Tour de France Stage 13 - Loudenvielle to Peyragudes Mountain Time Trial
MOUNTAIN TIME TRIAL
10.9km uphill battle - 8km at 7.8% to Altiport 007!
Stage 13 At A Glance
Difficulty: 4/5 stars | Distance: 10.9km Mountain TT | GC Impact: Major
Key Challenge: 8km climb at 7.8% average | Final Kilometer: Brutal 13-16% on airport runway
First Start: 13:10 CEST | Elevation Gain: ~650m | Finish: 1,600m altitude
Stage 13 Quick Facts
Date: Friday, July 18, 2025 | Distance: 10.9 km | Type: Mountain Individual Time Trial | Start Time: 13:10 CEST
Stage 13 is a 10.9km mountain time trial from Loudenvielle to Peyragudes. After 2-3km of flat roads along Lac de Génos-Loudenvielle, riders face 8km of climbing at 7.8% before a brutal final kilometer on the Altiport 007 runway at 13-16% gradient - made famous in the James Bond film "Tomorrow Never Dies".
Stage 13 Mountain TT Profile
Source: Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)
Mountain Time Trial Characteristics
Elevation Gain: ~650m
Climbing: 8km at 7.8%
Finish Altitude: 1,600m
Time Trial Segments
- km 0-3: Flat start along Lac de Génos-Loudenvielle
- km 3-4: Climbing begins in Armenteule village
- km 4: Time check 1 at Escadaoux hairpin (985m)
- km 7.6: Time check 2 at Loudervielle (1,158m)
- km 10: La Sapinière at 1,378m
- km 10-10.9: Altiport runway - brutal 13-16% finale
Stage 13 Power Requirements
Flat Section (0-3km): 350-400W steady state
Main Climb (3-10km): 6.0-6.8 W/kg sustained
Altiport Finale (10-10.9km): 7.5-8.5 W/kg maximum effort
Total Time: 22-25 minutes for GC contenders
Test your climbing TT power with our FTP test and VO2max assessment.
Why This TT Matters
GC Impact: 1-2 minute gaps possible between favorites
Climbing vs TT: Pure climbers advantaged over TT specialists
No Recovery: Stage 14 mountain stage follows immediately
Altitude Factor: Finish at 1,600m adds physiological stress
Stage 13 Route Map
Source: Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)
Route Highlights
- Start: Loudenvielle - Louron Valley (960m elevation)
- Lakeside Section: 2-3km along Lac de Génos-Loudenvielle
- Climbing Start: Armenteule village turn onto D25
- Key Landmarks: Estarvielle, Escadaoux, Loudervielle
- Technical Section: Multiple hairpins between km 6-9
- Finish: Altiport 007 Peyragudes (1,600m elevation)
Mountain TT Route Analysis
- Road Surface: Excellent tarmac throughout
- Technical Demands: 15+ hairpin turns on climb
- Wind Exposure: Sheltered until final kilometer
- Spectator Points: Escadaoux and Altiport finish
- Equipment Choice: Road bikes, no TT bikes
- Gearing: 34x32 minimum recommended
Peyragudes - The Altiport Finish
James Bond Connection: Featured in "Tomorrow Never Dies" (1997)
Altitude: 1,600m - thin air affects performance
Previous Finishes: 2017, 2022 road stages
2022 Battle: Pogačar beat Vingegaard on these slopes
Unique Feature: Finish on actual airport runway
Peyragudes Climb Analysis
Climb Statistics
Category: 1 (in TT context) | Length: 8km | Average Gradient: 7.8%
Maximum Gradient: 16% (final 500m) | Elevation Gain: 624m | Start/Finish: 976m → 1,600m
Kilometer by Kilometer
The Climb in Detail
- km 0-3: Flat warm-up along lake (0-1% grade)
- km 3-4: Climbing begins, 6-7% through Armenteule
- km 4-5: First time check at Escadaoux, 7.5% average
- km 5-7: Consistent 7-8% through forest sections
- km 7-8: Loudervielle time check, gradient eases to 6%
- km 8-10: Steepens again, 8-9% average
- km 10-10.9: Altiport runway - 13-16% brutality
Time Trial Climbing Comparison
| Rider Type | Flat Section | Main Climb | Altiport | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Climber | 3:30 | 17:00 | 2:00 | 22:30 |
| GC All-Rounder | 3:15 | 17:30 | 2:15 | 23:00 |
| TT Specialist | 3:00 | 18:30 | 2:30 | 24:00 |
| Domestique | 3:45 | 19:00 | 2:45 | 25:30 |
