Tour de France 2025 Quick Facts
Dates: July 5-27, 2025 | Route: Lille to Paris | Stages: 21 stages, 3,320km | Favorites: Tadej Pogaฤar, Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel
The 112th Tour de France promises to be one of the most exciting editions, featuring 5 summit finishes including Mont Ventoux and Col de la Loze, plus 2 time trials. The race battle between defending champion Tadej Pogaฤar and two-time winner Jonas Vingegaard continues cycling's greatest modern rivalry. For the first time, the final stage in Paris includes the cobbled Montmartre climb, adding tactical intrigue to the traditional sprint finish.
Tour de France 2025 Schedule
| Stage | Date | Route | Distance | Start Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐ข 1 | July 5 | Lille Métropole - Lille Métropole | 184.9 km | 13:26 |
| ๐ข 2 | July 6 | Lauwin-Planque - Boulogne-sur-Mer | 209.1 km | 12:15 |
| ๐ข 3 | July 7 | Valenciennes - Dunkerque | 178.3 km | 13:10 |
| ๐ข 4 | July 8 | Amiens Métropole - Rouen | 174.2 km | 13:15 |
| ๐ต 5 | July 9 | Caen - Caen | 33 km | 13:10 |
| ๐ก 6 | July 10 | Bayeux - Vire Normandie | 201.5 km | 12:35 |
| ๐ก 7 | July 11 | Saint-Malo - Mûr-de-Bretagne | 197 km | 12:10 |
| ๐ข 8 | July 12 | Saint-Méen-le-Grand - Laval | 171.4 km | 13:10 |
| ๐ข 9 | July 13 | Chinon - Châteauroux | 174.1 km | 13:10 |
| ๐ด 10 | July 14 | Ennezat - Le Mont-Dore | 165.3 km | 13:10 |
| ๐ Rest | July 15 | Toulouse | - | - |
| ๐ข 11 | July 16 | Toulouse - Toulouse | 156.8 km | 13:15 |
| ๐ด 12 | July 17 | Auch - Hautacam | 180.6 km | 13:10 |
| ๐ต 13 | July 18 | Loudenvielle - Peyragudes | 10.9 km | 13:10 |
| ๐ด 14 | July 19 | Pau - Luchon-Superbagnères | 182.6 km | 12:00 |
| ๐ข 15 | July 20 | Muret - Carcassonne | 169.3 km | 13:20 |
| ๐ Rest | July 21 | Montpellier | - | - |
| ๐ด 16 | July 22 | Montpellier - Mont Ventoux | 171.5 km | 12:10 |
| ๐ก 17 | July 23 | Bollène - Valence | 160.4 km | 13:35 |
| ๐ด 18 | July 24 | Vif - Courchevel Col de la Loze | 171.5 km | 12:10 |
| ๐ด 19 | July 25 | Albertville - La Plagne | 129.9 km | 13:30 |
| ๐ก 20 | July 26 | Nantua - Pontarlier | 184.2 km | 12:05 |
| ๐ข 21 | July 27 | Mantes-la-Ville - Paris Champs-Élysées | 132.3 km | 16:10 |
Stage-by-Stage Previews and Predictions
Click on any stage below for comprehensive previews including route maps, elevation profiles, key climbs, and expert predictions:
Stage 1
July 5
Lille - 184.9km
๐ข Flat Sprint
View Details →Stage 2
July 6
Boulogne - 209.1km
๐ข Flat Sprint
View Details →Stage 3
July 7
Dunkerque - 178.3km
๐ข Flat Sprint
View Details →Stage 4
July 8
Rouen - 174.2km
๐ข Flat Sprint
View Details →Stage 5
July 9
Caen - 33km
๐ต Time Trial
View Details →Stage 6
July 10
Vire - 201.5km
๐ก Hilly
View Details →Stage 7
July 11
Mûr-de-Bretagne - 197km
๐ก Hilly
View Details →Stage 8
July 12
Laval - 171.4km
๐ข Flat Sprint
View Details →Stage 9
July 13
Châteauroux - 174.1km
๐ข Flat Sprint
View Details →Stage 10
July 14
Le Mont-Dore - 165.3km
๐ด Mountain
View Details →Stage 11
July 16
