What type of stage is Tour de France Stage 11?

Stage 11 is a flat sprint stage with a twist - the Côte de Pech David (800m at 12.4%) just 8.8km from finish could eliminate some sprinters.

Who won stage 11 of the tour de france?

Stage 11 favors powerful sprinters who can survive the 12.4% Pech David climb. Previous Toulouse winner was Caleb Ewan in 2019.

Where is stage 11 tour de france?

Stage 11 is a 156.8km loop starting and finishing in Toulouse, the Pink City of southern France.

Who will win stage 11 tour de france?

Powerful sprinters like Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel have advantages over pure sprinters due to the Pech David climb.

Tour de France Stage 11 - Toulouse Loop Sprint Stage

SPRINT STAGE WITH A TWIST

156.8km loop with brutal Côte de Pech David (12.4%) just 8.8km from finish!

Stage 11 At A Glance

Difficulty: 2/5 stars | Distance: 156.8km Toulouse loop | GC Impact: Minimal

Key Moment: Côte de Pech David (800m at 12.4%) with 8.8km to go | Expected Winner: Powerful sprinter or puncheur

Start Time: 13:45 CEST | Elevation: 1,562m total | Sprint Type: Likely reduced bunch

Stage 11 Quick Facts

Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025 | Distance: 156.8 km | Type: Flat Sprint Stage (with climbs) | Start: 13:45 CEST

Stage 11 is a unique sprint stage featuring a loop around Toulouse, the Pink City. While classified as a sprint stage, the Côte de Pech David - a vicious 800m ramp at 12.4% gradient just 8.8km from the finish - could eliminate pure sprinters and create a reduced bunch sprint on Boulevard de Lascrosses. This is the last sprint opportunity before the Pyrenees!

Stage 11 Elevation Profile

Source: Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)

Sprint Stage with Climbing Characteristics

Distance: 156.8 km
Elevation Gain: 1,562m

Categorized Climbs: 5
Sprint Probability: 80% (reduced)

Crucial Climb: Pech David
Distance to Finish: 8.8km

All Categorized Climbs

Côte de Castelnau-d'Estrétefonds (Cat 4): 1.2km at 5.7% - km 25.9
Côte de Montgiscard (Cat 4): 1.7km at 5.3% - km 111.6
Côte de Corronsac (Cat 4): 1.1km at 6.1% - km 117
Côte de Vieille-Toulouse (Cat 4): 1.3km at 6.8% - km 142.5
Côte de Pech David (Cat 3): 0.8km at 12.4% - km 148 (8.8km from finish)

Stage 11 Sprint Analysis

Early Phase (0-100km): Controlled pace, early break allowed minimal gap

Middle Phase (100-140km): Three Cat 4 climbs test legs before finale

Critical Phase (140-148km): Vieille-Toulouse then explosive Pech David

Final 8.8km: Regrouping and reduced sprint preparation

Test your explosive climbing power with our vertical jump test and 30-second power assessment.

Why Pech David Changes Everything

The Game Changer: 800 meters at 12.4% average (max 20%!)

Power Required: 7-8 W/kg for 90-120 seconds

Sprint Impact: Could eliminate 30-50% of pure sprinters

Recovery Distance: Only 8.8km to regroup and organize

Stage 11 Route Map

Source: Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)

Route Highlights

Start/Finish: Toulouse city center - Boulevard de Lascrosses
Neutralized Start: Through historic Place du Capitole
North Loop: Past Blagnac Airport to Grenade
First Climb: Castelnau-d'Estrétefonds after 25.9km
South Return: Through Muret and climbing sequence
Final Approach: Technical finish after Pech David descent

Toulouse Loop Analysis

Circuit Character: Anti-clockwise loop through Haute-Garonne
Road Surfaces: Excellent throughout, wide main roads
Wind Exposure: Open sections north of Toulouse
Technical Sections: Final kilometers through city streets
Finish Approach: Sweeping left turn 400m from line
Sprint Zone: 300m straight on Boulevard de Lascrosses

