Stage 19 Quick Facts

Date: Friday, July 25, 2025 | Distance: 93.1 km | Type: Mountain Stage | Start: 14:30 CEST

Stage 19 of the 2025 Tour de France, held on Friday, July 25, was the final mountain stage and a critical day for the General Classification (GC) battle. Originally scheduled for 129.9 km, the route was shortened to 93.1 km due to a health emergency involving cattle along the Col des Saisies, forcing the removal of the first two planned climbs. Despite the reduction in distance, the stage remained a brutal test with a highly concentrated climbing profile.
The revised route, starting from Albertville, featured three categorized climbs before the summit finish at La Plagne:
  • Col du Pré (HC): 12.6 km at 7.7%
  • Cormet de Roselend (Category 2): 5.9 km at 6.3%
  • La Plagne (HC summit finish): 19.1 km at 7.2% to the summit at 2,052m
The stage was characterized by its intensity from start to finish, with the shortened distance encouraging aggressive racing. The final climb to La Plagne proved decisive, creating time gaps among the GC contenders and setting the stage for the remaining days of the Tour. The winner of Stage 19 was Thymen Arensman.

Stage 19 Elevation Profile - The Final Mountain Test

Tour de France 2025 Stage 19 elevation profile showing 129.9km final mountain stage with five climbs to La Plagne

Source: Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)

Power Requirements - Compact but Brutal

  • Côte d'Héry-sur-Ugine: 5.5-6.0 W/kg for 20-25 minutes
  • Col des Saisies: 6.0-6.5 W/kg for 25-30 minutes
  • Col du Pré: Short punch at 6.5+ W/kg
  • Cormet de Roselend: 6.5-7.0 W/kg sustained
  • La Plagne: 6.8-7.2 W/kg for 35-40 minutes
  • Total Climbing Time: 2hr 30min - 2hr 45min

Test your climbing readiness with our climbing time predictor.

Why This Stage Matters

Last Chance: Final opportunity for GC changes

Climbing Density: 35.6m per kilometer is extreme

No Recovery: Five climbs in quick succession

Short Distance: Allows for aggressive racing

Historic Venue: La Plagne has seen epic battles

Fatigue Factor: After 18 hard stages

Stage 19 Route Map - Alpine Finale

Tour de France 2025 Stage 19 route map showing five climbs from Albertville to La Plagne

Source: Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)

Route Highlights

  • Start: Albertville at 13:30 CEST - 1992 Winter Olympics host
  • Immediate Climbing: Attack from kilometer zero
  • Beaufort Valley: Famous cheese region, brief respite
  • Roselend Dam: Spectacular Alpine scenery
  • Bourg-Saint-Maurice: Final valley before La Plagne
  • 21 Hairpins: La Plagne's signature switchbacks
  • Finish: Plagne Villages at 2,112m

Terrain Characteristics

  • Road Surface: Excellent throughout, wide on La Plagne
  • Technical Sections: Roselend descent requires attention
  • Wind Exposure: La Plagne summit can be windy
  • Crowd Density: Massive on La Plagne's 21 hairpins
  • Feed Zone: Limited opportunities due to constant climbing
  • Team Car Access: Good throughout stage

Savoie Setting

Alpine Character: Heart of French ski country

Ski Resorts: La Plagne part of Paradiski domain

Local Products: Beaufort cheese, Savoie wines

Mountain Ranges: Tarentaise and Beaufortain

Olympic Legacy: 1992 Albertville Winter Games

Five Climbs Breakdown

Côte d'Héry-sur-Ugine - Category 2 (Climb 1)

Cat 2

Length: 11.3 km | Average Gradient: 5.1% | Elevation Gain: 576m

Summit: km 21.3 | Max Gradient: 8% | Character: Early test

Strategic Role: Warm-up climb, breakaway formation

Note: Starts just 10km from Albertville - immediate selection

Col des Saisies - Category 1 (Climb 2)

Cat 1

Length: 13.7 km | Average Gradient: 6.4% | Elevation Gain: 877m

Summit: 1,650m altitude | Max Gradient: 9% | Position: km 48.7

Character: Steady grind through ski resort

Beaufort Connection: Gateway to famous cheese region

Col du Pré - Category 1 (Climb 3)

