Tour de France 2025 Stage 4 Challenges Riders with Five Climbs Amiens, Rouen

Stage 4 of the 2025 Tour de France features a challenging 174-kilometer hilly route to Rouen with five categorised climbs in the final 50 kilometers, including the steep Saint-Hilare Ramp, which is expected to wear down the riders and set the stage for an intense battle among general classification contenders. Dutch cyclist Mathieu van der Poel maintains the yellow jersey with a narrow lead as the peloton navigates the punchy parcours and potential crosswinds that could cause splits and shake up the race. The previous stage was marked by a chaotic sprint finish where Belgium's Tim Merlier claimed victory, while one of the favorites, Jasper Philipsen, crashed at high speed and was forced to abandon the race due to a shoulder injury. The route's classic-style configuration favors breakaway specialists and puncheurs, with key climbs such as the Jacques Anquetil, Belbeuf, Bonsecours, and GrandMare adding to the tactical complexity. Riders and team captains face significant challenges positioning themselves for the demanding finale, reminiscent of historic Tour moments, although the current era sees fewer dramatic final-day upsets. Fans can follow the live coverage and highlights on various platforms including ITV4, TNT Sports, and Discovery+.