Tour de France Stage 5 - Caen to Caen Time Trial
TIME TRIAL STAGE ALERT
First major GC battle! 33km flat time trial where TT specialists like Remco Evenepoel can take yellow jersey!
Stage 5 At A Glance
Type: Individual Time Trial | Distance: 33km flat course | GC Impact: HIGH
Key Moment: First serious GC battle - TT specialists vs climbers | Expected Winner: Remco Evenepoel or Filippo Ganna
Start Time: 13:10 CEST (staggered starts) | Elevation: Only 191m total | Course: Wide, flat roads
Stage 5 Quick Facts
Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025 | Distance: 33 km | Type: Individual Time Trial | Start: 13:10 CEST
Stage 5 is a 33km individual time trial loop in Caen on mostly flat, wide roads. Riders start at intervals with the GC leader starting last. Perfect for time trial specialists to gain significant time and potentially take the first yellow jersey of their Tour career.
Stage 5 Time Trial Course Profile
Source: Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)
Time Trial Course Characteristics
Elevation Gain: 191m (minimal)
Road Surface: Wide, smooth roads
Wind Factor: Open course, crosswinds possible
Time Trial Power Requirements
- Sustained Power: 450-500W for 40-45 minutes (elite level)
- Power-to-Weight: 5.8-6.2 W/kg for TT specialists
- Energy System: 85% aerobic, 15% anaerobic
- Heart Rate: 90-95% max HR sustained
- Lactate Threshold: Racing right at LT2 (~4mmol/L)
Time Trial Pacing Strategy
Optimal Pacing Distribution:
- First 25% (0-8km): Start slightly above threshold (+5-10W)
- Middle 50% (8-25km): Settle into sustainable threshold power
- Final 25% (25-33km): Gradual increase, emptying the tank
- Time Checks: At km 8.2, 16.4, and 24.8 for pacing adjustments
Test your time trial potential with our lactate threshold test and sustained power assessment.
Historical Context
Caen Millennium: City celebrates its 1000th anniversary in 2025 - perfect timing for Tour visit
Tour History: Last hosted Tour in 2006 when Oscar Freire beat Tom Boonen in sprint finish
TT Significance: First TT this early in Tour since 1989 - major GC impact expected
Course Design: Wide, flat roads perfect for pure TT specialists rather than climbers
Stage 5 Time Trial Route Map
Source: Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)
Time Trial Route Details
- Start: Quai Vendeuvre, Port de Plaisance de Caen (13:10 CEST)
- Route Highlights: Past Château de Caen, Jardin des Plantes, Mémorial de Caen
- Direction: North on Avenue Amiral Mountbatten, then west through countryside
- Time Check 1: Km 8.2 - first timing reference
- Time Check 2: Km 16.4 - halfway point for pacing
- Time Check 3: Km 24.8 - final reference before finish push
- Finish: Return to central Caen at Hippodrome
Course Technical Analysis
- Terrain: Flat loop north of Caen through open countryside
- Road Conditions: Wide, smooth tarmac perfect for TT bikes
- Technical Difficulty: Minimal - few turns, straightforward navigation
- Wind Exposure: Open roads susceptible to Channel crosswinds
- Urban Sections: Start/finish through historic Caen city center
- Rural Section: Middle portion through Normandy countryside
Caen Points of Interest
Château de Caen: Large medieval fortress built by William the Conqueror
Mémorial de Caen: Museum dedicated to WWII and Battle of Normandy
Historic Significance: Key role in D-Day operations and Norman Conquest
Local Culture: Famous for Calvados brandy and Norman cheeses
Stage 5 Time Trial Schedule
| Time (CEST) | Event | Riders |
|---|---|---|
| 11:10 | Course Reconnaissance | Teams inspect course |
| 12:10 | Rider Sign-in | All riders check in |
| 13:10 | FIRST RIDER START | Reverse GC order |
| 13:10-15:30 | Early Starters | Domestiques, sprinters |
| 15:30-16:30 | Mid-Pack Riders | Stage hunters, KOM riders |
| 16:30-17:20 | GC Contenders | Top 20 GC riders |
| 17:30+ | YELLOW JERSEY (Last) | Current race leader |
| 17:45 | Final Finisher | Results finalized |
How to Watch Stage 5 Time Trial
- TV Coverage: Live from 15:00 CEST when GC contenders start
- Key Viewing Times: 16:30-17:45 CEST for top GC riders
- Final Riders: Yellow jersey starts last for maximum drama
