Tour de France 2025 Begins with Challenging Climbs, Top Contenders Set

The 2025 Tour de France, beginning July 5 in Lille, promises a thrilling and grueling contest featuring top contenders like defending champion Tadej Pogačar, Jonas Vingegaard, and Remco Evenepoel. The route, entirely within France for the first time since 2020, includes some of cycling's most iconic and brutal climbs such as Mont Ventoux, Hautacam, Superbagneres, Col de la Madeleine, and the highest point at Col de la Loze, challenging riders with 68 categorized ascents. Rising stars like Florian Lipowitz and Kévin Vauquelin are also attracting attention, with Lipowitz showing strong form against top rivals and Vauquelin delivering impressive performances in recent races. Key stages include early mountain tests that could shake up the general classification, particularly in the Pyrenees and the Alps, with tactical battles expected on punchy climbs and time trials. The race will also feature dramatic moments on climbs like the Mûr de Bretagne and the Côte de Saint Étienne au Mont, which have reputations for causing significant GC shifts. Fans should watch seven critical stages across varied terrain, from sprinter-friendly openers to summit finishes, ensuring a captivating three weeks of racing.