Power Analysis for Peyragudes
Pogačar Profile
Flat: 380W (5.8 W/kg)
Climb: 440W (6.7 W/kg)
Altiport: 520W (7.9 W/kg)
Vingegaard Profile
Flat: 360W (6.0 W/kg)
Climb: 415W (6.9 W/kg)
Altiport: 480W (8.0 W/kg)
Evenepoel Profile
Flat: 400W (6.1 W/kg)
Climb: 430W (6.6 W/kg)
Altiport: 500W (7.7 W/kg)
Historical Context
- 2022 Road Stage: Pogačar attacked Vingegaard successfully
- 2017 Finish: Romain Bardet won from breakaway
- TT Precedent: First mountain TT to Peyragudes in Tour history
- Expected Times: 22-25 minutes for top contenders
Stage 13 Start Schedule
| Time (CEST) | Event | Riders |
|---|---|---|
| 11:00 | Course Opens | Team reconnaissance |
| 12:00 | Rider Warm-up | On trainers at start |
| 13:10 | FIRST RIDER START | Lanterne Rouge |
| 13:10-15:00 | Early Starters | Non-GC riders (2min intervals) |
| 15:00-16:00 | Middle Order | Top 50-20 GC |
| 16:00-16:50 | GC Contenders | Top 20 GC (3min intervals) |
| 16:53 | 3rd Overall | Bronze position |
| 16:56 | 2nd Overall | Second on GC |
| 16:59 | YELLOW JERSEY | Race Leader |
| 17:31 | LAST FINISHER | Stage Complete |
How to Watch Stage 13
- TV Coverage: Live from 15:00 CEST
- Key Viewing: 16:00-17:30 CEST for GC riders
- Split Times: Escadaoux (km 4) and Loudervielle (km 7.6)
- Helicopter Shots: Spectacular Pyrenean vistas
- Analysis Focus: Time gaps at both checkpoints
Mountain TT Timeline
- 13:10: First rider tackles flat section
- 13:14: First rider hits the climb
- 13:20: Multiple riders on course
- 16:00: GC battle begins
- 16:30: Early GC times posted
- 17:03: Yellow jersey starts climb
- 17:20: Yellow jersey on Altiport
- 17:22: Final time posted
Expected Winning Time
Predicted Winner: 22:30-23:00
Top 5 Spread: Within 90 seconds
Time Cuts: 35 minutes (generous for climbers)
Stage 13 Mountain TT Tactics
Unique TT Challenge
Equipment Choice: Road bikes only - no TT bikes allowed/practical
- Position: Standard road position, minimal aero benefit
- Gearing: Compact crankset (34x32) essential
- Wheels: Lightweight climbing wheels over aero
- Clothing: Standard road kit, no skinsuits needed
Pacing Strategies
Climber Strategy
Flat: Conservative
Climb: Steady build
Altiport: All-out
TT Specialist
Flat: Push hard
Climb: Damage control
Altiport: Survival
All-Rounder
Flat: Moderate
Climb: Threshold
Altiport: Empty tank
GC Contender Analysis
Stage 13 Victory Predictions
- Tadej Pogačar: 40% - climbing power + TT skills + 2022 precedent
- Jonas Vingegaard: 35% - lightest rider, pure climbing advantage
- Remco Evenepoel: 20% - TT world champion but heavier on climbs
- Other GC: 5% - unlikely but possible if top 3 have bad day
Time Gap Predictions
Expected Gaps at Finish
- 1st to 2nd: 15-30 seconds
- 1st to 3rd: 30-60 seconds
- Top 3 to 4th: 90+ seconds
- GC Impact: Could decide final podium
Split Time Analysis
- Escadaoux (km 4): 10-20 second gaps
- Loudervielle (km 7.6): 20-40 second gaps
- Altiport Finish: Gaps can double on final ramp
Weather Factors
- Temperature: 25°C valley, 18°C summit
- Wind: Usually calm, sheltered climb
- Rain Risk: 20% - would favor climbers
- Altitude: 1,600m finish affects breathing
Fantasy Cycling Strategy
- Captain Pick: Tadej Pogačar - best climbing TT combo
- Value Pick: Jai Hindley - strong mountain TT rider
- Differential: Carlos Rodriguez - climbing specialist
- Avoid: Pure TT specialists and sprinters
- GC Points: Major shuffling expected in top 10
Budget Strategy: Target pure climbers over TT specialists
Stage 13 Preview: The Truth in the Mountains
After two days of pure climbing warfare, the 2025 Tour de France presents its most unique challenge: a 10.9km mountain time trial to Peyragudes. This isn't just any time trial - it's a pure climbing test against the clock that will reveal the true hierarchy among the GC contenders.
