Tour de France Stage 21 - Paris Champs-Élysées
Quick Answer
Stage 21 2025 revolutionizes the traditional Paris finale with three ascents of Montmartre's cobbled climb, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Champs-Élysées finish while transforming it from a guaranteed sprint into a tactical masterpiece favoring versatile riders.
- 132.3km from Mantes-la-Ville featuring the 1.1km Côte de la Butte Montmartre at 5.9% gradient on cobblestones
- Final Montmartre ascent just 6.1km from finish changes winner profile from pure sprinter to punchy classics specialist
Table of Contents
Revolutionary Finale: Montmartre Changes Everything!
50th anniversary celebration meets Olympic-inspired cobbled climb. This isn't your traditional sprint finish!
Stage 21 At A Glance
Difficulty: 2/5 | Sprint Probability: 65% | GC Impact: None (ceremonial)
Key Moment: Final Montmartre climb (km 126.2) | Predicted Winner Type: Punchy sprinter or classics specialist
Start Time: 16:10 CEST | Anniversary: 50 years of Champs-Élysées | Expected Finish: 19:35 CEST
Stage 21 Quick Facts
Date: Sunday, July 27, 2025 | Distance: 132.3 km | Type: Flat/Sprint Stage with Twist | Start: 16:10 CEST
Stage 21 from Mantes-la-Ville to Paris Champs-Élysées celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Tour's first finish on the famous avenue. Revolutionary for 2025: the inclusion of the Côte de la Butte Montmartre (1.1km at 5.9%), a cobbled climb done three times, with the final ascent just 6.1km from the finish. No longer just a sprinters' parade!
The inclusion of Montmartre fundamentally changes the physiological demands of the Paris finale, requiring riders to produce 6.5 to 7.5 watts per kilogram for 2-3 minutes on cobbled terrain, then recover sufficiently to deliver a sprint just 6 kilometers later. This favors riders with exceptional power-to-weight ratios and rapid recovery capacity.
Stage 21 Elevation Profile
Source: Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)
Revolutionary Stage Characteristics
Elevation Gain: 1,129m
Final Climb: 6.1km to finish
Sprint Finish: Champs-Élysées
Innovation: Olympic-inspired
Power Requirements Evolution
- Traditional Requirements: 1400-1600W sprint for 200m
- 2025 Requirements: 6.5-7.5 W/kg on Montmartre + 1200W+ sprint
- Cobbled Climb: 450-500W for 2-3 minutes (75kg rider)
- Recovery Needed: 6.1km to recover from final climb
- New Winner Profile: Punchy sprinter or classics specialist
Calculate your sprint power with our sprint power calculator and sprint testing protocol.
Stage 21 Route Map
Source: Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)
Route Highlights
- Start: Mantes-la-Ville at 16:10 CEST - Yvelines tradition
- Early Climbs: Bazemont and Pavé des Gardes warm-up
- Paris Entry: ~50km, ceremonial pace begins
- Traditional Laps: 3 x 6.8km on Champs-Élysées
- Revolutionary Circuit: 3 x 16.7km including Montmartre
- Final Challenge: Last Montmartre at 126.2km
The Two Circuits Explained
Traditional Champs-Élysées Circuit (6.8km)
- Place de la Concorde to Arc de Triomphe
- Wide boulevards, perfect for sprinting
- Slight rise to Arc, fast descent back
- 3 laps completed before Montmartre
New Montmartre Circuit (16.7km)
- Leaves Champs-Élysées for Montmartre
- Passes Moulin Rouge, climbs to Sacré-Cœur
- Narrow streets, cobbles, 5.9% gradient
- Returns via south bank of Seine
- 3 complete laps with tactical implications
Paris Landmarks on Route
Arc de Triomphe: Traditional turnaround point
Place de la Concorde: Sprint launch zone
Louvre: Passed on Montmartre circuit
Moulin Rouge: Base of Montmartre climb
Sacré-Cœur: Summit backdrop, iconic views
Seine River: Return route to Champs-Élysées
Stage 21 Time Schedule
| Time (CEST) | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 13:00 | Team Presentations | Mantes-la-Ville |
| 14:30 | Rider Sign-in | Start Village |
| 15:45 | Yellow Jersey Ceremony | Start Podium |
