Tour de France Stage 14 - Pau to Luchon-Superbagnères
THE QUEEN STAGE - 1986 REDUX
182.6km with Tourmalet, Aspin, Peyresourde & Superbagnères! Nearly 5,000m of climbing!
Stage 14 At A Glance
Difficulty: 5/5 stars | Distance: 182.6km through Pyrenees | GC Impact: CRITICAL
Key Moment: Four major climbs with summit finish | Expected Winner: GC contender or strong climber
Start Time: 12:15 CEST | Elevation: ~5,000m brutal | Summit Finish: 1,804m altitude
Stage 14 Quick Facts
Date: Saturday, July 19, 2025 | Distance: 182.6 km | Type: Mountain Stage (Queen Stage) | Start: 12:15 CEST
Stage 14 is the Queen Stage of the 2025 Tour, replicating the exact 1986 route where Greg LeMond attacked Bernard Hinault. Starting in Pau and finishing at Luchon-Superbagnères, riders face the mighty Col du Tourmalet (19km at 7.4%), Col d'Aspin (5km at 7.6%), Col de Peyresourde (7.1km at 7.8%), and the brutal Superbagnères summit finish (12.4km at 7.5%).
Stage 14 Elevation Profile
Source: Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)
Climbing Statistics
Categorized Climbs: 4 (2x HC, 1x Cat 1, 1x Cat 2)
Summit Finish: 1,804m altitude
Average Gradient: 7.6%
Power Requirements for GC Contenders
- Tourmalet Power: 5.8-6.2 W/kg for 48-52 minutes
- Aspin Power: 6.0-6.4 W/kg for 15-17 minutes
- Peyresourde Power: 5.9-6.3 W/kg for 18-20 minutes
- Superbagnères Power: 6.2-6.6 W/kg for 32-35 minutes
- Total Work: 5,500-6,000 kJ expected for GC riders
Stage 14 Elevation Analysis
Opening 70km: Relatively flat approach to Luz-Saint-Sauveur
Col du Tourmalet (km 71-90): 19km at 7.4% - The day's first HC test
Valley Section (km 90-120): Technical descent and brief recovery
Triple Threat (km 125-170): Aspin, Peyresourde, then Superbagnères
Key Factor: Minimal recovery between four major climbs
Test your climbing fitness with our VO2 max assessment and power-to-weight calculator.
The Queen Stage Challenge
Total Ascent Time: 113-125 minutes of climbing
Recovery Windows: Only 3 significant descents
Altitude Factor: Four climbs above 1,400m
GC Impact: 2-3 minute gaps possible
Stage 14 Route Map
Source: Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)
Route Highlights
- Start: Pau at 12:15 CEST - Historic gateway to the Pyrenees
- Through Lourdes: Pilgrimage site adds atmosphere at km 30
- Luz-Saint-Sauveur: Base of the Tourmalet climb at km 71
- Sainte-Marie-de-Campan: Tourmalet descent at km 90
- Arreau Valley: Brief respite between climbs at km 133
- Bagnères-de-Luchon: Spa town before final ascent
- Finish: Superbagnères ski station at 1,804m
Pyrenean Mountain Terrain
- Road Character: Classic Pyrenean climbs with steady gradients
- Technical Descents: Tourmalet and Peyresourde require skill
- Scenic Highlights: Souvenir Jacques Goddet at Tourmalet summit
- Infrastructure: Superbagnères modernized with new road surface
- Weather Risks: Afternoon storms possible above 1,500m
- Feed Zone: Located after Tourmalet descent (km 95)
Strategic Points
Team Car Access: Limited on all major climbs
Crosswind Zones: Exposed sections on valley roads
Water Sources: Critical resupply at Arreau (km 133)
Mechanical Risk: Technical descents increase puncture risk
Communication: Radio blackspots in mountain sections
Stage 14 Key Climbs Analysis
Col du Tourmalet (2,115m) - HC
Length: 19 km | Average Gradient: 7.4% | Maximum: 10.2%
Climbing Time: 48-52 minutes for GC riders | 89th Tour appearance
Character: Most visited climb in Tour history, steady gradient throughout