Toulouse - La Ville Rose

Pink City Heritage: Named for distinctive terracotta brick architecture

Aerospace Capital: Airbus headquarters and aviation hub

University City: 140,000 students, founded 1229

Canal du Midi: UNESCO World Heritage waterway connection

Previous Finish: Caleb Ewan won sprint here in 2019

Côte de Pech David - The Sprint Killer

Climb Statistics

Category: 3 | Length: 800m | Average Gradient: 12.4%

Maximum Gradient: 20% | Elevation Gain: 99m | Summit: 8.8km from finish

Why Pech David Matters

The Numbers That Terrify Sprinters

12.4% Average: Steeper than many Category 1 climbs
20% Maximum: Wall-like ramps require explosive power
90-120 Seconds: Duration at professional speed
7-8 W/kg: Power requirement to stay with leaders
Selection Effect: Pure sprinters will lose 20-40 seconds

Sprint Impact Analysis

Dropped Sprinters

Risk: Heavier pure sprinters
Names: Merlier, Ewan types
Deficit: 30-45 seconds

Survivors

Type: Lighter, punchy sprinters
Names: Van Aert, Alaphilippe
Advantage: Reduced competition

Dark Horses

Opportunity: Puncheurs
Names: Van der Poel, Pidcock
Tactic: Attack on climb

Historical Context

Unique Feature: Rarely seen gradient this close to sprint finish

Comparison: Similar to Mur de Huy but shorter

2019 Precedent: Stage finished in Toulouse without Pech David

Expected Selection: 30-50 riders maximum at finish

Climbing Then Sprinting Strategy

Position Before Climb: Top 20 essential to avoid gaps
Climbing Tempo: 400-450W sustained effort
Over The Top: Immediate acceleration to close gaps
Recovery Phase: 8km at 250-300W to prepare for sprint
Sprint Power: Still need 1400W+ for final 200m

Stage 11 Time Schedule

Time (CEST)	Event	Location
11:45	Team Buses Arrive	Place du Capitole
12:45	Rider Sign-in	Start Village
13:45	STAGE START	Toulouse
14:15	Côte de Castelnau-d'Estrétefonds	Km 25.9
15:30	Feed Zone	Km 75
16:15	Côte de Montgiscard	Km 111.6
16:45	Côte de Vieille-Toulouse	Km 142.5
16:55	Côte de Pech David	Km 148 (8.8km to go)
17:25	Final Kilometer	Boulevard de Lascrosses
17:30	SPRINT FINISH	Toulouse

How to Watch Stage 11

TV Coverage: Live from 16:30 CEST for final hour
Key Viewing: 16:55 CEST for Pech David selection
Sprint Zone: 17:25-17:30 CEST for reduced bunch finish
Helicopter Shots: Toulouse Pink City architecture
Analysis Focus: Who survives Pech David climb

Sprint Timeline Prediction

13:45: Calm start, sprinters saving energy
14:00: Small breakaway forms (3-4 riders)
15:00: Steady tempo, break kept at 2-3 minutes
16:00: Sprint teams increase pace
16:45: Positioning battle before Pech David
16:55: EXPLOSION on 12.4% gradient
17:00: Regrouping begins, gaps forming
17:25: Reduced sprint from 40-60 riders

Expected Winning Time

Estimated Time: 3h45m (averaging 42 km/h)

Pech David Impact: 15-20 second slower than pure flat

Sprint Group Size: 40-60 riders maximum

Stage 11 Sprint Tactics

Unique Sprint Challenge

Sprint Probability: 80% - but likely reduced bunch

Pech David Effect: Eliminates 40-60% of pure sprinters
Recovery Distance: Only 8.8km to reorganize
Selection Type: Power-to-weight crucial
GC Impact: Minimal - time bonuses only

Sprinter Categories for Stage 11

Favorites

Type: Punchy sprinters
Names: Van Aert, Van der Poel
Power: 7+ W/kg climbing

Contenders

Type: Light sprinters
Names: Girmay, De Lie
Tactic: Survive and sprint

Strugglers

Type: Heavy sprinters
Names: Philipsen, Merlier
Risk: Dropped on Pech David

Team Strategies

Jumbo-Visma (Van Aert)

