here, with enough power to hold off the peloton through the short, flat Isère valley.

The final major climb of the 2025 Tour leads to La Plagne. On its own, it’s long but steady, not a monstrous challenge. But after three weeks of racing, at 2,080 meters altitude, and with two brutally steep final kilometers, it could become decisive if the GC is still close. Even breakaways could be caught on these final, punishing slopes. The ski resort, with its popular bike park, may not be the prettiest, but it’s a worthy setting for a grand finale.

Stage 20: Nantua to Pontarlier

The Tour caravan turns north toward Paris. What happens today depends entirely on the GC standings. If there are several minutes between the top five, breakaway riders will give everything to build a cushion before the third categorized climb, which averages nearly 9%. If the mountain jersey is still undecided, this is likely where the final points will be claimed.

If the GC is still tight, this could be a very unusual penultimate stage, with multiple team leaders trying to attack the yellow jersey. For such a showdown, this stage is unusually flat. The key point will be the Côte de Thésy at kilometer 117 — under normal circumstances, the only place where a GC rider could make a difference. From there, team strength becomes crucial. Who still has teammates left after the climb?

For fans of strategy, a close GC battle at the start would be a dream come true. It would lead to a war of attrition between the top teams, with domestiques working to keep their leaders well-positioned and close gaps to rivals. The last team with helpers left could gain valuable time all the way to the finish. Usually, the GC is decided in the high mountains or a time trial — a dramatic finale on today’s stage would be something new for everyone.

Stage 21: Mantes-la-Ville to Paris

After a one-year break, the Tour finale returns to Paris. There’s an unwritten rule on the final stage: the yellow jersey is not attacked. The classification leaders ride at a relaxed pace, sip champagne in the saddle, and celebrate with fans along the route. From a sporting perspective, the first 50 kilometers aren’t essential viewing, but the images of relaxed riders are always a joy to watch. As the race enters Paris, a few attacks usually occur before the sprinters’ teams take control for the showdown. However, the Olympic road race in Paris was so well received by the public and experts that parts of its route have been adopted as a standard. The riders will climb the Côte de la Butte Montmartre three times — a climb where no sprinter could stay in contention during the Olympics. The atmosphere along the climb was unforgettable.

Today, the riders will pass the finish line six times before the stage winner is crowned. Remco Evenepoel won Olympic gold here, and puncheurs like him, Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, or the powerful Mads Pedersen are the favorites — unless the GC contenders decide to go for one last attack.

Question: If the yellow jersey falls behind during attacks on Montmartre, does the unwritten rule of non-aggression still apply?
The final sprint on the cobblestones of the Champs-Élysées carries as much prestige as a world championship title. Sprinters have suffered through tens of thousands of meters of climbing just to be here. And Paris as a backdrop? Simply sensational.