| 16:10 | STAGE START | Mantes-la-Ville |
| 17:00 | Enter Paris | ~km 50 |
| 17:30 | Champs-Élysées Arrival | km 70 |
| 18:00 | Begin Montmartre Circuits | km 90 |
| 19:10 | Final Montmartre Climb | km 126.2 |
| 19:35 | STAGE FINISH | Champs-Élysées |
| 20:00 | Final Podium Ceremony | Champs-Élysées |
Celebration Coverage: Extended to 21:00 CEST
Best Viewing: Montmartre for atmosphere, Champs for finish
Ceremonial Timeline
- 16:10-17:00: Relaxed pace, champagne for yellow jersey team
- 17:00-17:30: Paris entry, crowds building
- 17:30-18:00: Traditional Champs-Élysées laps begin
- 18:00-19:10: Racing intensifies with Montmartre circuits
- 19:10-19:35: Full racing mode to finish
- 19:35-21:00: Celebrations and ceremonies
Côte de la Butte Montmartre - Game Changer
The Climb That Changes Everything
Length: 1.1 km | Gradient: 5.9% | Surface: Cobblestones
Max Gradient: 8-9% | Ascents: 3 times | Final: 6.1km from finish
Olympic Legacy
During the 2024 Paris Olympics, this climb proved decisive:
- According to ASO reports, 500,000 spectators lined the Olympic route
- Remco Evenepoel launched his gold medal attack here
- Mathieu van der Poel showed his cobbled climbing prowess
- Narrow roads created spectacular racing and atmosphere
- Cobbles + gradient = perfect selection point
"The cobbled surface of Montmartre adds approximately 15-20% to the effective power requirement compared to smooth tarmac at the same gradient. Combined with the narrow roads limiting positioning options, this creates a selection mechanism that traditional flat sprints simply cannot replicate."— According to sports science expert Robert Wood, who has analyzed sports performance data for over 25 years
Technical Analysis
Climbing Characteristics
- Road Width: 3 riders maximum side-by-side
- Cobble Quality: Smoother than Roubaix, rougher than Koppenberg
- Key Section: Café des Deux Moulins to Place du Tertre
- Positioning: Critical to be top-10 at base
- Power Output: 6.5-7.5 W/kg for 2-3 minutes
Impact on Sprint Dynamics
| Scenario | Impact | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Pure sprinters survive all 3 climbs | Traditional sprint finish | 35% |
| Selection on final climb | Reduced sprint, 20-30 riders | 40% |
| Late attack sticks | Solo or small group | 20% |
| GC celebration only | No real racing | 5% |
Rider Reactions to Change
Critics:
- Jasper Philipsen: "A shame to see this stage change"
- Wout van Aert: Called it "dangerous"
- Remco Evenepoel: "I don't like the idea"
- Marcel Kittel: "Pain in my sprinter's heart"
Supporters:
- Classics specialists see opportunity
- Fans excited by tactical racing
- ASO celebrates innovation and Olympics legacy
Stage 21 Winner Predictions
New Era Stage Winner Model
Data compiled by Robert Wood, PhD, shows that Montmartre changes everything - pure sprinters face unprecedented challenge:
Top Contenders Analysis
Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) - 22%
- Perfect Profile: Classics winner + fast finish
- Montmartre Master: Dominated Olympics climb
- Cobbles Expert: Flanders/Roubaix champion
- Sprint Speed: Can win from 30-rider group
- Motivation: Stage 21 prestige enormous
- Why He Wins: Built for this new format
Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) - 18%
- 2021 Winner: Knows how to win in Paris
- Versatility: Climbs, sprints, handles cobbles
- Power Profile: 7.0+ W/kg on short climbs
- Critics Aside: Will adapt to new format
- Team Support: Strong leadout remains
- Why He Wins: Complete rider advantage
Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) - 15%
- Pure Speed: Fastest in clean sprint
- 2022 Winner: Defending Paris champion
- Concern: Montmartre survival challenge
- Team Factor: Van der Poel as insurance
- Sprint Power: 1600W+ for 200m
- Why He Wins: If he survives, he's fastest
Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) - 12%
- All-Rounder: Former world champion
