Tour de France Stage 7 - Saint-Malo to Mûr-de-Bretagne
BRETON PUNCHEUR STAGE ALERT
Double ascent of Mûr-de-Bretagne! The "Alpe d'Huez of Brittany" with explosive 10% gradients in final 15km!
Stage 7 At A Glance
Difficulty: 3/5 stars | Distance: 197km through Brittany | GC Impact: Medium
Key Moment: Double ascent of Mûr-de-Bretagne (2km at 6.9%, first km at 10%) | Expected Winner: Explosive puncheur
Start Time: 12:10 CEST | Elevation: 2,068m climbing | Tactical Factor: High
Stage 7 Quick Facts
Date: Friday, July 11, 2025 | Distance: 197 km | Type: Breton puncheur stage | Start: 12:10 CEST
Stage 7 is a classic Breton puncheur stage from the historic port of Saint-Malo to the legendary Mûr-de-Bretagne. After 175km of relatively flat roads, the stage explodes with a double ascent of the famous climb in the final 15km, known as the "Alpe d'Huez of Brittany" with its brutal first kilometer at 10% gradient.
Stage 7 Elevation Profile
Source: Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)
Breton Puncheur Stage Characteristics
Elevation Gain: 2,068m moderate
Gradient: 6.9% avg, 10% first km
Historical Winner: Van der Poel 2021
Puncheur Power Requirements
- Base Endurance: 280-320W sustained for 175km approach
- Mûr-de-Bretagne Power: 6.2-7.0 W/kg for 2km climb
- First Kilometer (10%): 7.5-8.5 W/kg explosive power
- Attack Power: 8+ W/kg for 30-60 seconds decisive moves
- Recovery: Rapid lactate clearance between two ascents
Stage 7 Tactical Breakdown
Phase 1 (0-175km): Controlled peloton ride through Brittany, potential breakaway
Phase 2 (175-182km): First ascent of Mûr-de-Bretagne - selection and positioning
Phase 3 (182-197km): 15km circuit with tactical maneuvering for final ascent
Phase 4 (Final 2km): Second ascent - explosive attacks on 10% opening kilometer
Key Factor: Timing attacks between two climbs, saving energy for final kick
Test your puncheur capabilities with our lactate threshold test and anaerobic power assessment.
Historical Significance
Mûr-de-Bretagne Legacy: Known as "Alpe d'Huez of Brittany" - hosted Tour finishes in 2011, 2015, 2021
2021 Glory: Mathieu van der Poel attacked for 8 bonus seconds, won stage and yellow jersey
Bernard Hinault Route: Passes through "The Badger's" home village of Yffiniac
Saint-Malo Heritage: Historic walled port city, former base for French corsairs
Stage 7 Route Map
Source: Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)
Route Highlights
- Start: Saint-Malo at 12:10 CEST - historic corsair city
- Early Route: Southwest through Saint-Brieuc and Breton countryside
- Hinault Tribute: Through Bernard Hinault's home village of Yffiniac
- Approach: 175km of flat/rolling roads to Mûr-de-Bretagne
- First Ascent: Côte du village (1.6km at 4.1%) then Mûr-de-Bretagne
- Circuit: 15.3km loop with 1.3km climb at 6.4%
- Finish: Second ascent of Mûr-de-Bretagne hilltop
Breton Landscape Analysis
- Terrain Character: Classic Breton bocage with hedgerows and small fields
- Road Conditions: Generally good with some narrow sections near coast
- Weather Factor: Atlantic influence - potential for crosswinds
- Technical Sections: Final circuit requires tactical positioning
- Crowd Support: Passionate Breton fans, especially on Mûr-de-Bretagne
Cultural Points of Interest
Saint-Malo: Walled city famous for tides, corsairs, and excellent seafood
Breton Identity: Strong regional culture with Celtic heritage and language