Toulouse - 156.8km
๐ข Flat Sprint
View Details →Stage 12
July 17
Hautacam - 180.6km
๐ด Mountain Summit
View Details →Stage 13
July 18
Peyragudes - 10.9km
๐ต Mountain TT
View Details →Stage 14
July 19
Superbagnères - 182.6km
๐ด Mountain Summit
View Details →Stage 15
July 20
Carcassonne - 169.3km
๐ข Flat Sprint
View Details →Stage 16
July 22
Mont Ventoux - 171.5km
๐ด Mountain Summit
View Details →Stage 17
July 23
Valence - 160.4km
๐ข Flat Sprint
View Details →Stage 18
July 24
Col de la Loze - 171.5km
๐ด Queen Stage
View Details →Stage 19
July 25
La Plagne - 129.9km
๐ด Final Mountain
View Details →Stage 20
July 26
Pontarlier - 184.2km
๐ก Hilly Breakaway
View Details →Stage 21
July 27
Paris - 132.3km
๐ข Final + Montmartre
View Details →Tour de France 2025 Stage Analysis
| Stage | Type | Key Features | Performance Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| ๐ข 1 | Flat Sprint | Opening ceremony, bunch sprint finish | 1500W sprint power |
| ๐ข 2 | Flat Sprint | Longest stage, coastal finish | Endurance + sprint |
| ๐ข 3 | Flat Sprint | Potential crosswinds, Belgian border | Tactical positioning |
| ๐ข 4 | Flat Sprint | Classic northern French terrain | 250-300W sustained |
| ๐ต 5 | Time Trial | First GC battle, 33km individual | 420-480W power |
| ๐ก 6 | Hilly | Normandy hills, breakaway chance | Variable power output |
| ๐ก 7 | Hilly | Mûr-de-Bretagne classic finish | Punchy climbing |
| ๐ข 8 | Flat Sprint | Sprinters' stage, bunch finish | 250-300W sustained |
| ๐ข 9 | Flat Sprint | Final sprint before mountains | Recovery pacing |
| ๐ด 10 | Mountain | First mountain test, Massif Central | 6.0+ W/kg climbing |
| Rest | Rest Day | Recovery, refueling | 4000+ cal nutrition |
| ๐ข 11 | Flat Sprint | Circuit race, technical finish | Technical sprint |
| ๐ด 14 | Mountain Summit | Pyrenean classic, multiple climbs | 7+ W/kg sustained |
| ๐ข 15 | Flat Sprint | Recovery stage, bunch sprint | Active recovery |
| ๐ด 16 | Mountain Summit | Giant of Provence, 1912m altitude | Heat + altitude |
| ๐ก 17 | Hilly | Transition stage, breakaway | Tactical racing |
| ๐ด 18 | Mountain Summit | Highest finish 2304m, Col de la Loze | 7.5+ W/kg peak |
| ๐ด 19 | Mountain Summit | Final mountain battle, GC decision | Race-winning effort |
| ๐ก 20 | Hilly | Penultimate stage, Jura hills | Last chance attacks |
| ๐ข 21 | Final Sprint | Ceremonial finish, Champs-Élysées | Victory celebration |
2025 Tour de France Stage Breakdown
- ๐ข Flat/Sprint Stages (7): 250-300W sustained, 1200-1500W sprint power
- ๐ด Mountain Stages (6): 6.5-7.5 W/kg power-to-weight ratio required
- ๐ก Hilly Stages (4): Mixed terrain, tactical racing opportunities
- ๐ต Time Trial Stages (2): 420-480W sustained power output
- ๐ Rest Days (2): 4,000+ calorie refueling and recovery
How Does the Tour de France Work?
The Tour de France is the world's most prestigious cycling race, where riders compete across 21 stages over 23 days. The rider with the lowest cumulative time wins the race and the coveted yellow jersey.
