Tour de France Stage 4 - Amiens to Rouen
STAGE 4 BREAKAWAY ALERT
This is THE stage for breakaway specialists. Early attacks expected, tactical fireworks guaranteed in final 50km!
Stage 4 At A Glance
Difficulty: 3/5 stars | Breakaway Chance: 95% | GC Impact: Low
Key Moment: Rampe Saint-Hilaire at km 169 (5km from finish) | Predicted Winner Type: Breakaway specialist with 5.8+ W/kg
Distance: 174.2 km | Elevation: 1,319m total | Categorized Climbs: 5 climbs in final 50km
Stage 4 Quick Facts
Date: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 | Distance: 174.2 km | Type: Hilly Breakaway Stage | Start Time: 13:15 CEST
Stage 4 from Amiens Métropole to Rouen transforms from flat opening 125km to constant up-and-down in final 50km. Perfect for breakaway specialists who can handle 5 categorized climbs including the brutal Rampe Saint-Hilaire (10.6% gradient) just 5km from the finish.
Stage 4 Elevation Profile
Source: Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)
Hilly Stage Characteristics
Elevation Gain: 1,319m total
Hardest Climb: Rampe Saint-Hilaire
Breakaway Probability: High (95%)
Breakaway Power Requirements
- Sustained Power: 300-350W base power for breakaway riders
- Climbing Power: 5.5-6.5 W/kg on punchy ascents
- Attack Power: 7-8 W/kg for 30-60 seconds
- Rolling Terrain: Variable power 250-400W depending on gradients
- Energy Systems: 70% aerobic, 30% anaerobic due to variable intensity
Stage 4 Power Analysis
Two-Phase Race: Controlled first 125km (250-300W average), then explosive final 50km (350-450W with spikes to 7+ W/kg)
Key Gradient: Rampe Saint-Hilaire at 10.6% average requires 6.2-6.8 W/kg for 3-4 minutes
Test your climbing readiness with our lactate threshold test and power endurance assessment.
Stage 4 Route Map
Source: Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)
Stage 4 Route Highlights
- Start: Amiens Métropole at 13:15 CEST - former railway hub city
- Early Route: Flat southwest through Crèvecoeur-le-Grand and Gournay-en-Bray
- Mid-Stage: Rolling countryside through Gerberoy (picturesque medieval village)
- Tactical Phase (km 125): Côte de Jacques Anquetil begins 50km of constant climbing
- Intermediate Sprint: Saint-Adrien (km 155) between first two climbs
- Final Climb: Rampe Saint-Hilaire (km 169) - 800m at 10.6%
- Finish: Rouen - 4km descent then slight uphill to Boulevard de l'Yser
Breakaway Route Analysis
- km 0-50: Rolling start - breakaway formation expected early
- km 50-125: Undulating terrain - gap stabilizes to 8-12 minutes
- km 125-174: Punchy climbs - tactical phase begins, cooperation ends
- Final 15km: Three climbs in quick succession - strongest riders emerge
- Final 5km: Descent from Saint-Hilaire then uphill finish
Crosswind Factor: Flat early sections exposed to Channel winds from northwest
Historical Context
Rouen Significance: Capital of Normandy, where Joan of Arc was executed in 1431
Tour History: André Greipel won sprint finish here in 2012, but this finale is completely different
Jacques Anquetil: Five-time Tour winner died in Rouen (1987) - first climb named in his honor
Local Cuisine: Famous for Normandy cheeses (Camembert, Pont-l'Évêque), apple cider, and Calvados brandy
Stage 4 Time Schedule
| Time (CEST) | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 11:15 | Team Buses Arrive | Amiens Métropole |
| 12:15 | Rider Sign-in | Start Village |
| 13:15 | STAGE START | Amiens Métropole |
| 14:15 | Breakaway Formation | ~30km mark |
| 15:30 | Côte de Jacques Anquetil | Km 125 (50km from finish) |
| 16:15 | Intermediate Sprint | Saint-Adrien (km 155) |
| 16:45 | Côte de Belbeuf | Km 145 (30km from finish) |
| 17:00 | TV Coverage Begins | Final 30km |
| 17:20 | Rampe Saint-Hilaire | Km 169 (5km from finish) |
| 17:30 | FINISH | Rouen |
How to Watch Stage 4
- TV Coverage: Live from 17:00 CEST (final 30km)
- Extended Coverage: Breakaway action from intermediate sprint
- Highlights: Available 1 hour after stage finish
- Live Timing: Tour de France app with GPS tracking
- Radio: Live commentary available in multiple languages
Breakaway Timeline Prediction
- 13:15: Race start - expect immediate attacks from KOM hunters
- 14:00: Breakaway established (8-12 riders, 2-3 minutes gap)
- 15:00: Maximum gap reached (10-15 minutes) as peloton relaxes
- 15:30: Côte de Jacques Anquetil - breakaway still together
- 16:45: Côte de Belbeuf - first selection in breakaway group
- 17:15: Final climbs phase begins, cooperation ends
- 17:20: Rampe Saint-Hilaire - strongest climber emerges
- 17:30: Solo winner or small group sprint finish (95% probability)
Stage 4 Climbs & Hills Analysis
Understanding Climb Classifications
Stage 4 features 5 categorized climbs perfect for understanding how the Tour's classification system works:
Beyond category
8%+ for 10km+
Difficult
6-8% for 8-15km
Moderate
4-6% for 5-10km
Hills
3-5% for 2-8km
Small hills
2-4% for 1-5km
KOM Points: HC=20pts, Cat1=10pts, Cat2=5pts, Cat3=2pts, Cat4=1pt
Stage 4 KOM Opportunities: 11 points available - ideal for breakaway riders hunting the polka dot jersey!