Souvenir Jacques Goddet: Prize at summit for first rider
Key Sections: Steady 8-9% for first 10km, eases slightly mid-climb
Col d'Aspin (1,489m) - Category 2
Length: 5 km | Average Gradient: 7.6% | Maximum: 9.5%
Position: 52km from finish | Climbing Time: 15-17 minutes
Character: Short but steep, no recovery sections
Tactical Note: Often site of attacks before Peyresourde
Col de Peyresourde (1,569m) - Category 1
Length: 7.1 km | Average Gradient: 7.8% | Maximum: 11%
Position: 35km from finish | Climbing Time: 18-20 minutes
Character: Irregular gradient creates attack opportunities
1986 Memory: Where LeMond dropped Hinault decisively
Luchon-Superbagnères (1,804m) - HC Summit Finish
Length: 12.4 km | Average Gradient: 7.5% | Maximum: 11%
Climbing Time: 32-35 minutes | Last Visit: 1989 (Robert Millar)
Brutal Sections: km 3-5 at 9-10%, km 9-11 at 8-9%
Final 2km: Eases to 5-6% but at altitude
Modern Updates: New road surface, improved barriers, gondola link
Cumulative Climbing Impact
Total Vertical
43.9km of climbing
Average 7.6% gradient
Time at Threshold
113-125 minutes
Minimal recovery
Energy Demand
5,500-6,000 kJ
2,000+ calories
Altitude Impact
Four climbs above 1,400m
Reduced oxygen
Climbing Strategy Analysis
Power Distribution
- Tourmalet: 85-90% FTP to stay with main group
- Aspin: 90-95% FTP due to shorter duration
- Peyresourde: 88-93% FTP with possible attacks
- Superbagnères: 90-100% FTP for final selection
- Recovery Sections: Maximize descents for nutrition
The LeMond-Hinault Epic of 1986
The Stage That Changed Everything
On July 16, 1986, this exact route witnessed one of cycling's greatest betrayals and comebacks. Bernard Hinault, wearing yellow with a 4:37 lead over teammate Greg LeMond, attacked early despite promising to help LeMond win. What followed was pure drama.
The Race Timeline:
- Col du Tourmalet: Hinault attacks with 110km to go
- Team Confusion: La Vie Claire unsure who to support
- The Chase: LeMond bridges to Hinault on Aspin
- The Attack: LeMond drops Hinault on Peyresourde
- The Victory: LeMond wins by 4:39, takes 4:55 from Hinault
| Year | Winner | Key Battle | Time Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Greg LeMond (USA) | vs Bernard Hinault | +4:39 |
| 1989 | Robert Millar (GBR) | vs Pedro Delgado | +0:31 |
| 1961 | Imerio Massignan (ITA) | vs Jacques Anquetil | +1:46 |
Why 2025 Could Echo 1986
- Team Dynamics: UAE's dual leadership mirrors La Vie Claire
- Route Timing: Stage 14 again, deep in the race
- GC Stakes: Yellow jersey likely within 2 minutes
- Fatigue Factor: Third consecutive mountain stage
- Weather Wild Card: Afternoon storms possible like 1986
LeMond's Winning Numbers (1986)
- Average Power: Estimated 380W (6.1 W/kg)
- Superbagnères Climb: 33:47 (21.5 km/h)
- Total Time: 5h 16m 51s
- Average Speed: 34.6 km/h
Modern Parallels
Pogačar as Hinault: Established champion with nothing to prove
Vingegaard as LeMond: Younger rival seeking to dethrone the king
Team Dynamics: UAE and Jumbo-Visma's internal rivalries
The Stakes: Tour victory likely decided on these slopes
Stage 14 GC Battle & Tactics
The Queen Stage Showdown
GC Impact: CRITICAL - Race-defining day
- Breakaway Probability: 30% - GC battle will dominate
- Attack Points: Tourmalet, Peyresourde, Superbagnères
- Time Gaps Possible: 2-3 minutes between GC leaders
- Yellow Jersey Risk: Very high chance of changing hands
Team-by-Team Strategy
UAE Team Emirates
Pogačar: Attack on Peyresourde
Support: Majka/Soler on Tourmalet