There are multiple competitions within the race:
- ๐ก Yellow Jersey (Maillot Jaune): General classification leader - lowest total time
- ๐ข Green Jersey (Maillot Vert): Points classification leader - sprinters' jersey
- ๐ด Polka Dot Jersey (Maillot à Pois): Mountains classification leader - King of the Mountains
- โช White Jersey (Maillot Blanc): Best young rider under 26 years old
Further reading: Jerseys of the Tour de France.
Tour de France 2025 Key Contenders
General Classification Favorites
Tadej Pogaฤar (UAE Team Emirates): Defending champion and pre-race favorite. The 26-year-old Slovenian has won 3 Tours (2020, 2021, 2024) and excels in all terrain.
Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike): Two-time winner (2022, 2023) and Pogaฤar's main rival. The Danish climber is strongest in the mountains.
Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep): The 25-year-old Belgian finished 3rd in his 2024 debut. Strong in time trials and climbing.
Primoลพ Rogliฤ (Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe): Three-time Vuelta winner seeking his first Tour victory.
Sprint Specialists
Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck): Multiple Tour stage winner and leading sprinter. Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty): First Black African Tour stage winner. Mark Cavendish (Astana-Qazaqstan): Record holder with 35 Tour stage wins.
Key Stages to Watch
Mountain Stages
- Stage 12 - Auch to Hautacam: First major mountain test with summit finish.
- Stage 16 - Montpellier to Mont Ventoux: The "Giant of Provence" returns at 1912m altitude.
- Stage 18 - Vif to Courchevel Col de la Loze: Highest finish at 2,304m elevation.
- Stage 19 - Albertville to La Plagne: Final mountain stage and likely GC decider.
Time Trials
- Stage 5 - Caen (33km): First major GC test on flat terrain.
- Stage 13 - Loudenvielle to Peyragudes (10.9km): Mountain time trial that could decide the race.
Tour de France 2025 - Sports Science Analysis
Physiological Demands by Stage Type
Flat Stages (7 stages):
- Primary Energy System: Aerobic (85-90%) with anaerobic bursts for sprints
- Average Power Output: 250-300W sustained, 1200-1500W peak sprint
- Heart Rate: 75-85% max during racing, 95%+ in final sprint
- VO2 Demands: 60-70 ml/kg/min sustained
Mountain Stages (6 stages):
- Primary Energy System: Aerobic threshold (90-95%)
- Power-to-Weight Ratio: 6.5-7.5 W/kg for elite climbers
- Sustained Climbing: 400-450W for 30-60 minutes
- Body Composition: Under 65kg optimal for climbing
Time Trial Stages (2 stages):
- Power Output: 420-480W sustained (45-60 minutes)
- Aerodynamics: Critical - position saves 30-60 seconds
- Lactate Threshold: 85-95% throughout
Tour de France Nutrition & Performance
Daily Nutritional Demands
- Energy Expenditure: 4,000-8,000 calories per stage
- Carbohydrate Needs: 8-12g per kg body weight daily
- Protein Requirements: 1.6-2.2g per kg for recovery
- Hydration: 600-1000ml per hour during racing
Race Nutrition Strategy: Riders consume 200-300g carbs per hour during long stages. Learn more about sports nutrition principles and optimal hydration strategies.
Recovery Between Stages
- Sleep: 9-10 hours minimum for adaptation
- Protein Window: 25-30g within 30 minutes post-stage
- Carb Replenishment: 1.5g per kg within 2 hours
- Active Recovery: 30-60 minutes easy spinning
Fitness Testing for Aspiring Cyclists
Essential Tests for Cycling Performance
Aerobic Capacity Assessment:
- VO2 Max Testing - Elite Tour riders: 70-85 ml/kg/min
- Beep Test - Alternative aerobic fitness assessment
- VO2 Max Calculator - Estimate from sub-maximal tests
Power & Strength Assessment:
- Functional Threshold Power (FTP): Elite riders: 400-450W
- Handgrip Strength - Important for bike control
- Standing Long Jump - Lower body power indicator
Body Composition:
- BMI Calculator - Tour riders average: 20-22 BMI
- Body Fat Calculator - Elite cyclists: 5-10% body fat
- Power-to-Weight Ratio: Key metric for climbing success
Cycling Training Zones
Heart Rate Training Zones for Cyclists
Tour de France riders train across multiple heart rate zones to develop different energy systems. Use our Heart Rate Training Zone Calculator to determine your optimal training intensities.