- Live Timing: Real-time splits at all three time checks
- Highlights: Available 1 hour after final finisher
Start Order Strategy
- Reverse GC Order: Lowest GC riders start first, yellow jersey last
- Start Intervals: Riders start every 1-2 minutes
- Time Gaps: Later starters know exact times to beat
- Weather Factor: Afternoon riders may face different wind conditions
- Psychological Advantage: GC leaders know target times from rivals
Expected Winning Time
Estimated Winning Time: 39:30-41:00 (averaging 50-52 km/h)
Time Gaps Expected: 1-2 minutes between top GC contenders
Course Record Potential: Perfect conditions for fast times on flat course
Stage 5 Time Trial Specialists
Top Time Trial Contenders
Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step)
TT Power: 470-520W sustained | Specialty: World Time Trial Champion
Strengths: Exceptional aero position, technical cornering, perfect pacing | Record: Multiple Grand Tour TT victories
Stage 5 Prediction: Top favorite for stage win and potential yellow jersey
Filippo Ganna (INEOS Grenadiers)
TT Power: 500-550W sustained | Specialty: Track World Champion, pure power
Strengths: Massive sustained power, flat course specialist | Record: Multiple TT stage wins
Stage 5 Prediction: Perfect course for his power profile, stage win contender
Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates)
TT Power: 450-500W sustained | Recent Form: Strong TT performances in 2024
Strengths: Powerful on all terrain types, improving TT specialist | Equipment: Latest UAE aero setup
Stage 5 Prediction: Could surprise with strong performance, yellow jersey defender
Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike)
TT Power: 420-470W sustained | Style: Consistent, measured approach
Strengths: Excellent pacing strategy, improved TT position | Goal: Limit time losses to Pogačar and Evenepoel
Stage 5 Prediction: Solid performance but unlikely to match pure TT specialists
Dark Horse Contenders
Stefan Küng
TT Power: 480W sustained
Specialty: Swiss TT champion
Advantage: Flat course specialist
Wout van Aert
TT Power: 460W sustained
Strengths: Versatile classics rider
Advantage: Strong in crosswinds
Matteo Sobrero
TT Power: 450W sustained
Experience: TT stage winner
Advantage: Young TT specialist
GC Battle Analysis
Expected Time Gaps
- TT Specialists vs Climbers: 1-2 minutes advantage expected
- Evenepoel vs Pogačar: 30-60 seconds potential gap
- Top 10 GC Spread: 2-3 minutes from first to tenth
- Yellow Jersey Impact: High probability of change
Stage Winner Prediction: 60% Remco Evenepoel, 25% Filippo Ganna, 15% other TT specialists
Fantasy Cycling Strategy
- Captain Pick: Remco Evenepoel - World TT Champion on perfect course
- Value Pick: Filippo Ganna - pure power advantage on flat course
- Safe Option: Tadej Pogačar - consistent performer across all terrains
- Differential: Stefan Küng - Swiss TT specialist at good odds
- Avoid: Pure climbers and sprinters - wrong course profile
Budget Strategy: Load up on TT specialists - this stage strongly favors power and aerodynamics
Stage 5 Aerodynamics & Equipment
Time Trial Equipment Setup
TT Bike Configuration
- Frame: Specialized aero frames with integrated cables and components
- Wheels: Deep section (60-80mm) or full disc wheels for reduced drag
- Handlebars: Clip-on aero bars for aggressive riding position
- Drivetrain: Electronic shifting for precise gear changes
- Tires: 25-28mm tubeless for optimal rolling resistance
Rider Aerodynamic Setup
- Aero Helmet: 5-10 watts savings vs regular road helmet
- Skinsuit: Form-fitting suits reduce drag significantly
- Position: Aggressive aero position trading comfort for speed
- Shoe Covers: Aerodynamic overshoes for marginal gains
- Arm Warmers: Textured fabric can improve airflow
Power vs Aerodynamics Balance
Aerodynamic Benefits
- Power Savings: 10-15% power reduction possible with optimal aero setup
- Speed Impact: 2-3 km/h faster at same power output
- Time Savings: 60-90 seconds over 33km course with full aero setup
- Wind Impact: Crosswinds can negate aero benefits on exposed sections
Equipment Regulations
- UCI Rules: Strict regulations on bike dimensions and equipment