- Cobbles Capable: Handles rough roads
- Sprint Speed: Fast from reduced groups
- Tactical Smarts: Knows when to follow
- Why He Wins: Perfect middle ground
Dark Horses - 33% Combined
- Biniam Girmay (10%): If green jersey on line
- Christophe Laporte (8%): French hope, punchy
- Jonathan Milan (7%): Power could overcome climb
- Bryan Coquard: Home rider motivation
- Alexander Kristoff: Experience + durability
Tactical Scenarios
Traditional Outcome
35% chance
Sprinters survive
Mass sprint
Philipsen favored
Reduced Sprint
40% chance
20-30 riders
Selection made
Van der Poel ideal
Late Attack
20% chance
Move from climb
6km time trial
Classics riders
Ceremonial Only
5% chance
No real racing
GC celebration
Token sprint
Green Jersey Impact
If points classification still undecided:
- Intermediate Sprint: Place de la Concorde (km 70)
- Stage Points: 50 for winner, crucial for green
- Scenario: Green jersey contenders must survive Montmartre
- Advantage: Versatile sprinters over pure fast men
50 Years of Champs-Élysées Glory
1975-2025: Half a Century of Tradition
Bernard Thévenet won overall when the Tour first finished here in 1975
2025 marks 50 years of the world's most famous cycling finish
Champs-Élysées Stage Winners Hall of Fame
Multiple Winners on the Champs
- Mark Cavendish: 4 wins (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)
- Marcel Kittel: 2 wins (2013, 2014)
- André Greipel: 2 wins (2015, 2016)
- No rider has won under the new Montmartre format!
Recent Winners (Traditional Format)
- 2023: Jordi Meeus (Belgium)
- 2022: Jasper Philipsen (Belgium)
- 2021: Wout van Aert (Belgium)
- 2020: Sam Bennett (Ireland)
- 2019: Caleb Ewan (Australia)
The Ceremonial Tradition
Yellow Jersey's Day
- Team rides together at front during neutral zone
- Champagne toasts and photos
- No attacks on yellow jersey (unwritten rule)
- Celebration ends when racing begins in Paris
- Sprint teams take control for finale
2025 Celebrations Schedule
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 19:35 | Stage Finish | Champs-Élysées |
| 19:45 | Stage Winner Ceremony | Finish Podium |
| 20:00 | Final Yellow Jersey | Main Podium |
| 20:10 | All Jerseys Presentation | Main Podium |
| 20:20 | Team Classification | Main Podium |
| 20:30 | Lap of Honor | Champs-Élysées |
| 21:00 | Fireworks Display | Arc de Triomphe |
What Makes 2025 Special
- 50th Anniversary: Half century of Champs tradition
- Olympic Legacy: Montmartre inspired by Paris 2024
- New Challenge: First cobbled finale in Paris
- Tactical Evolution: Not just for pure sprinters
- 500,000 Fans: Expected on Montmartre alone (ASO estimates)
- Historic Change: Biggest modification in 50 years
How to Experience Stage 21
Best Viewing Spots
Montmartre: Atmosphere
Place du Tertre: Crucial point
Champs-Élysées: Finish
Arc de Triomphe: Photos
Arrival Times
Montmartre: By 15:00
Champs: By 16:00
Bring supplies
Expect crowds
Transport
Metro recommended
Roads closed early
Walk from stations
Plan exit strategy
Experience Tips
Flag for TV
Costume tradition
Respect barriers
Celebrate safely
Modern Sprint Science: Adapting to Montmartre
Traditional vs 2025 Sprint Requirements
| Attribute | Traditional Paris | 2025 with Montmartre |
|---|---|---|
| Rider Weight | 75-85kg optimal | 70-78kg optimal |
| Peak Power | 1600-1800W | 1400-1600W sufficient |
| Climbing Ability | Not required | 6.5+ W/kg essential |
| Anaerobic Power | Everything | Must balance with climbing |
| Team Role | Pure leadout | Climbers needed too |
The New Winner's Profile
- Body Type: Lean sprinter or powerful classics rider
- Climbing Power: 6.5-7.5 W/kg for 3 minutes
- Sprint Power: 17-20 W/kg for 15 seconds
- Recovery: 6km enough to restore sprint
- Bike Handling: Cobbles experience crucial
- Mental Strength: Handle pressure of Paris
Test your versatility with our complete cyclist assessment and classics preparation guide.
