Tour de France Stage 11 - Toulouse Loop Sprint Stage
Quick Answer
Stage 11 is a unique sprint opportunity featuring a 156.8km loop around Toulouse with the brutal Côte de Pech David climb (800m at 12.4% gradient) positioned just 8.8km from the finish. This late-stage climbing challenge will eliminate pure sprinters and create a reduced bunch sprint favoring powerful, punchy riders like Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel.
- Distance: 156.8km with 1,562m elevation gain
- Key Challenge: Pech David requires 7-8 W/kg for 90-120 seconds
- Sprint Type: Reduced bunch of 40-60 riders expected
- Favorites: Van Aert (35%), Van der Poel (25%), Alaphilippe (20%)
Table of Contents
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
The Pech David climb positioned just 8.8km from the finish creates a fascinating physiological challenge. Riders must produce 7-8 watts per kilogram for 90-120 seconds on the climb, then recover sufficiently to deliver a maximal sprint effort. This dual demand favors lighter, more versatile sprinters over pure power specialists.
Stage 11 Elevation Profile
Source: Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)
Sprint Stage with Climbing Characteristics
Elevation Gain: 1,562m
Sprint Probability: 80% (reduced)
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
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
"Power-to-weight ratio becomes critical on gradients exceeding 12 percent. A 75kg sprinter must sustain 525-600 watts on Pech David, while a 65kg climber-sprinter needs only 455-520 watts for the same speed. This 70-80 watt difference can create gaps of 30-45 seconds over 800 meters."— According to sports science expert Robert Wood, who has analyzed sports performance data for over 25 years
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
"Stage 11 represents a perfect example of modern sprint racing evolution. The combination of climbing and sprinting demands creates a natural selection process that favors all-rounders over specialists. Teams must decide whether to chase a pure sprint or allow a late attack to succeed from the Pech David."— As Robert Wood, founder of Topend Sports, notes in his analysis
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
The lactate clearance rate during the 8.8km recovery period determines sprint effectiveness. Riders with superior aerobic capacity can maintain 250-300 watts during recovery while simultaneously clearing accumulated lactate from the Pech David effort, preserving their anaerobic capacity for the final sprint.
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 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Stage 11 different from other sprint stages?
Stage 11 features the Côte de Pech David, an 800-meter climb at 12.4% gradient positioned just 8.8km from the finish. This late-stage climbing challenge requires 7-8 watts per kilogram for 90-120 seconds, which will eliminate heavier pure sprinters and create a reduced bunch sprint. Unlike traditional flat sprint stages, this favors lighter, more versatile riders who can climb well and still deliver a powerful sprint.
Who are the favorites to win Stage 11 in Toulouse?
Wout van Aert leads the predictions at 35% probability due to his exceptional combination of climbing power and sprint speed. Mathieu van der Poel follows at 25% with his ability to attack on Pech David. Julian Alaphilippe has a 20% chance as the stage suits his puncheur characteristics perfectly. Biniam Girmay has an outside 10% chance if he can survive the climb, while other riders or a late breakaway account for the remaining 10%.
How much recovery time is there after the Pech David climb?
Riders have only 8.8 kilometers (approximately 10-12 minutes at racing speed) to recover between cresting the Pech David climb and the sprint finish in Toulouse. This limited recovery distance is crucial because riders must clear accumulated lactate from the climbing effort while maintaining sufficient power (250-300 watts) to stay with the lead group, then deliver a maximal sprint effort requiring 1300-1500 watts.
What is the optimal rider weight for Stage 11?
The ideal weight range for Stage 11 is 65-72 kilograms, balancing climbing ability with sprint power. Lighter riders (under 65kg) have an advantage on the 12.4% Pech David gradient where power-to-weight ratio dominates, while heavier sprinters (over 75kg) will struggle to maintain contact on the climb. A 70kg rider producing 490 watts achieves 7 W/kg, which is the minimum needed to stay with the leaders on Pech David while retaining enough muscle mass for the sprint.
Can pure sprinters like Jasper Philipsen or Tim Merlier win Stage 11?
Pure heavyweight sprinters face significant challenges on Stage 11. The 12.4% Pech David gradient requires exceptional power-to-weight ratios that favor lighter riders. Heavier sprinters typically lose 20-40 seconds on steep climbs of this nature, which would eliminate them from contention. However, if teams can control the pace on Pech David to prevent selection, or if weather conditions create tactical racing, there remains a small possibility for pure sprinters to survive and contest the finish.
What time does Stage 11 start and finish?
Stage 11 starts at 13:45 CEST (Central European Summer Time) from Toulouse city center on Thursday, July 17, 2025. The expected finish time is approximately 17:30 CEST, giving a total stage duration of around 3 hours and 45 minutes for the 156.8km distance. Key viewing times include 16:55 CEST when riders tackle the crucial Pech David climb, and 17:25-17:30 CEST for the reduced bunch sprint on Boulevard de Lascrosses.
How should fantasy cycling players approach Stage 11?
Fantasy cycling players should prioritize punchy sprinters and all-rounders over pure sprint specialists for Stage 11. Captain picks should focus on Wout van Aert due to his climbing-sprint combination. Julian Alaphilippe offers excellent value as a motivated rider on a stage that suits his strengths perfectly. Avoid heavy pure sprinters like Merlier or Ewan who are likely to be dropped on Pech David. Consider differential picks like Tom Pidcock who could feature in a late breakaway attack.
References
- Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO). (2025). "Tour de France 2025 Stage 11 Technical Guide." Tour de France Official. Retrieved from https://www.letour.fr
- Jeukendrup, A., & Martin, J. (2023). "Nutritional Considerations for Endurance Athletes During Competition." Sports Medicine, 53(8), 1571-1585.
- Lucia, A., Hoyos, J., & Chicharro, J. L. (2022). "Physiology of Professional Road Cycling." Sports Medicine, 52(5), 509-524.
- Padilla, S., Mujika, I., Cuesta, G., & Goiriena, J. J. (2023). "Level Ground and Uphill Cycling Ability in Professional Road Cycling." Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 31(6), 878-885.
- Martin, J. C., Milliken, D. L., Cobb, J. E., McFadden, K. L., & Coggan, A. R. (2024). "Validation of a Mathematical Model for Road Cycling Power." Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 14(3), 276-291.
- Faria, E. W., Parker, D. L., & Faria, I. E. (2023). "The Science of Cycling: Physiology and Training." Sports Medicine, 35(4), 313-337.
- Sanders, D., & Heijboer, M. (2024). "The Anaerobic Power Reserve and Its Applicability in Professional Road Cycling." Journal of Science and Cycling, 8(2), 23-29.
- International Cycling Union (UCI). (2025). "Power Output and Performance in Road Cycling." UCI Technical Studies.
Related Pages
Tour de France 2025 Guide
Complete stage-by-stage analysis, rider profiles, team tactics, and predictions for all 21 stages of the 2025 Tour de France.
Learn More →Sprint Power Testing
Assess your explosive power output with validated sprint testing protocols used by professional cycling teams.
Learn More →Vertical Jump Test
Measure power-to-weight ratio through vertical jump assessment, correlating with climbing and sprint performance.
Learn More →Tour de France Winners
Historical list of Tour de France champions from 1903 to present, including stage wins and classification records.
Learn More →Sprint Nutrition Guide
Optimize your fueling strategy for explosive efforts with evidence-based sprint nutrition protocols.
Learn More →Sprint Training Methods
Build explosive power and sprint speed with proven training protocols from professional cycling programs.
Learn More →
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
