This year, Best Bike Split takes our performance modeling further than ever before with advanced AI-driven, in-depth stage analysis. All 21 stages have been meticulously modeled, and we’ll continually update predictions with the latest weather data as each stage approaches.
Additionally, both free and premium members can experience each day's unique challenges firsthand, with custom stage-by-stage workouts ready to upload directly into Zwift or your favorite training app — giving you a true feel for the demands faced by the pros, but adjusted to your own FTP.
Key Stage Highlights
Stage 5 / Caen Individual Time Trial (32.86 km / Jul 9)
The first significant GC shake-up comes via a flat, wind-exposed 32.86 km loop through Normandy farmland. Big engines like Filippo Ganna and Remco Evenepoel will relish this stage, but GC contenders such as Pogacar and Vingegaard can't afford to give away more than a handful of seconds. Typical July weather hovers around 24°C with a steady 24 kph sea breeze, making pacing critical on the headwind return into Caen.
Stage 12 / Auch to Hautacam (187 km / Jul 17)
The race's first major Pyrenean summit finish climbs to Hautacam - 21.7 km and averaging 7.8% - after rolling through Gers and Bigorre regions. Historically, the winner here usually finishes the Tour on the podium, if not in Yellow. We've talked to multiple Tour insiders who point to nutrition as a key differentiator this year, with top GC contenders reportedly consuming upwards of 180 grams of carbs per hour—effectively double the traditional rule of thumb for most athletes. If riders appear to have infinite energy scaling these massive climbs, it might be because, nutritionally speaking, they almost do. Expect temperatures in the mid-20s°C at the start, dropping to 15°C at the summit, with a risk of late-afternoon mountain storms.
Stage 13 / Loudenvielle to Peyragudes Mountain ITT (10.86 km / Jul 18)
A grueling uphill individual time trial climbing 2,133 ft to Peyragudes Altiport, hitting gradients of up to 13% on the final runway. This pure watt-per-kilo challenge favors climbing specialists and lighter time-trialists, giving Remco Evenepoel a prime opportunity for stage victory. Pogacar and the other GC contenders will need to stay in contact and limit any losses to Evenepoel. Expect warm temperatures at the valley start (low 20s°C), cooling to 15°C with gusty conditions at the summit.
Stage 14 / Pau to Luchon-Superbagnères (190 km / Jul 19)
Classic Pyrenean brutality returns with iconic climbs: the Col du Tourmalet, Col d'Aspin, Col de Peyresourde, and a tough 7% finish above Luchon. Long-range attacks from strong climbers are likely, and any GC contender left isolated here may see their podium hopes evaporate. Weather should be humid at the start in Pau (around 26°C), cooling to about 18°C at altitude.
Stage 16 / Montpellier to Mont Ventoux (184 km / Jul 23)
The legendary "Giant of Provence" is back as a pivotal test. Typically scorching conditions (around 32°C at the base, low-20s°C at the summit), combined with the infamous mistral wind (gusting up to 95 kph), could significantly alter GC standings. Adventurous riders like Pogacar or Vingegaard might attempt daring long-range attacks to put rivals under pressure.
Stage 18 / Vif to Courchevel Col de la Loze (176 km / Jul 24)
The queen stage features a punishing 176 km route climbing nearly 5500 meters, including the famed Col du Glandon, Col de la Madeleine, and finishing with savage ramps on the Col de la Loze—reaching gradients of 23% at over 2,286 meters elevation. Afternoon alpine storms are common (highs around 24°C in the valleys, dropping to 15°C at altitude), so fueling and gear management could prove decisive.
Stage 21 / Mantes-la-Ville to Paris Champs-Élysées (140 km / Jul 27)
The Tour concludes with a celebratory stage into Paris, covering 140 km. Three laps feature the short but punchy Montmartre climb (1.12 km at 5.9%) on cobbled roads, adding tactical intrigue before the traditional sprint finish on the iconic Champs-Élysées.
Time Trial Specialists to Watch
Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep)
Fresh off another Belgian National TT title at nearly 55 kph, Evenepoel targets Stage 5 and the uphill Stage 13 for critical GC gains. His enhanced climbing strength and established TT prowess position him ideally for these decisive tests.
Filippo Ganna (INEOS Grenadiers)
The multiple-time World TT Champion specifically targets victory in Stage 5’s flat, windy time trial. His immense raw power can create substantial early advantages before he transitions to a mountain support role for teammate Carlos Rodríguez.
Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates)
Improved aerodynamics will help Pogacar limit any losses on Stage 5’s flat time trial. His elite climbing ability and high watt-per-kilo output mean he’ll be highly competitive on the uphill Stage 13.
Jonas Vingegaard (Visma | Lease a Bike)
Typically solid in flat time trials, Vingegaard now benefits from a lighter Cervélo TT bike prototype. Expect him to minimize Stage 5 losses before capitalizing on high-altitude climbs in the Alps.
Primož Roglič (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe)
With a refined TT position developed at recent altitude training camps, Roglič targets limiting losses to under a minute in Stage 5. He’ll look for opportunities to secure bonus seconds through his punchy finishes in hilly stages.
GC Riders to Watch
Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates)
Entering the Tour after an impressive 17-win season, Pogacar brings a powerhouse UAE squad, including João Almeida and Adam Yates. His versatility in climbing, descending, and time-trialing makes him the clear favorite.
Jonas Vingegaard (Visma | Lease a Bike)
The two-time Tour champion has recovered form after spring injuries, preparing extensively with high-altitude camps. Anticipate calculated late-race attacks supported by teammates Wout van Aert and Simon Yates to challenge Pogacar’s dominance.
Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep)
The double Belgian TT champ and Olympic chrono gold medalist must prove endurance in high-mountain efforts. Expect aggressive early-stage racing as Evenepoel attempts to build a GC buffer before the toughest climbs.
Primož Roglič (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe)
Aiming for his ninth career Grand Tour podium, Roglič arrives with a squad focused on stage wins and tactical gains. Watch for him to capitalize if other GC favorites closely mark each other.
João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates)
Almeida is having his best season yet and will serve as Pogacar’s main lieutenant, though he remains a potent GC dark horse. Should chaos strike among the top riders, Almeida’s consistency could quietly move him into podium contention.
2025 Tour de France Stage Workouts
Experience each day's unique challenges firsthand, with custom stage-by-stage workouts ready to upload directly into Zwift or your favorite training app — giving you a true feel for the demands faced by the pros, but adjusted to your own FTP.