Target: 1-2 minute gains
Jumbo-Visma
Vingegaard: Counter on Superbagnères
Tactic: Van Aert early, Kuss late
Focus: Match all moves
Soudal Quick-Step
Evenepoel: All-in on gradients
Risk: Early attack possible
Goal: Stage win + time
INEOS Grenadiers
Rodríguez: Follow wheels
Support: Thomas as backup
Strategy: Opportunistic
Critical Attack Points
| Location | Distance to Finish | Attack Probability | Potential Gains |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourmalet Summit | 92km | Low (20%) | 15-30 seconds |
| Col d'Aspin | 52km | Medium (40%) | 20-40 seconds |
| Col de Peyresourde | 35km | High (70%) | 30-60 seconds |
| Superbagnères (5km to go) | 5km | Very High (90%) | 45-90 seconds |
Victory Predictions
Stage 14 Winner Analysis
- Tadej Pogačar: 35% - attacking style suits Queen Stage
- Jonas Vingegaard: 30% - stronger in long climbs
- Remco Evenepoel: 15% - explosive on steep gradients
- Carlos Rodríguez: 10% - dark horse potential
- Other GC: 10% - Ayuso, Thomas, or breakaway
Time Gap Scenarios
- Conservative Racing: 30-60 seconds between top 5
- One Major Attack: 1:30-2:00 to dropped rivals
- All-Out War: 2:30-3:30 possible in extreme scenario
- Weather Impact: Rain could add 30-60 seconds
- 1986 Repeat: 4+ minutes if dramatic attack succeeds
Stage 14 Time Schedule
| Time (CEST) | Event/Location | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 10:15 | Team Buses Arrive | Pau |
| 11:15 | Rider Sign-in | Start Village |
| 12:15 | STAGE START | Pau (0km) |
| 14:00 | Tourmalet Base | Luz-Saint-Sauveur (71km) |
| 14:52 | Tourmalet Summit | Km 90 (HC) |
| 16:05 | Col d'Aspin Summit | Km 130 (Cat 2) |
| 16:38 | Col de Peyresourde Summit | Km 147 (Cat 1) |
| 17:10 | Superbagnères Base | Bagnères-de-Luchon (170km) |
| 17:48 | SUMMIT FINISH | Superbagnères (182.6km) |
How to Watch Stage 14
- TV Coverage: Live from 13:30 CEST for complete Queen Stage
- Key Viewing: 14:00-17:48 CEST for all major climbs
- Summit Finish: 17:10-17:48 CEST for Superbagnères ascent
- Historic Route: Commentary will reference 1986 battle
- Helicopter Shots: Spectacular Pyrenean panoramas
Weather & Environmental Impact
| Location | Altitude | Expected Temp | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pau (Start) | 200m | 24-28°C | Partly cloudy, light winds |
| Tourmalet Summit | 2,115m | 12-16°C | Possible clouds, 15-20km/h wind |
| Valley Sections | 500-800m | 22-26°C | Humid, crosswind potential |
| Superbagnères | 1,804m | 14-18°C | 30% chance afternoon storms |
Altitude Considerations
- Power output decreases 6-7% at summit altitudes
- Recovery between efforts significantly impaired
- Dehydration risk increases above 1,500m
- Temperature variations require clothing strategy
- Oxygen availability reduced by 10-12% at finish
Queen Stage Sports Science Analysis
Stage 14 Physiological Demands
- Total Work: 5,500-6,000 kJ expected for GC riders
- Average Power: 290-320W over 5+ hours
- Climbing Power: 380-420W (6.0-6.8 W/kg) sustained
- Peak Power: 450-500W (7.2-8.0 W/kg) for attacks
- Heart Rate: 85-95% max for 2+ hours cumulative
- VO2max Time: 15-25 minutes cumulative above 90%
Energy Systems
- Aerobic Contribution: 94-96% of total energy
- Lactate Threshold: 75-85% of climb time at or above
- Neuromuscular Fatigue: Critical after Peyresourde
- Glycogen Depletion: Risk after 3 hours of racing
- Fat Oxidation: Important for valley sections
Test your readiness with our lactate threshold test and critical power assessment.