Lac de Guerlédan: Beautiful lake near finish, formed by dam on River Blavet
Local Specialties: Crêpes, galettes, cider, and world-famous Breton butter
Bernard Hinault: Last French Tour winner (1986), local hero from region
Stage 7 Time Schedule
| Time (CEST) | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10:10 | Team Buses Arrive | Saint-Malo |
| 11:10 | Rider Sign-in | Start Village |
| 12:10 | STAGE START | Saint-Malo |
| 13:05 | Through Saint-Brieuc | ~50km mark |
| 14:20 | Yffiniac (Hinault's village) | ~100km mark |
| 15:45 | TV Coverage Begins | Final 50km |
| 16:20 | First Ascent Mûr-de-Bretagne | Km 182 |
| 16:30 | Circuit Phase | 15.3km loop |
| 16:39 | FINISH - SECOND ASCENT | Mûr-de-Bretagne |
How to Watch Stage 7
- TV Coverage: Live from 15:45 CEST for dramatic finale
- Key Viewing: 16:15-16:39 CEST for double ascent battle
- First Ascent: 16:20 CEST - positioning and selection phase
- Second Ascent: 16:35-16:39 CEST - explosive finish
- Highlights: Extended coverage 1 hour after finish
Puncheur Timeline Prediction
- 12:10: Controlled start - GC teams manage pace
- 13:30: Possible breakaway formation on rolling terrain
- 15:30: Peloton acceleration begins approaching finale
- 16:15: First ascent preparation - positioning crucial
- 16:20: First Mûr-de-Bretagne - selection and bonus seconds
- 16:30: Tactical phase in 15km circuit
- 16:35: Final ascent begins - explosive attacks expected
- 16:39: Puncheur winner emerges from steep first kilometer
Expected Winning Time
Estimated Winning Time: 4h29m-4h34m (averaging 43-44 km/h)
Time Gaps: Small gaps expected - 10-30 seconds between contenders
Yellow Jersey Impact: Potential for GC changes with bonus seconds
The Legendary Mûr-de-Bretagne
Mûr-de-Bretagne - "Alpe d'Huez of Brittany"
ICONICDouble Ascent: Climbed twice in final 15km - first for positioning, second for victory
Historical Tour de France Finishes
2021 - Mathieu van der Poel
Strategy: Attacked on first ascent for bonus seconds
Result: Solo victory + yellow jersey
Significance: Emotional tribute to grandfather Raymond Poulidor
2015 - Alexis Vuillermoz
Team: AG2R La Mondiale
Strategy: Perfectly timed attack
Result: Solo victory from reduced group
2011 - Cadel Evans
Context: Debut of Mûr-de-Bretagne in Tour
Battle: Beat Alberto Contador
Significance: Part of Evans' Tour victory
Circuit Between Climbs
15.3km Tactical Circuit
- Descent: Fast descent from first ascent summit
- Intermediate Climb: 1.3km at 6.4% gradient
- Undulating Terrain: Rolling roads testing tired legs
- Final 4km: Gradual rise back to Mûr-de-Bretagne base
- Tactical Importance: Positioning and energy management crucial
Climb Technique & Strategy
First Ascent Strategy
- Positioning: Stay in top 20 riders entering climb
- Power Distribution: Controlled effort, save energy for second ascent
- Bonus Seconds: 8, 5, 2 seconds available at summit
- Selection: Group reduces from 50+ to 20-30 riders
Second Ascent - The Decider
- First 500m: Explosive start on steepest section (10%+)
- Key Zone: 500m-1km mark where race is won/lost
- Final Kilometer: Easier gradient but on tired legs
- Timing: Attack too early = blow up, too late = miss opportunity
Can You Climb Mûr-de-Bretagne Like a Pro?
Professional riders need 6.5-7.0 W/kg for this climb. Calculate your power-to-weight ratio with our cycling power calculator.
Climb Challenge: If you can sustain 6.0+ W/kg, you could hang with the GC group on this legendary climb!