The Mountain of Truth
Time trials are often called the "race of truth" because riders can't hide in the peloton or rely on teammates. A mountain time trial amplifies this truth-telling to the extreme. There's no aerodynamic equipment to mask weaknesses, no slipstreaming, no tactical games - just raw climbing power against gravity and the clock.
The Peyragudes ascent has already witnessed epic battles in regular road stages. In 2022, Tadej Pogačar attacked Jonas Vingegaard on these very slopes, gaining crucial seconds. Now they'll battle the same gradient separated by time rather than proximity, making for fascinating virtual combat.
The Altiport Factor
The finish on the Altiport 007 runway adds Hollywood drama - literally. This landing strip featured in the 1997 James Bond film "Tomorrow Never Dies," and riders will feel like they're in an action movie as they tackle the 13-16% gradients in the final kilometer. It's a finish that rewards pure climbing ability over time trial position.
Mountain Time Trial History
| Year | Tour Mountain TT | Distance | Winner | Time | Gap to 2nd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | La Planche des Belles | 36.2km | Tadej Pogačar | 55:55 | 1:21 |
| 2004 | Alpe d'Huez | 15.5km | Lance Armstrong | 39:41 | 1:01 |
| 2004 | Plateau de Beille | 15.5km | Ivan Basso | 43:50 | 0:10 |
| 1989 | Orcières-Merlette | 39km | Greg LeMond | 1:04:54 | 0:12 |
Recent TT Form Guide
2024 TT Performances
- Pogačar: Won Giro TT by 17 seconds, 2nd at Tour TT
- Vingegaard: 3rd at Dauphiné TT, strong climbing TT at Tirreno
- Evenepoel: World TT Champion, won every flat TT entered
- Mountain vs Flat: Different dynamics favor pure climbers
Weather & Environmental Considerations
Mid-July in the Pyrenees presents unique challenges for a mountain time trial:
Temperature Gradient
- Valley Start (Loudenvielle): 24-28°C expected
- Summit Finish (Peyragudes): 16-20°C typical
- Temperature Drop: 8-10°C over 30 minutes
- Impact: Cooling helps performance but affects muscle function
Wind Factors
- Valley Section: Usually calm, sheltered by mountains
- Mid-Climb: Protected by forest, minimal wind impact
- Summit Exposure: Final 500m can have crosswinds
- Advantage: Lighter riders less affected by headwind
Altitude Performance
- Start Altitude: 960m - minimal effect
- Finish Altitude: 1,600m - noticeable impact
- Power Loss: 3-5% reduction at summit
- Breathing: Increased ventilation rate required
- Preparation: Altitude camp attendees have advantage
Weather Scenarios
Ideal Conditions
Dry, 20°C, no wind
Favors: All riders equally
Times: 22-23 minutes
Hot & Humid
30°C valley, humid
Favors: Heat-adapted
Times: 23-24 minutes
Rain Threat
Wet roads, 15°C
Favors: Cautious riders
Times: 24-25 minutes
Training for Mountain Time Trials
Specific Preparation
Mountain time trials require unique training compared to flat TTs or regular climbing:
Key Workouts
- Threshold Climbs: 2x20min at 95% FTP on 6-8% grades
- Over-Unders: 5x5min alternating 105%/95% FTP
- Progressive TTs: Start at 90% FTP, build to 105% final 20%
- Altitude Simulation: Restricted breathing exercises
- Mental Practice: Solo efforts without power meter reference
Position Optimization
- Road Position: Standard climbing position, hands on hoods
- Breathing: Upright torso for maximum oxygen intake
- Cadence: 75-85 rpm optimal for steep gradients
- Equipment: No aero benefit, focus on weight and comfort
Pacing Strategy Development
- Negative Split: Conservative start, build through effort
- Power Targets: Set zones for flat, climb, and finale
- Mental Cues: Landmarks for effort increases
- Recovery: Plan for Stage 14 immediately after
Stage 13 Verdict
The mountain time trial to Peyragudes represents a pivotal moment in the 2025 Tour de France. Coming between two brutal mountain stages, it offers no hiding place for the GC contenders. The unique demands - sustained climbing followed by an explosive finale on the Altiport runway - will create time gaps that could prove decisive in Paris.