- Position Limits: Saddle and handlebar position restrictions
- Weight Minimum: 6.8kg minimum bike weight
- Safety Requirements: Mandatory helmet and equipment standards
Wind Analysis & Strategy
Caen Weather Factors
- Prevailing Winds: Northwest winds from English Channel
- Crosswind Sections: Open countryside vulnerable to side winds
- Shelter Areas: Tree-lined sections provide wind protection
- Afternoon Changes: Later starters may face different wind conditions
Strategic Impact: Wind direction could favor certain start times and equipment choices
Professional TT Setup Process
Pre-Stage Preparation
- Wind Tunnel Testing: Months of position optimization
- Course Reconnaissance: Multiple practice runs to learn turns
- Equipment Testing: Wheel and gear selection based on conditions
- Position Refinement: Final adjustments based on course profile
- Pacing Strategy: Power targets for each section of course
Race Day Protocol
- Warm-up: 30-45 minutes on turbo trainer before start
- Equipment Check: Final bike and position verification
- Weather Assessment: Last-minute equipment changes if needed
- Mental Preparation: Visualization and pacing reminders
Amateur TT Tips
Position Optimization: Focus on sustainable aero position before equipment upgrades
Training Priority: Build sustained threshold power with our TT training guide
Equipment ROI: Aero helmet and position coaching provide biggest gains
Pacing Practice: Use power meter to practice steady-state efforts
Time Trial Sports Science Analysis
TT-Specific Physiology
- Power Output: 450-500W sustained for 40-45 minutes (elite level)
- Energy System: 85% aerobic, 15% anaerobic
- VO2 Max Utilization: 85-92% for entire duration
- Heart Rate: 90-95% max HR sustained
- Lactate Threshold: Racing right at LT2 (~4mmol/L)
- Muscle Fiber Type: Balance of Type I and Type IIa needed
TT-Specific Training
To excel in time trials like Stage 5, focus on these training elements:
- Threshold Intervals: 2x20min at FTP with 10min recovery
- Position Training: Hours in aero position to build comfort
- Steady-State Efforts: 40-60min sustained at TT pace
- Power Progression: Gradually increase FTP over training blocks
- Mental Training: Concentration and pain tolerance for sustained efforts
Test your TT potential with our lactate threshold test and sustained power assessment.
Time Trial Nutrition Strategy
Pre-TT Fueling Protocol
- 3-4 Hours Before: High-carb meal (1-2g/kg body weight)
- 1-2 Hours Before: Light carb snack (30-50g)
- 30-60 Minutes Before: Caffeine (3-6mg/kg body weight)
- 15 Minutes Before: Small amount of carbs (15-20g)
- Final 5 Minutes: Mouth rinse with carb solution
During TT Strategy
- Hydration: Minimal - pre-hydrated, no feeding during 40-45min effort
- Carbohydrates: None needed for efforts under 60 minutes
- Focus: Pre-TT fueling and caffeine timing crucial
- Weight: Minimize equipment weight while maintaining nutrition
Post-TT Recovery
- Immediate (0-30min): 1g/kg carbs + 0.3g/kg protein
- Hydration: Replace fluid losses from warm-up and effort
- Next Stage Prep: Begin fueling for Stage 6 hilly finish
Learn more about time trial nutrition and caffeine strategies for cycling.
Similar Time Trial Stages
If you enjoyed this time trial analysis, check out these other TT stages in the 2025 Tour:
- Stage 13: Peyragudes Mountain Time Trial - Uphill TT specialist course
TT Strategy: These time trial stages often determine the final GC and provide opportunities for specialists to gain significant time!
Historic TT Performances in Tours
- 1989: Greg LeMond's legendary final TT to win Tour by 8 seconds
- 2005: Lance Armstrong's dominant TT performances
- 2012: Bradley Wiggins' TT mastery on way to Tour victory
- 2019: Julian Alaphilippe's surprise TT strength in yellow
Related Pages
- Tour de France 2025 Complete Guide - All stages and analysis
- Tour de France Winners List - Historical champions
- Lactate Threshold Test - TT power assessment
- Power Endurance Test - Sustained power measurement
- Time Trial Nutrition - Fueling for TT performance
- Time Trial Training - Build TT power
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.