Approach: Use climbing strength to isolate rivals
Pech David: Van Aert follows attacks comfortably
Final 8km: Team regroups for leadout
Sprint: Reduced competition favors Van Aert

Alpecin-Deceuninck (Van der Poel/Philipsen)

Dilemma: Support Philipsen or let Van der Poel attack?
Likely: Van der Poel for stage, Philipsen for green jersey
Pech David: Van der Poel could attack here

Soudal Quick-Step (Alaphilippe)

Opportunity: Perfect stage for Alaphilippe
Tactic: Attack on Pech David or sprint from reduced group
Advantage: Climbing power plus sprint speed

Victory Predictions

Stage 11 Winner Analysis

Wout van Aert: 35% - perfect terrain for his abilities
Mathieu van der Poel: 25% - could attack on Pech David
Julian Alaphilippe: 20% - ideal puncheur's sprint
Biniam Girmay: 10% - if he survives the climb
Other/Breakaway: 10% - late attack possibility

Fantasy Cycling Strategy

Captain Pick: Wout van Aert - climbing plus sprint combo
Value Pick: Julian Alaphilippe - motivated for home stage
Differential: Tom Pidcock - could surprise from break
Avoid: Heavy pure sprinters like Merlier, Ewan
Green Jersey: Points available but selection is key

Budget Strategy: Target puncheurs over pure sprinters

Climbing Sprint Combination Analysis

Stage 11 Unique Physiology

Pech David Power: 450-550W for 90-120 seconds (7-8 W/kg)
Recovery Ability: Clear lactate in 8.8km (10-12 minutes)
Sprint Power After Climbing: Still need 1300-1500W
Optimal Weight: 65-72kg balances climbing and sprint
Energy Systems: Vo2 max for climb, anaerobic for sprint
Total Effort: Two maximal efforts in 10 minutes

Training for Climbing Sprints

To excel in stages like this unique Toulouse challenge:

Climbing Intervals: 5x2min at 7 W/kg with sprint finish
Recovery Sprints: Sprint after threshold efforts
Power Endurance: 30sec max efforts with short recovery
Race Simulation: 90sec climb + 10min tempo + sprint
Weight Management: Optimize power-to-weight ratio

Test your explosive power with our sprint power test and repeated sprint ability assessment.

Stage 11 Nutrition Strategy

Sprint Stage with Climbing Demands

Carbohydrate Intake: 70-90g per hour (higher than flat sprint)
Fluid Intake: 750-1000ml per hour in Toulouse heat
Pre-Pech David: 40g fast carbs 20 minutes before
Post-Climb Recovery: 20g carbs immediately after
Caffeine Strategy: 200mg 45 minutes before Pech David

Dual Effort Fueling

Glycogen Depletion: Two maximal efforts require extra carbs
Lactate Clearance: Adequate hydration crucial
Sprint Preparation: Simple sugars in final 30 minutes
Heat Management: July in Toulouse requires cooling strategy

Learn more about sprint nutrition strategies and fueling for short climbs.

Similar Sprint Stages

Compare Stage 11's unique challenge to other sprint opportunities:

Stage 1: Lille to Lille - Opening sprint with small climbs
Stage 3: Valenciennes to Dunkerque - Pure flat sprint
Stage 8: Saint-Méen to Laval - Uphill drag finish
Stage 9: Chinon to Châteauroux - Cavendish Avenue sprint
Stage 21: Paris Champs-Élysées - Traditional finale

Unique Factor: Stage 11's Pech David creates the most selective sprint of the Tour!

Sprint Evolution

Traditional Sprints: Pure speed and leadout trains
Modern Challenges: Climbs near finishes test versatility
Power Requirements: Need both climbing and sprint abilities
Tactical Evolution: Reduced sprints becoming more common

Tour de France 2025 Complete Guide - All stages and analysis
Tour de France Winners List - Historical champions
Sprint Power Test - Explosive power assessment
Vertical Jump Test - Power-to-weight indicator
Sprint Nutrition - Fueling for explosive efforts
Sprint Training - Build explosive power

Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.