Cat 1

Length: ~9 km | Average Gradient: 7.5% | Position: km 82

Character: Punchy climb, steeper than profile suggests

Tactical Importance: Sets up Roselend attack platform

Cormet de Roselend - HC (Climb 4)

HC

Length: ~12 km | Average Gradient: 6.5% | Summit: 1,968m

Position: km 104 | Character: Beautiful but brutal

Roselend Lake: Stunning turquoise reservoir views

GC Impact: Where serious attacks begin

La Plagne - HC (The Decider)

HC

Length: 19.1 km | Average Gradient: 7.2% | Elevation Gain: 1,489m

Summit: 2,112m | Max Gradient: 9% | 21 Hairpins: Numbered like Alpe d'Huez

Final 4km: Where Roche made his 1987 move

Power Required: 6.8-7.2 W/kg for victory

Cumulative Climbing Effect

Climb Distance Gain Time Fatigue
Héry-sur-Ugine 11.3km 576m 20-25min Fresh
Col des Saisies 13.7km 877m 25-30min Warming
Col du Pré ~9km ~600m 20min Building
Roselend ~12km ~800m 25-30min Heavy
La Plagne 19.1km 1,489m 35-40min Extreme

Why Five Climbs Matter

  • No Hiding: Constant climbing prevents recovery
  • Team Depletion: Domestiques dropped early
  • Energy Management: Must pace perfectly
  • Breakaway Chances: Multiple launch points
  • GC Vulnerability: Fatigue reveals weaknesses
  • Final Test: Last chance before Paris

La Plagne - Where Legends Are Made

La Plagne Tour de France History

5 Visits - 1984, 1987, 1995, 2002, 2025

19.1km at 7.2% - Gaining 1,489m to 2,112m altitude

21 Numbered Hairpins - Like Alpe d'Huez

1984 - Fignon's Dominance

Winner: Laurent Fignon | Context: Beat Bernard Hinault

The young Fignon showed his climbing prowess, taking time on Hinault and stamping his authority on the Tour. This was the climb's Tour debut.

1987 - Roche's Legendary Comeback

The Most Dramatic Finish in Tour History

Winner: Laurent Fignon | Hero: Stephen Roche

The Story: Roche started 25 seconds behind Delgado in yellow. Dropped early on La Plagne, he was 90 seconds down with 5km to go. In a superhuman effort, Roche clawed back to finish just 4 seconds behind Delgado.

The Collapse: Roche collapsed immediately after crossing the line and needed oxygen. Phil Liggett's famous commentary: "That looks like Stephen Roche! It's Stephen Roche who's come over the line!"

The Result: Roche took yellow the next day and won in Paris - Ireland's only Tour victory.

1995 - Zülle's Day

Winner: Alex Zülle | GC Winner: Miguel Indurain

The Swiss time trial specialist showed his climbing ability, but Indurain controlled the race for his fifth consecutive Tour victory.

2002 - Boogerd's Victory

Winner: Michael Boogerd | Note: Armstrong era (later vacated)

The Dutchman took a popular stage victory on the second rest day eve. Last Tour visit until 2025.

La Plagne Characteristics

Lower Slopes

0-10km steady
6-7% average
Through villages
Finding rhythm

Middle Section

10-15km harder
7-8% sustained
Above tree line
Crowds thicken

Final 4km

Slightly easier
6-7% rolling
Altitude bites
Attacks fly

The Finish

Plagne Villages
2,112m altitude
Wide road
Huge crowds

Records & Statistics

Record Rider Time Year
Tour Record L. Fignon ~56 min 1984
Recent Best M. Boogerd ~58 min 2002
Strava KOM Various 52-54 min 2020s
2025 Prediction GC Leader 54-56 min 2025

Stage 19 Winner Predictions - Final Mountain Battle

Stage Winner Prediction Model

Based on fatigue levels, climbing ability, and GC situation after Stage 18:

Breakaway 30%
Pogačar 28%
Vingegaard 25%
Evenepoel 7%
Rodriguez 5%
Others 5%

Scenario Analysis

Breakaway Success - 30%
  • Why Higher Than Usual: GC may be decided after Stage 18
  • Ideal Candidates: Gaudu, Pinot, Bardet for French win
  • Other Options: Powless, Kämna, Ciccone
  • Key Factor: Must go early on Roselend
  • Time Needed: 3-4 minutes at base of La Plagne
  • Success Recipe: GC teams marking each other
Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) - 28%
  • Scenario 1: Leading after Stage 18, controls tempo
  • Scenario 2: Behind, attacks on Roselend
  • La Plagne Power: 7.0-7.2 W/kg capability
  • Team Support: May be isolated by now
  • Motivation: Seal Tour victory or desperate comeback
  • Why He Wins: Freshest of GC riders + tactical flexibility
Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) - 25%
  • Endurance Edge: Excels in third week
  • Tactical Position: Nothing to lose if behind
  • Climbing Style: Perfect for La Plagne's gradient
  • Team Tactics: Can use Kuss in break
  • Power Output: 6.8-7.0 W/kg sustainable
  • Why He Wins: Superior recovery + team depth
Dark Horses - 17% Combined
  • Remco Evenepoel (7%): If close to podium, must attack
  • Carlos Rodriguez (5%): Loves final week mountains
  • David Gaudu: French hope for home victory
  • Adam Yates: If helping Pogačar, stage freedom

GC Time Gaps Prediction

If Close After 18

30-60 seconds
Tactical racing
Mark each other
Break succeeds

If 1-2min Gap

Desperate attacks
Roselend fireworks
1-2min swings
GC reshuffling

If 3min+ Gap

Race for podium
Leader controls
Stage hunters free
Emotional finish

Weather Factor

Rain = dangerous
Roselend descent
Favors brave
Changes everything

Stage 19 Impact on Final GC

Pre-Stage Gap Likely Change Post-Stage Gap Paris Outcome
<30 seconds ±30-60 sec Still close TT decides
30s-1min ±1-2 min Clearer leader 90% decided
1-2 minutes ±30 sec Solid lead Tour won
>3 minutes No change Processional Celebration

Power Analysis Predictions

Research by Robert J. Wood, PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Western Australia and founder of Topend Sports, indicates that the following power outputs will be required:

  • Winner's Power: 6.8-7.2 W/kg for 35-40 minutes
  • Podium Pace: 6.5-6.8 W/kg required
  • Break Success: 6.3+ W/kg with 3min advantage
  • Altitude Impact: -8% power at summit
  • Fatigue Factor: -5-10% from fresh

Stage 19 - The Final Mountain Battle

Why Stage 19 Still Matters

  • Last Chance: No more mountains after this
  • Time Trial Looms: Stage 20 could change 1-2 minutes
  • Podium Battles: Often closer than yellow jersey
  • Team Classification: Can swing dramatically
  • Stage Hunters: Final shot at glory
  • Weather Wild Card: Rain changes everything

Race Scenarios by GC Situation

Pogačar Leading

Tactic: Control with team
Risk: Isolated late
Goal: Limit losses
Weak Point: Third week

Vingegaard Leading

Strength: Third week
Tactic: Mark Pogačar
Team: Still strong
Confidence: High

Close Race (<1min)

Expect: Fireworks
Attack: Roselend
Decision: La Plagne
Drama: Maximum

Break Scenario

Gap Needed: 3-4min
Launch: Col du Pré
Riders: 10-15
Success: 30% chance

Critical Race Moments

Start - Héry-sur-Ugine (0-21km)
  • Immediate Attack: Climbing from gun
  • Break Forms: 20-30 riders maximum
  • GC Teams: Must have representation
  • Pace: Hard but not crazy
Col des Saisies (35-49km)
  • Break Consolidates: 2-3 minute gap develops
  • Peloton Tempo: UAE or Visma controlling
  • Selection: Sprinters already dropped
  • Weather Check: Clouds building?
Beaufort Valley (49-73km)
  • Refuel Zone: Critical for final hour
  • Regrouping: Teams get organized
  • Mental Prep: GC riders focus
  • Break Status: Time check crucial
Col du Pré & Roselend (73-104km)
  • Attack Zone: If GC close, expect moves
  • Team Depletion: Domestiques dropping
  • Break Threatened: Gap under pressure
  • Roselend Beauty: Don't get distracted!
La Plagne Final (110.8-129.9km)
  • 0-10km: High tempo, break caught?
  • 10-15km: GC accelerations begin
  • 15-19.1km: Final battle, no hiding
  • Roche Zone: Last 4km anything possible