Stage 21 Nutrition: Celebration vs Competition
The Balancing Act
- Ceremonial Start: Light breakfast, avoid champagne excess
- Energy Needs: Still 132km, can't neglect fueling
- Montmartre Preparation: Gel before each climb
- Hydration: Hot July day in Paris
- Post-Race: Finally time to celebrate!
Race Day Timeline
- Morning: Normal pre-race meal
- Start: Sip champagne for photos only
- First Hour: Begin normal race nutrition
- Montmartre Circuits: Energy gels crucial
- Final 30min: Last gel at 20km to go
- Post-Finish: Celebration begins!
Training for the New Paris Challenge
Cobbled Climb Preparation
- Find Similar Terrain: 1-2km climbs at 5-7%
- Add Intensity: Not smooth roads if possible
- Power Target: 6.5-7.0 W/kg for 3 minutes
- Recovery Focus: Sprint after 6km recovery
- Bike Skills: Cobbles handling essential
Key Workout: Paris Finale Simulation
- Warm-up: 60min progressive
- Main Set: Montmartre simulation
- 3 x 3min at 6.5-7.0 W/kg
- 6km recovery between efforts
- Final: 200m sprint after last recovery
- Cool-down: 30min easy celebration pace
- Total: 2.5-3 hours
Prepare like a pro with our sprint-climbing hybrid training.
Stage 21 Verdict: Evolution of Tradition
Why the 2025 Finale Matters
For 50 years, the Champs-Élysées has provided cycling's most predictable yet prestigious finish. Pure sprinters ruled this sacred tarmac, with lead-out trains delivering their fast men to glory against the backdrop of the Arc de Triomphe. The 2025 edition changes everything.
The addition of Montmartre - inspired by the spectacular 2024 Olympics - transforms the finale from a sprinters' coronation to a tactical masterpiece. Those narrow, cobbled streets that saw Evenepoel and van der Poel excel now become the crucible where Paris glory is forged. Three ascents of this 1.1km climb at 5.9% will eliminate pure sprinters or at least severely test them.
Keys to Victory
- 6.5+ W/kg - Minimum to stay with leaders on Montmartre
- Positioning - Must be top-10 entering narrow streets
- 6.1km recovery - Just enough to restore sprint power
- Team dynamics - Climbers now essential for sprint teams
- Mental preparation - Different approach than traditional
- 500,000 fans - Montmartre atmosphere will be electric
The Bottom Line
Stage 21 2025 represents cycling's willingness to evolve while respecting tradition. Yes, we still get our Champs-Élysées finish. Yes, the yellow jersey still has his processional ride. But now, instead of a predictable sprint, we get a thrilling finale worthy of the world's greatest race. Whether you're a traditionalist mourning the change or a fan excited by innovation, one thing is certain: July 27, 2025, will be unforgettable. The merger of Olympic legacy with Tour tradition creates a finale that honors the past while embracing the future. Vive le Tour!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Stage 21 2025 different from previous years?
The 2025 edition adds three ascents of the Côte de la Butte Montmartre, a 1.1km cobbled climb at 5.9% gradient. This Olympic-inspired innovation transforms the traditional sprinters' parade into a tactical race that favors versatile riders who can both climb and sprint. The final ascent comes just 6.1km from the finish, making it impossible for pure sprinters to rely solely on their lead-out trains.
Who is favored to win Stage 21 in Paris?
Wout van Aert lead predictions at at over 20% and ultimately won stage 21. Other top contending sprinters were Jonathan Milan and Mads Pederson.
What time does Stage 21 start and finish?
Stage 21 starts at 16:10 CEST from Mantes-la-Ville and is expected to finish at approximately 19:35 CEST on the Champs-Élysées. The late start allows for maximum crowd attendance and prime-time television coverage across Europe. The final Montmartre climb typically occurs around 19:10 CEST, with just 6.1km remaining to the finish.
How difficult is the Montmartre climb compared to other Tour climbs?