Côte de Jacques Anquetil - Category 4
Category 4Strategic Impact: Opens the action - warm-up climb where breakaway stays together
Power Requirements: 300-350W for 8-10 minutes (moderate tempo effort)
Historical Note: Named after five-time Tour winner who died in Rouen
Côte de Belbeuf - Category 3
Category 3Strategic Impact: First serious selection - steepest climb before finale
Power Requirements: 5.8-6.4 W/kg for 4-5 minutes (hard tempo)
Tactical Analysis: Too far from finish for decisive attack, but thins breakaway group
Côte de Bonsecours - Category 4
Category 4Strategic Impact: Part of finale trilogy - cooperation starting to break down
Historical Note: Memorial to Jean Robic who attacked here in 1947 and won the Tour
Côte de la Grand'Mare - Category 4
Category 4Strategic Impact: Penultimate climb - sets up final attack on Saint-Hilaire
Power Requirements: 5.2-5.8 W/kg for 5-6 minutes
Rampe Saint-Hilaire - Category 3 (DECISIVE CLIMB)
Category 3RACE DECIDER: Steepest climb with 4km descent to finish - strongest climber wins here
Power Requirements: 6.5-7.2 W/kg for 3-4 minutes (above threshold)
Tactical Analysis: Final attack point - winner often decided on this brutal ramp
Hill Grades & Gradients Guide
Understanding gradient percentages helps predict how climbs will affect the race:
False flat
Gentle
Moderate
Steep
Very steep
Stage 4 Max Gradient: 15% on Rampe Saint-Hilaire - classified as very steep climbing
Power Requirement: Riders need 6.5-7.2 W/kg to stay with leaders on gradients above 10%
Stage 4 Sporting Stakes
Breakaway Battle Stakes
High Stakes: Perfect stage for breakaway specialists and KOM hunters. Time gaps of 5-10+ minutes expected from peloton.
- Yellow Jersey: Low impact - GC riders will cruise in peloton
- Key Contenders: Wout van Aert, Magnus Cort, Guillaume Martin targeting victory
- Breakaway Specialists: Prime opportunity for stage hunters and KOM points
Top Breakaway Favorites
Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike)
Peak Power: 1200W sprint + 6.2 W/kg climbing | Strengths: Explosive on punchy climbs, elite descender
Stage 4 Prediction: Perfect profile for attacks on Saint-Hilaire then solo to finish
Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal Quick-Step)
Peak Power: 1100W + 6.0 W/kg | Strengths: Punchy climber, aggressive racing style
Stage 4 Prediction: Will animate the finale with attacks on multiple climbs
Guillaume Martin (Cofidis)
Peak Power: 950W + 6.4 W/kg | Strengths: Pure climbing power, steady pacing
Stage 4 Prediction: Strong candidate for breakaway, dangerous on final climbs
Stage 4 Victory Prediction
Most Likely (70%): Breakaway specialist wins after attack on Rampe Saint-Hilaire
Solo Victory (50%): Winner drops companions on 15% sections of Saint-Hilaire
Small Group Sprint (20%): 2-3 riders survive finale, sprint after descent
Surprise GC Move (10%): Opportunistic attack from Pogačar or Vingegaard if feeling strong
Key Tactical Factors
- Breakaway Size: 8-12 riders with gap reaching 12+ minutes
- Cooperation Breakdown: Alliances end after Côte de Belbeuf
- Rampe Saint-Hilaire: 15% gradient sections create decisive selection
- Descent Factor: Strong descender has advantage in final 4km
King of the Mountains Battle
KOM Points Available
- Côte de Jacques Anquetil: 1 point (Category 4)
- Côte de Belbeuf: 2 points (Category 3)
- Côte de Bonsecours: 1 point (Category 4)
- Côte de la Grand'Mare: 1 point (Category 4)
- Rampe Saint-Hilaire: 2 points (Category 3)
- Total Available: 7 points for polka dot jersey competition
Strategic Impact: Stage winner likely takes significant KOM points lead
Tour de France Hill Climbing Specialists
Understanding the Tour's best climbers helps predict who might feature in breakaways on hilly stages like Stage 4:
Elite Climbers (GC)
- Tadej Pogačar: 6.8+ W/kg (unlikely in break)
- Jonas Vingegaard: 6.6+ W/kg (peloton control)
- Remco Evenepoel: 6.4+ W/kg (team tactics)
Breakaway Climbers
- Sepp Kuss: 6.2+ W/kg
- Guillaume Martin: 6.0+ W/kg
- David Gaudu: 5.9+ W/kg
Punchy Specialists
- Wout van Aert: Explosive + sprint
- Mathieu van der Poel: Punchy power
- Julian Alaphilippe: Short climb expert
Stage 4 Prediction: Expect breakaway climbers and punchy specialists to dominate - perfect terrain for riders with 5.8-6.2 W/kg climbing power.