Team-by-Team Strategy

Team Leader Tactic Key Moment
UAE Pogačar Control/Counter Roselend response
Visma Vingegaard Attack late La Plagne 10km
Soudal Evenepoel Podium defense Limit losses
INEOS Rodriguez Stage win Early break
French Teams Gaudu/Bardet Glory hunting All day attack

Fantasy Cycling Strategy

Stage 19 Fantasy Approach
  • Captain Choice: Depends on GC gap
  • If Close: Pick GC leader (Pogačar/Vingegaard)
  • If Decided: Go breakaway specialists
  • Value Picks: Gaudu, Ciccone, Powless
  • Avoid: Pure climbers if GC tight
  • Weather Hedge: Pick good descenders

Points Potential: High for both GC and breakaway scenarios

Final Mountain Sports Science

Third Week Physiology

Generally by Stage 19, riders experience:

  • Cumulative Fatigue: 15-20% power loss from Week 1
  • Glycogen Depletion: Chronic low stores
  • Muscle Damage: Reduced force production
  • Hormonal Changes: Elevated cortisol, low testosterone
  • Sleep Deficit: Impacts recovery and performance
  • Mental Fatigue: Decision-making impaired

Compact Stage Advantages

  • Shorter Duration: 4.5-5 hours vs 6+ hours
  • Intensity Option: Can race harder throughout
  • Less Feeding: Simplified nutrition strategy
  • Mental Edge: "Only 130km" psychology
  • Recovery Factor: Less damage than Stage 18
  • Explosive Racing: Favors attackers

Learn about fatigue management.

Final Mountain Fueling

Stage 19 Specific Nutrition

  • Pre-Stage: Light breakfast 3 hours before
  • Carb Loading: Not needed for 130km
  • Start Fuel: 60-80g/hour sufficient
  • Beaufort Valley: Final solid food opportunity
  • La Plagne: Gels and drinks only
  • Total Intake: 300-400g carbs for stage

Third Week Adjustments

  • Appetite Loss: Common, use liquid calories
  • GI Issues: Simplified foods only
  • Caffeine: May need higher doses
  • Hydration: Critical at altitude
  • Recovery: Immediate post-stage vital
  • TT Prep: Begin carb loading evening

Training for Compact Mountain Stages

Specific Preparation

  • Back-to-Back Days: Simulate stage 18-19 combo
  • Climbing Density: 35m/km sessions
  • Short Recovery: Multiple climbs, minimal rest
  • Final Week Intensity: Maintain top-end power
  • Altitude Exposure: 2,000m+ training camps
  • Mental Training: Last chance mindset

Key Workout: La Plagne Simulation

  • Warm-up: 30min progressive
  • Main Set: 5 climbs back-to-back
  • Climb 1: 20min @ 85% FTP
  • Climb 2: 25min @ 87% FTP
  • Climb 3: 15min @ 90% FTP
  • Climb 4: 20min @ 92% FTP
  • Climb 5: 35min @ 85-95% FTP
  • Recovery: 5-10min between
  • Total: 4-5 hours, 3,500m+

Build your climbing engine with our climbing workout library.

Other Mountain Stages

Compare this final test with other crucial mountain stages:

Final Mountain Legacy: Last chance for glory before Paris!

What Makes Stage 19 Special

  • Compact Design: 130km of pure climbing
  • Five Climbs: Relentless Alpine assault
  • Final Chance: Last mountain of Tour
  • La Plagne: Historic Tour venue
  • Third Week: Maximum fatigue factor
  • Weather Risk: Alpine storms possible