Tour de France Stage 10 - Ennezat to Le Mont-Dore Puy de Sancy
FIRST MOUNTAIN STAGE - BASTILLE DAY
165.3km with 8 categorized climbs! Summit finish at Puy de Sancy (3.3km at 8%)!
Stage 10 At A Glance
Difficulty: 4/5 stars | Distance: 165.3km through Massif Central | GC Impact: HIGH
Key Moment: Final 50km with 4 categorized climbs | Expected Winner: Climber or breakaway specialist
Start Time: 13:10 CEST | Elevation: 4,307m massive | Summit Finish: 1,324m altitude
Stage 10 Quick Facts
Date: Monday, July 14, 2025 (Bastille Day) | Distance: 165.3 km | Type: Mountain Stage | Start: 13:10 CEST
Stage 10 is the first mountain stage of the 2025 Tour, taking place on Bastille Day from Ennezat to Le Mont-Dore Puy de Sancy. With 8 categorized climbs and 4,307m of elevation gain, this brutal stage through the Massif Central culminates in a summit finish at Puy de Sancy (3.3km at 8%). Expect French riders to attack for national glory!
Stage 10 Elevation Profile
Source: Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)
Climbing Statistics
Categorized Climbs: 8 (1x Cat 3, 7x Cat 2)
Summit Finish: 1,324m altitude
Maximum Gradient: 10%+
Power Requirements for GC Contenders
- Summit Finish Power: 6.5-7.0 W/kg for 12-15 minutes
- Total Climbing Power: 5.8-6.2 W/kg sustained for 90+ minutes
- Peak Power Sections: 7.5+ W/kg on steepest ramps (10%+)
- Energy Expenditure: 5,500-6,500 calories for the stage
- Heart Rate Zones: 85-95% max HR on categorized climbs
Stage 10 Elevation Analysis
Early Phase (0-60km): Rolling terrain with Côte de Loubeyrat (Cat 3) at km 14
Middle Phase (60-115km): Clermont-Ferrand climbs - La Baraque, Charade, Berzet
Final Phase (115-165km): Brutal finale with Guéry, Croix Morand, Croix Saint-Robert, Puy de Sancy
Key Factor: Relentless climbing with minimal recovery between ascents
Test your climbing fitness with our VO2 max assessment and lactate threshold test.
Bastille Day Significance
National Holiday: French riders highly motivated for home glory
Historic Moments: Warren Barguil's 2017 Bastille Day victory on Col d'Izoard
Crowd Factor: Massive French support expected on all climbs
Tactical Impact: French teams likely to animate the race early
Stage 10 Route Map
Source: Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)
Route Highlights
- Start: Ennezat at 13:10 CEST - Limagne plain near Clermont-Ferrand
- Early Climb: Brief passage on famous Puy de Dôme roads
- Volvic Passage: Through volcanic landscapes at km 40
- Clermont-Ferrand: Urban passage before major climbing begins
- Nature Park: Through Parc des Volcans d'Auvergne
- Final Approach: Lac Chambon before final four climbs
- Finish: Le Mont-Dore ski resort at base of Puy de Sancy
Volcanic Massif Central Terrain
- Geological Features: Ancient volcanic peaks and crater lakes
- Road Character: Narrow, winding roads through lava-formed valleys
- Scenic Highlights: Lac de Guéry (highest lake in Auvergne)
- Natural Landmarks: Roche Tuilière and Roche Sanadoire formations
- Altitude Range: 340m (start) to 1,324m (finish)
- Weather Risks: Potential fog and rain at altitude
Cultural Points of Interest
Volvic: Famous mineral water source from volcanic aquifers
Thermal Heritage: Le Mont-Dore spa town with Roman thermal baths
Cheese Route: Saint-Nectaire and Fourme d'Ambert regions
Ski Resort: Le Mont-Dore winter sports destination
Massif Central: "Roof of France" volcanic mountain range
Stage 10 Key Climbs Analysis
Puy de Sancy - Category 2 (Summit Finish)
Length: 3.3 km | Average Gradient: 8% | Maximum: 10%+
Altitude: 1,324m at summit | Elevation Gain: 264m
Character: Brutal finish with no respite, constant 8%+ gradient
KOM Points: 5-3-2-1 for first four riders
Col de la Croix Saint-Robert - Category 2
Length: 5.1 km | Average Gradient: 6.4% | Position: 11km from finish
