The 2025 Tour de France continues with a gruelling Stage 16, a mountain test that could prove decisive in the battle for the yellow jersey. This year's route takes riders through some of the most iconic climbs in the Alps, promising high drama and breathtaking racing.
Stage 16 Route Overview
Starting in the picturesque town of Bourg-en-Bresse, the peloton will face a 179km journey through the French Alps, finishing atop the legendary Col du Galibier. The stage includes four categorised climbs, with the final ascent to Galibier (2,642m) likely to be the battleground for the general classification contenders.
Key Climbs to Watch
- Col de la Madeleine (25.3km at 6.2%) - The first major test of the day, this HC climb will stretch the peloton early.
- Col du Télégraphe (11.9km at 7.1%) - A traditional warm-up for the Galibier, often used as a launchpad for attacks.
- Col du Galibier (17.7km at 6.9%) - The queen climb of the stage, where the yellow jersey could be won or lost.
Tactical Considerations
With just one week remaining in the race, teams will need to balance aggression with conservation. The long descents offer opportunities for daring riders to gain time, while the thin air at altitude could favour climbers like Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard.
Weather may also play a factor, with afternoon thunderstorms common in the Alps during July. Crosswinds in the valley approaches could split the peloton before the climbs even begin.
Predicted Stage Winners
This is prime territory for the GC contenders, but don't count out specialist climbers looking for a stage win. Watch for:
- Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) - The Slovenian star excels in high mountains.
- Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma-Lease a Bike) - Defending champion knows how to pace these climbs.
- Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) - Olympic champion could surprise on this terrain.
The action begins at 12:30 BST, with the finish expected around 16:45. Don't miss what could be the most exciting stage of the 2025 Tour!
