The Queen Stage of the 2025 Tour de France: Vif to Courchevel-Col de la Loze
The 2025 Tour de France is shaping up to be a truly epic event, and all eyes are on the queen stage, the 18th, which will take riders from Vif to Courchevel-Col de la Loze. This demanding mountain stage, scheduled for July 23rd, 2025, promises to be a decisive day in the race for the yellow jersey, featuring a formidable climb to the Col de la Loze, the highest point of this year’s Grande Boucle.
France Info recently shed light on the details of this crucial stage, offering a glimpse into the challenges that await the peloton. The route will begin in Vif, a charming commune in the Isère department, and wind its way through the stunning Alpine landscape. While the exact route details and timings are still being finalized, the highlight of the stage is undoubtedly the ascent to the Col de la Loze.
The Col de la Loze: The Roof of the Tour
Reaching an altitude of 2,304 meters, the Col de la Loze has earned its reputation as the “toit du Tour” (roof of the Tour). This formidable climb, first introduced to the Tour de France in 2020, is known for its sustained difficulty and spectacular panoramic views. Riders will face significant gradients, testing their endurance and climbing prowess to the absolute limit. The strategic importance of this ascent cannot be overstated, as it is highly likely to create significant time gaps and potentially decide the overall winner of the 2025 Tour de France.
What to Expect on the 18th Stage:
- Challenging Terrain: The stage is designed to be a true test of a cyclist’s mettle, with significant elevation gain and demanding climbs throughout.
- The Decisive Climb: The ascent to the Col de la Loze will be the defining feature of the day, a grueling battle against gravity and fatigue.
- Spectacular Scenery: As riders conquer the Alps, they will be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges, adding another dimension to this already enthralling stage.
- Strategic Importance: This stage is poised to be a pivotal moment in the race, where GC contenders will have the opportunity to make their mark and potentially secure their victory.
While the official start times and a detailed route profile will be released closer to the event, the announcement of the Vif to Courchevel-Col de la Loze stage has undoubtedly ignited excitement among cycling enthusiasts. This queen stage promises to deliver a dramatic and unforgettable day of racing, showcasing the incredible athleticism of the world’s best cyclists as they tackle the majestic French Alps. Fans can look forward to a truly memorable spectacle as the 2025 Tour de France unfolds.
AI has delivered the news.
The answer to the following question is obtained from Google Gemini.
France Info published ‘Tour de France 2025 : profil, horaires, le toit du Tour pour l’étape reine… La 18e étape entre Vif et Courchevel-Col de la Loze en questions’ at 2025-07-23 15:42. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.