The Côte de la Butte Montmartre is relatively short at 1.1km and moderate at 5.9% average gradient, but the cobblestones add significant difficulty. The cobbles increase effective power requirements by 15-20% compared to smooth tarmac. While not as long as mountain climbs, its narrow roads and rough surface create a strong selection mechanism, especially when climbed three times in quick succession during high-speed racing.
Is Stage 21 still ceremonial for the yellow jersey?
Yes, the yellow jersey tradition continues. The first 90km remain ceremonial with the GC leader's team riding at the front, champagne toasts, and photo opportunities. No attacks on the yellow jersey are expected during this portion. However, once the Montmartre circuits begin around km 90, competitive racing resumes for the stage victory, maintaining the balance between celebration and competition that defines the Tour's final stage.
What is the best way to watch Stage 21 in person?
For atmosphere and tactical racing, position yourself on Montmartre by 15:00, preferably along Rue Lepic or near Place du Tertre where the gradient is steepest. For the traditional finish experience, arrive at the Champs-Élysées by 16:00 to secure a spot between Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe. Use the Paris Metro for transport as roads close early, and bring supplies as you'll be waiting several hours for the race to arrive.
Why did they change the traditional Paris sprint format?
The change celebrates both the 50th anniversary of the Champs-Élysées finish and the success of the 2024 Paris Olympics road race, which featured Montmartre prominently. ASO (race organizers) sought to add tactical intrigue to what had become a predictable sprint finish, while honoring Olympic legacy. The innovation maintains the Champs-Élysées tradition while creating more exciting racing that better reflects modern cycling's emphasis on versatility over pure specialization.
References
- Amaury Sport Organisation. (2025). "Tour de France 2025 Stage 21 Route and Profile." Official Tour de France Technical Guide. Retrieved from https://www.letour.fr
- Wood, R. J. (2024). "Power Requirements for Cobbled Climbing in Professional Cycling." Topend Sports Performance Analysis.
- International Olympic Committee. (2024). "Paris 2024 Olympics Men's Road Race Analysis." Olympic Games Official Report.
- Union Cycliste Internationale. (2025). "Historical Data on Tour de France Paris Finishes 1975-2024." UCI Archives.
- Coggan, A. (2023). "Training and Racing with a Power Meter, 3rd Edition." VeloPress.
- Jeukendrup, A. (2022). "Sports Nutrition for Endurance Athletes." Human Kinetics.
- Van der Poel, M. (2024). "Paris Olympics Road Race Post-Race Interview." Cycling News.
- Kittel, M. (2024). "Commentary on Tour de France Stage 21 Route Changes." Eurosport Analysis.
Compare Stage Types
See how Stage 21 compares to other 2025 Tour stages:
- Stage 7: Mûr-de-Bretagne - Short steep climb finish
- Stage 11: Toulouse Sprint - Traditional sprint stage
- Stage 13: Peyragudes TT - Uphill time trial
- Stage 20: Pontarlier - Final competitive stage
Stage 21 Legacy: Where tradition meets innovation!
What Makes Stage 21 Unique
- 50th Anniversary: Historic milestone celebration
- Olympic Innovation: Montmartre changes everything
- Tactical Complexity: No longer just for sprinters
- Global Audience: World watches Paris finale
- Yellow Jersey Celebration: Tradition maintained
- New Winner Profile: Versatility rewarded
Related Pages
Tour de France 2025 Complete Guide
Comprehensive analysis of all 21 stages including profiles, predictions, and tactical breakdowns for the complete 2025 Tour de France route.
Learn More →History of Paris Finishes
Explore 50 years of Champs-Élysées finishes from 1975-2025, including every winner, memorable moments, and evolution of the final stage.
Learn More →Sprint Power Testing
Measure your maximum sprint power output with our comprehensive testing protocols designed for cyclists of all levels seeking performance improvement.
Learn More →Short Climb Testing
Assess your climbing ability on efforts similar to Montmartre with our validated short climb power test for 1-5 minute sustained efforts.
Learn More →Sprint Training Guide
Develop explosive power and high-end speed with our evidence-based sprint training programs suitable for competitive and recreational cyclists.
Learn More →Tour de France Innovations
Discover how the Tour de France has evolved over 120+ years through route innovations, technological advances, and format changes that shape modern cycling.
Learn More →
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