Stage 7 Puncheur Stakes
High-Stakes GC Battle
Yellow Jersey Impact: High probability of change - bonus seconds and time gaps
- GC Contenders: Major players expected to fight for stage and time
- Bonus Seconds: 10, 6, 4 at finish + 8, 5, 2 on first ascent
- Time Gaps: 10-30 seconds possible between major GC riders
- Tactical Importance: Positioning for rest of Tour
Victory Predictions
Most Likely Winner Profile (65% probability)
Explosive Puncheur: Rider with 7.0+ W/kg short-burst power who can handle double ascent
Key Attributes: Excellent acceleration + tactical awareness + recovery between climbs
Power Profile: 320W sustained + 8.0+ W/kg explosive attacks
Top Puncheur Contenders
Mathieu van der Poel
Power: 8.5+ W/kg explosive
History: 2021 stage winner here
Probability: 30% stage win
Tadej Pogačar
Power: 7.5+ W/kg punchy
Motivation: Yellow jersey ambitions
Probability: 25% stage win
Julian Alaphilippe
Power: 7.8+ W/kg explosive
Specialty: Punchy climb expert
Probability: 20% stage win
Alternative Scenarios
- Early Break Success (15%): Breakaway survives if GC teams mark each other
- Small Group Sprint (70%): 8-15 riders contest final ascent
- Solo Victory (15%): Explosive attack on second ascent sticks
Tour de France Puncheur Specialists
Understanding different types of puncheurs helps predict who might excel on Mûr-de-Bretagne:
Explosive Puncheurs
- Mathieu van der Poel: 8.5+ W/kg explosive
- Wout van Aert: 8.0+ W/kg with sprint
- Julian Alaphilippe: 7.8+ W/kg attack specialist
GC Puncheurs
- Tadej Pogačar: 7.5+ W/kg versatile
- Remco Evenepoel: 7.0+ W/kg tactical
- Jonas Vingegaard: 6.8+ W/kg efficiency
Stage Hunters
- Marc Hirschi: Perfect profile for this finish
- Benoit Cosnefroy: French puncheur specialist
- Matteo Jorgenson: American rising talent
Stage 7 Prediction: Expect explosive puncheurs and GC contenders to battle - perfect terrain for riders with 7.0+ W/kg short-burst power.
Fantasy Cycling Strategy
- Captain Pick: Mathieu van der Poel - 2021 winner with explosive power
- Value Pick: Julian Alaphilippe - punchy specialist at good odds
- Safe Option: Tadej Pogačar - consistent performer with yellow jersey motivation
- Differential: Marc Hirschi - perfect profile for double ascent finish
- Avoid: Pure sprinters and heavy climbers without punch
Budget Strategy: Target explosive puncheurs - this stage rewards short-burst power over sustained climbing
Puncheur Sports Science Analysis
Stage 7 Physiological Demands
- VO2 Max: 78-85 ml/kg/min for explosive puncheur efforts
- Body Weight: 65-72kg optimal for punchy climbing power
- Muscle Fiber: High Type II composition for explosive efforts
- Anaerobic Capacity: Superior lactate tolerance for repeated efforts
- Neuromuscular Power: Rapid force development crucial
Train Like the Puncheurs
To excel on puncheur stages like Stage 7, focus on these key training elements:
- Short Intervals: 8x30sec all-out efforts with 4min recovery
- Double Ascent Simulation: 2x3min at 7+ W/kg with 10min recovery
- Explosive Starts: 10x10sec max sprints from rolling start
- Lactate Tolerance: 4x4min at 110% FTP with 6min recovery
- Tactical Training: Practice attacks and responses in group rides
Test your puncheur potential with our anaerobic power test and neuromuscular power assessment.
Puncheur Stage Nutrition Strategy
High-Intensity Fueling
- Carbohydrate Intake: 60-80g per hour for sustained power
- Pre-Climb Prep: Fast-acting carbs 15 minutes before finale
- Caffeine Strategy: 200mg dose 45 minutes before first ascent
- Hydration: 600-800ml per hour with electrolyte replacement
- Recovery Protocol: Immediate refuel between ascents if possible
Double Ascent Nutrition
- First Ascent: Maintain steady fueling, don't overconsume
- Between Climbs: Small amount of fast carbs if stomach can handle
- Second Ascent: Rely on glycogen stores and mental focus
- Post-Stage: Immediate protein + carb recovery within 30 minutes
Learn more about high-intensity nutrition and caffeine strategies for cycling.
Similar Puncheur Stages
If you enjoyed this puncheur stage analysis, check out these other explosive finishes in the 2025 Tour:
- Stage 2: Lauwin-Planque to Boulogne-sur-Mer - Punchy coastal finish
- Stage 4: Amiens to Rouen - Steep ramp finish in final 5km
- Stage 11: Toulouse loop - Punchy circuit race
Puncheur Strategy: These explosive stages often decide stage wins and can create time gaps in GC!
Historic Mûr-de-Bretagne Moments
- 2021: Mathieu van der Poel's emotional victory and yellow jersey
- 2015: Alexis Vuillermoz's perfectly timed AG2R victory
- 2011: Cadel Evans vs Alberto Contador epic battle
- 1947: First Tour appearance in 139km time trial stage
Related Pages
- Tour de France 2025 Complete Guide - All stages and analysis
- Tour de France Winners List - Historical champions
- Anaerobic Power Test - Explosive power assessment
- Sprint Power Test - Neuromuscular measurement
- High-Intensity Nutrition - Fueling for explosive efforts
- Puncheur Training - Build explosive climbing power
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