Tactical Importance: Launch pad for summit finish attacks
Character: Steady gradient, perfect for tempo riding
Col de la Croix Morand - Category 2
Length: 3.4 km | Average Gradient: 5.7% | Altitude: 1,401m
History: Featured 6 times in Tour, first in 1951
Position: 28km from finish, starts climbing sequence
Col de Guéry - Category 2
Length: 3.4 km | Average Gradient: 6.7% | Summit: 1,268m
Feature: Beautiful finish at Lac de Guéry (highest lake in Auvergne)
Position: 50km from finish, signals final phase beginning
Early Climbs Breakdown
Côte de Loubeyrat (Cat 3)
4km at 6.3% - km 14
Early breakaway launcher
Côte de La Baraque (Cat 2)
4.8km at 7.4% - km 73
Through Clermont-Ferrand
Côte de Charade (Cat 2)
5.1km at 6.8% - km 80
Famous motor racing circuit
Côte de Berzet (Cat 2)
3.4km at 7.4% - km 89
Completes early sequence
Climbing Strategy Analysis
Pacing Requirements
- Early Climbs: 5.0-5.5 W/kg to stay with peloton
- Middle Section: Recovery crucial between Berzet and Guéry
- Final 50km: 5.8-6.2 W/kg sustained effort required
- Summit Finish: 6.5-7.0 W/kg for GC contenders
- Total Climbing Time: 90-100 minutes at threshold or above
Stage 10 Time Schedule
| Time (CEST) | Event/Location | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 11:10 | Team Buses Arrive | Ennezat |
| 12:10 | Rider Sign-in | Start Village |
| 13:10 | STAGE START | Ennezat (0km) |
| 13:25 | Côte de Loubeyrat | Km 14 (Cat 3) |
| 14:00 | Volvic Passage | Km 40 |
| 14:45 | Côte de La Baraque | Km 73 (Cat 2) |
| 15:30 | Col de Guéry | Km 115 (Cat 2) |
| 16:15 | Col de la Croix Morand | Km 137 (Cat 2) |
| 17:00 | Col de la Croix Saint-Robert | Km 154 (Cat 2) |
| 17:40 | SUMMIT FINISH | Puy de Sancy (165.3km) |
How to Watch Stage 10
- TV Coverage: Live from 14:30 CEST for complete mountain action
- Key Viewing: 15:30-17:40 CEST for final 50km climbing sequence
- Summit Finish: 17:25-17:40 CEST for Puy de Sancy ascent
- Bastille Day: Extended coverage for French national holiday
- Helicopter Shots: Spectacular volcanic landscape views
Race Development Timeline
- 13:10: Immediate attacks expected for Bastille Day glory
- 13:25: Côte de Loubeyrat - breakaway formation
- 14:45: Clermont-Ferrand climbs test early break
- 15:30: Col de Guéry - race begins to fragment
- 16:30: GC teams organize for final 50km
- 17:00: Croix Saint-Robert - decisive attacks likely
- 17:25: Puy de Sancy - GC battle explodes
- 17:40: First summit finish winner crowned
Expected Time Gaps
Winner to Yellow Jersey: 30 seconds to 2 minutes possible
Top 10 GC: Gaps of 10-30 seconds between contenders
Gruppetto Time: 25-30 minutes behind winner
Time Limit: Approximately 15% of winner's time
Stage 10 GC Battle & Tactics
First Mountain Test
GC Impact: HIGH - First real climbing showdown
- Breakaway Probability: 60% - Bastille Day motivation
- GC Attacks Expected: Final 15km on Croix Saint-Robert and Puy de Sancy
- Time Gaps Possible: 1-2 minutes between GC favorites
- Yellow Jersey Risk: Could change hands if current leader struggles
Team-by-Team Strategy
UAE Team Emirates
Pogačar: Test rivals on Croix Saint-Robert
Tactic: High tempo to isolate opponents
Power: 6.8-7.2 W/kg attacks
Jumbo-Visma
Vingegaard: Mark Pogačar closely
Tactic: Save energy for Puy de Sancy
Team: Keep multiple cards
Soudal Quick-Step
Evenepoel: Steady tempo approach
Tactic: Limit losses on steepest gradients
Focus: Don't go too deep early
French Teams
Motivation: Bastille Day glory
Riders: Alaphilippe, Bardet, Gaudu
Strategy: All-out attacks
Puy de Sancy Final Climb Analysis
The Decisive 3.3km
- 0-1km: 8% average - immediate selection of strongest
- 1-2km: 8.5% with 10% ramps - power climbers advantage
- 2-3km: 7.5% average - sustained effort required
- Final 300m: 8% to the line - no recovery possible