Watch for Pogačar to stamp his authority with his combination of climbing prowess and time trial power. Vingegaard must limit losses while hoping his pure climbing ability shines through. Evenepoel faces his biggest challenge - can his world-class TT skills overcome the weight penalty on such a steep ascent?
Stage 13 Key Numbers
- 10.9km total distance
- 8km of climbing at 7.8%
- 13-16% final kilometer gradient
- 1,600m summit altitude
- 22-25 minutes expected winning time
- 1-2 minutes potential gaps between GC leaders
- 6.0-6.8 W/kg sustained climbing power required
The rider who conquers Peyragudes won't secure the yellow jersey on Friday, but those who struggle could see their Tour dreams evaporate on the unforgiving slopes of this Pyrenean time trial.
Mountain Time Trial Physiology
Stage 13 Unique Demands
- Total Power: 350-450W for 22-25 minutes
- Climbing Watts: 6.0-7.0 W/kg sustained on 8km climb
- Altiport Burst: 7.5-8.5 W/kg for final 2 minutes
- VO2max Utilization: 85-95% for entire effort
- Lactate Accumulation: Progressive build, peak at finish
- Altitude Effect: 3-5% power loss at 1,600m
Equipment vs Performance Trade-offs
- Bike Weight: Every kg costs 2-3 seconds on climb
- Aero Position: Minimal benefit, comfort crucial
- Gearing Choice: 34x32 allows optimal cadence
- Tire Pressure: Lower for grip on steep sections
- Hydration: Single bottle only, pre-hydrate
Test your mountain TT potential with our FTP test and lactate threshold assessment.
Stage 13 TT Nutrition Strategy
Pre-TT Fueling Protocol
- 3-4 Hours Before: High-carb meal (2g/kg body weight)
- 2 Hours Before: Light snack (banana + energy bar)
- 1 Hour Before: 500ml isotonic drink
- 30 Minutes Before: Caffeine shot (3-6mg/kg)
- 10 Minutes Before: Final 200ml water
During TT Strategy
- Hydration: None - too short, pre-hydrate instead
- Carbs: Not needed for 22-25 minute effort
- Cooling: Ice vest during warm-up
- Recovery: Immediately post-finish for Stage 14
Learn more about time trial nutrition and altitude fueling strategies.
Time Trial Stages Comparison
Compare Stage 13 to other TT challenges:
- Stage 5: Caen - 33km flat time trial
- Stage 13: Peyragudes - 10.9km mountain time trial
Unique Factor: Stage 13 is the only uphill TT, completely different challenge from flat TTs!
Mountain TT History
- Famous Examples: Alpe d'Huez 2004, Planche des Belles 2004
- Typical Gaps: Larger than flat TTs due to climbing
- Equipment: Road bikes universally used
- Strategy: Pacing crucial with steep finale
Related Pages
- Tour de France 2025 Complete Guide - All stages and analysis
- Tour de France Winners List - Historical champions
- FTP Test - Time trial power assessment
- VO2max Test - Climbing capacity measure
- Time Trial Nutrition - Fueling for TTs
- Time Trial Training - Build TT power
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.