- Zone 1 (Recovery): 60-70% max HR - Active recovery rides
- Zone 2 (Aerobic Base): 70-80% max HR - Foundation training
- Zone 3 (Tempo): 80-85% max HR - Sustained efforts
- Zone 4 (Threshold): 85-95% max HR - Race pace efforts
- Zone 5 (VO2 Max): 95-100% max HR - Maximum efforts
Learn more about components of physical fitness and evidence-based training methods.
How to Watch Tour de France 2025
๐บ TV and Streaming by Country
๐บ๐ธ United States
TV: NBC Sports, USA Network
Streaming: Peacock TV, NBC Sports App
Coverage: Live stages + highlights
๐ฌ๐ง United Kingdom
TV: ITV4 (Free-to-air)
Streaming: Discovery+, Eurosport, ITVX
Coverage: Full live coverage
๐ฆ๐บ Australia
TV: SBS (Free-to-air)
Streaming: SBS On Demand, Stan Sport
Coverage: Live stages + extended highlights
๐จ๐ฆ Canada
TV: Sportsnet
Streaming: Sportsnet+, FloBikes
Coverage: Live coverage + French commentary
๐ฟ๐ฆ South Africa
TV: SuperSport
Streaming: DStv Now
Coverage: Live stages + highlights
๐ฉ๐ฐ Denmark
TV: TV2 (Free-to-air)
Streaming: TV2 Play, Discovery+
Coverage: Full live coverage (Jonas Vingegaard focus)
๐ต๐ญ Philippines
TV: Premier Sports
Streaming: GCN+, Discovery+ Asia
Coverage: Live streaming available
๐ณ๐ด Norway
TV: TV2 Norway
Streaming: TV2 Play, Discovery+
Coverage: Full live coverage
๐ฎ๐ช Ireland
TV: Eurosport, TG4 (highlights)
Streaming: Discovery+, Eurosport Player
Coverage: Live stages + Irish commentary
๐ณ๐ฟ New Zealand
TV: Sky Sport
Streaming: Sky Sport Now, Sky Go
Coverage: Live coverage + highlights
โฐ Race Times (CET)
Stage Start: Most stages begin 12:00-13:30 CET
Stage Finish: Most stages finish 16:00-17:30 CET
Mountain Stages: Earlier starts (11:00-12:00 CET) for longer stages
Convert to your local time zone for accurate viewing times.
๐ฑ International Streaming
Discovery+ Sports: Available in multiple European countries
Official Tour Website: letour.fr for updates and highlights
Tour de France 2025 - Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Tour de France 2025?
The Tour de France 2025 runs from July 5 to July 27, 2025. The race starts in Lille and finishes in Paris on the Champs-Élysées.
Who are the favorites to win Tour de France 2025?
The main favorites are Tadej Pogaฤar (defending champion), Jonas Vingegaard (two-time winner), and Remco Evenepoel (2024 third place). Pogaฤar is the pre-race favorite.
How many stages are in Tour de France 2025?
Tour de France 2025 has 21 stages over 23 days, including 2 rest days. The race covers approximately 3,320 kilometers.
How to watch Tour de France 2025?
You can watch on NBC/Peacock (USA), ITV4/Discovery+ (UK), SBS (Australia), and France Télévisions (France). Most stages run from 12:00-17:30 CET.
What fitness level do Tour de France riders have?
Tour de France riders have exceptional fitness: VO2 max of 70-85 ml/kg/min, body fat of 5-10%, and power-to-weight ratios of 6.5-7.5 W/kg. Test your own fitness with our VO2 max assessment.
How much do Tour de France riders eat?
Tour riders consume 4,000-8,000 calories per stage and 200-300g carbohydrates per hour during racing. Learn about sports nutrition strategies for endurance athletes.