Queen Stage Nutrition Strategy
Stage 14 Fueling Protocol
- Carbohydrate Needs: 90-120g per hour
- Total Calories: 2,000-2,500 during stage
- Fluid Requirements: 750-1000ml per hour
- Sodium Replacement: 700-1000mg per hour
- Caffeine Strategy: 3-4mg/kg starting at Aspin
Timing Strategy
| Stage Section | Nutrition Focus | Hydration |
|---|---|---|
| First 70km | Solid foods, 100g CHO/hr | Standard bottles |
| Tourmalet | Gels + drink mix, 90g/hr | Electrolyte focus |
| Valley Section | Reload with rice cakes | Maximum intake |
| Final Climbs | Gels + caffeine, 80g/hr | Concentrated mix |
Learn more about endurance nutrition strategies and mountain stage fueling.
Training for the Queen Stage
Specific Preparation (4-6 weeks out)
- Long Climbing Days: 5-6 hour rides with 4,000m+ elevation
- Repeated Threshold: 4x20min at 90-95% FTP
- VO2max Blocks: 5x5min at 106-112% FTP
- Altitude Camps: 2-3 weeks at 2,000m+
- Heat Adaptation: Training in 25-30°C conditions
Queen Stage Simulation Workout
- Warm-up: 60min endurance
- Climb 1: 50min at 85-90% FTP (Tourmalet simulation)
- Recovery: 20min easy
- Climb 2: 20min at 90-95% FTP (Aspin/Peyresourde)
- Recovery: 15min easy
- Climb 3: 35min at 88-93% FTP with 2x2min surges
- Cool-down: 30min easy
Build your climbing power with our climbing training guide.
Stage 14 Verdict: The Race Breaker
Why This Stage Matters
Stage 14 represents the absolute pinnacle of Tour de France mountain stages. The combination of distance, elevation gain, and the relentless nature of four major climbs creates a perfect storm for GC drama. Unlike stages with long valleys between climbs, this route offers no significant recovery, demanding riders maintain threshold power for over two hours.
The psychological impact of racing the exact 1986 route adds another dimension. Every rider knows the history, and the strongest will seek to write their own chapter in this legendary stage. With Superbagnères returning after 36 years, we're guaranteed to witness something special.
Key Numbers to Remember
- 182.6km - Total distance of suffering
- 4,970m - Total elevation gain
- 43.9km - Combined climbing distance
- 2:00-3:00 - Potential time gaps
- 89th - Tourmalet appearance in Tour history
- 36 years - Since last Superbagnères finish
The Bottom Line
Stage 14 is where the 2025 Tour de France will likely be won or lost. The rider who conquers this Queen Stage - managing efforts across four climbs while having the power to attack on Superbagnères - will stamp their authority on the race. Expect fireworks, expect drama, and expect to witness one of the great days in modern Tour history.
Similar Mountain Stages
If you enjoyed this Queen Stage analysis, explore these other mountain challenges:
- Stage 10: Ennezat to Puy de Sancy - First mountain test
- Stage 12: Auch to Hautacam - HC summit finish
- Stage 13: Loudenvielle to Peyragudes - Mountain time trial
- Stage 16: Montpellier to Mont Ventoux - Giant of Provence
- Stage 18: Vif to Col de la Loze - Highest road in Tour
Mountain Challenge: The 2025 Tour features 6 mountain stages with 5 summit finishes!
Historic Pyrenean Battles
- 1986 LeMond vs Hinault: The stage that inspired 2025's route
- 2003 Armstrong Attack: Luz Ardiden stage win
- 2010 Schleck vs Contador: Chain-drop controversy on Port de Balès
- 2022 Vingegaard Dominance: Yellow jersey sealed in Pyrenees
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
- Power-to-Weight Calculator - Key climbing metric
- Endurance Nutrition - Fueling for mountains
- Climbing Training - Build your climbing power
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