- Altitude Effect: 1,324m finish impacts non-acclimated riders
Attack Scenarios
- Long Range: Attack on Croix Saint-Robert (11km out)
- Classic Move: Base of Puy de Sancy (3.3km out)
- Explosive: Steepest section at 2km to go
- French Glory: Bastille Day inspired early attacks
Victory Predictions
Stage 10 Winner Analysis
- Tadej Pogačar: 30% - explosive climbing suits his style
- Jonas Vingegaard: 25% - defending champion's first test
- French Breakaway: 20% - Bastille Day motivation
- Remco Evenepoel: 15% - steady climbing approach
- Other GC/Breakaway: 10% - surprise always possible
Fantasy Cycling Strategy
- Captain Pick: Pogačar - loves explosive summit finishes
- Value Pick: Julian Alaphilippe - Bastille Day warrior
- Breakaway Option: Ben Healy - strong climber, breakaway specialist
- French Card: David Gaudu or Romain Bardet for home glory
- Avoid: Pure sprinters - will lose 25+ minutes
Budget Strategy: Mix GC leaders with French climbers for Bastille Day
Mountain Stage Sports Science Analysis
Stage 10 Physiological Demands
- Power-to-Weight Required: 6.0-7.0 W/kg for GC contenders
- VO2 Max Demands: 75-85 ml/kg/min for elite climbers
- Lactate Threshold: 90-95% of VO2 max for 20-40 minute efforts
- Total Work: 4,500-5,000 kilojoules over 4.5 hours
- Altitude Considerations: 1,324m finish affects oxygen availability
- Thermoregulation: Managing heat on 8 categorized climbs
Body Composition for Climbing
Elite climbers targeting stages like Puy de Sancy typically maintain:
- Body Weight: 60-68kg for optimal power-to-weight
- Body Fat: 5-8% for males, 12-16% for females
- Muscle Distribution: Lower body dominant with minimal upper body mass
- Bone Density: Carefully monitored due to low body weight
- Hydration Status: Critical for thermoregulation on long climbs
Test your climbing readiness with our power-to-weight calculator and body composition assessment.
Mountain Stage Nutrition Strategy
Stage 10 Fueling Protocol
- Carbohydrate Intake: 90-120g per hour on climbs
- Fluid Requirements: 800-1200ml per hour in July heat
- Electrolyte Needs: 800-1000mg sodium per hour
- Pre-Climb Loading: 60g carbs 30 minutes before major ascents
- Caffeine Strategy: 3-6mg/kg before final climb sequence
Altitude and Heat Considerations
- Increased Fluid Loss: Up to 2L per hour on hot climbs
- Altitude Effects: Higher carbohydrate oxidation above 1,000m
- Cooling Strategy: Ice vests at start, cold bottles on climbs
- Recovery Window: 30 minutes post-stage crucial for glycogen
- Evening Protocol: 8-10g carbs per kg body weight
Learn more about endurance nutrition strategies and altitude performance nutrition.
Similar Mountain Stages
If you enjoyed this first mountain stage analysis, explore these other climbing challenges:
- Stage 12: Auch to Hautacam - Pyrenean summit finish
- Stage 14: Pau to Luchon-Superbagnères - Multiple HC climbs
- Stage 16: Montpellier to Mont Ventoux - Giant of Provence
- Stage 18: Vif to Col de la Loze - Highest road in Tour
- Stage 19: Albertville to La Plagne - Final mountain test
Climbing Challenge: The 2025 Tour features 6 summit finishes across three mountain ranges!
Historic Massif Central Moments
- Puy de Dôme: Legendary duels between Anquetil and Poulidor
- 2023 Precedent: Similar stage won by Pello Bilbao
- Bastille Day Heroes: French riders' emotional victories
- Volcanic Legacy: Unique terrain creates dramatic racing
Related Pages
- Tour de France 2025 Complete Guide - All stages and analysis
- Tour de France Winners List - Historical champions
- VO2 Max Testing - Essential for climbing performance
- Lactate Threshold Test - Key climbing metric
- Endurance Nutrition - Fueling for mountains
- Climbing Training - Build your climbing power
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.