Fantasy Cycling Strategy
- Captain Pick: Wout van Aert - perfect stage profile for his explosive climbing
- Value Picks: KOM hunters and stage specialists under budget
- Safe Option: Julian Alaphilippe - will animate the finale with multiple attacks
- Differential: Guillaume Martin - pure climber perfect for final ascents
- Avoid: Pure sprinters and heavy GC domestiques
Budget Strategy: Load up on breakaway specialists - 95% chance of breakaway victory
Jersey Classifications Impact
Yellow Jersey
Impact: LOW
Change: Unlikely unless current leader crashes
Bonus: 10, 6, 4 second time bonuses
Green Jersey
Impact: LOW
Points: Limited points for sprinters
Strategy: Most sprinters will cruise in peloton
Polka Dot Jersey
Impact: HIGH
Points: 7 points available across 5 climbs
Strategy: Stage winner likely takes jersey
White Jersey
Impact: MODERATE
Contenders: Young breakaway riders benefit
Watch: Under-25 climbing specialists
Hilly Stage Sports Science
Physiological Profile for Hilly Stages
- VO2 Max: 70-80 ml/kg/min for successful breakaway riders
- Body Weight: 65-72kg optimal for punchy climbing
- Muscle Fiber: Balanced Type I and Type II for varied demands
- Lactate Tolerance: High buffering capacity for repeated efforts
- Power-to-Weight: 5.8-6.5 W/kg for successful breakaway climbing
- Neuromuscular Power: Explosive ability for short steep sections
Train Like the Pros
To excel on hilly stages like Stage 4, focus on these key training elements:
- Interval Training: 6x5min at 5.5-6.0 W/kg with 3min recovery
- Punchy Climbs: 8x90sec all-out efforts simulating breakaway attacks
- Endurance Base: 4-6 hour rides at moderate intensity (Zone 2)
- Breakaway Simulation: 3-4 hour rides with variable intensity
- Rampe Training: 6x3min at 6.5+ W/kg for Saint-Hilaire preparation
- Descent Practice: Technical descending skills for finale advantage
Test your progress with our lactate threshold test and power endurance assessment.
Hilly Stage Nutrition Strategy
Variable Intensity Fueling
- Pre-Stage (2-3 hours): 200-250g carbohydrates with 40-50g protein
- During Stage: 70-90g carbohydrates per hour (higher for breakaway efforts)
- Fluid Intake: 700-900ml per hour
- Electrolyte Focus: Sodium replacement crucial for long breakaways
- Quick Energy: Gels before punchy climbs for immediate power
- Caffeine Strategy: 200-300mg 30-45min before final climbs
Breakaway-Specific Nutrition
- Extra Calories: Breakaway riders need +200-300 calories/hour
- Strategic Fueling: Increased intake before Rampe Saint-Hilaire
- Hydration Strategy: Increased fluid needs due to longer time in front
- Recovery Planning: Immediate post-stage nutrition within 30 minutes
Learn more about endurance nutrition and hydration for cycling.
Similar Hilly Stages
If you enjoyed this hilly stage analysis, check out these other breakaway-friendly Tour stages:
- Stage 2: Lauwin-Planque - Boulogne-sur-Mer - Punchy finale opportunity
- Stage 6: Bayeux - Vire Normandie - Another Normandy hilly finish
- Stage 7: Saint-Malo - Mûr-de-Bretagne - Classic breakaway stage
- Stage 10: Ennezat - Le Mont-Dore - Bastille Day breakaway
Breakaway Strategy: These hilly stages often decide the King of the Mountains competition and provide opportunities for aggressive racing!
Related Pages
- Tour de France 2025 Complete Guide - All stages and analysis
- Tour de France Winners List - Historical champions
- Lactate Threshold Test - Climbing endurance assessment
- Power Endurance Test - Sustained power measurement
- Endurance Nutrition - Fueling for long efforts
- Hill Climbing Training - Build climbing power
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.