Challenging Route and Rider Aspirations: Previewing Stage 20 of the 2025 Tour de France

The 20th stage of the Tour de France is set to take place on Saturday, July 26, 2025, stretching from Nantua to Pontarlier. This crucial stage, which comes just ahead of the iconic final stage in Paris, features a tough route known for its challenging terrain, including significant climbs at col de la Croix de la Serra and côte de Thésy. These demanding sections are located around 60 kilometers from the finish line, which could test the riders' endurance and strategy as they approach the race's conclusion.

Currently, Tadej Pogacar holds a substantial lead in the general classification with a 4-minute and 24-second advantage over his nearest competitor, Jonas Vingegaard. This comfortable margin suggests that significant changes in the overall standings are unlikely, reinforcing Pogacar's strong position heading into the final stretch of the Tour.

However, the stage is particularly important for riders like Julian Alaphilippe, who is highly motivated to secure his first stage win in this year's edition. Alaphilippe's ambitions reflect the competitive spirit that underpins the Tour, where personal victories are just as significant as overall standings.

Fans can catch all the action of Stage 20, beginning at 12:05 PM, through multiple broadcasting platforms including France 2, France 3, and Eurosport 1, with live commentary also available on leparisien.fr. This mixture of challenging terrain and personal aspirations promises an engaging spectacle for viewers as competitors tackle the final legs of this prestigious race.