Tour de France 12th Stage Marks Start of Mountain Battles

12th stage of the Tour de France marks the start of mountain stages with key rivalries and broadcast details.

Key Points

  • • The 12th stage runs from Auch to Hautacam, starting at 1:30 PM.
  • • Live coverage will be provided by Figaro, France 3, and France 2.
  • • Nick Raudenski is leading efforts to combat fraud in cycling.
  • • The rivalry between Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogacar intensifies as mountain stages begin.

The 12th stage of the Tour de France, taking place on July 17, 2025, heralds the beginning of the mountain phases, featuring a challenging route from Auch to Hautacam. The race is to commence at 1:30 PM in Gers, where significant shifts in the general classification are anticipated due to the demanding terrain. Viewers can tune into live commentary available on the Figaro website and on channels France 3 and France 2.

This stage is crucial as it emphasizes the logistical challenges faced by the Tour de France organizers, who are diligently managing accommodations to ensure fair conditions for all teams. This complexity underscores the importance of maintaining equity throughout this prestigious event.

Highlighting the integrity of the competition, Nick Raudenski, a former anti-terrorism operative, is spearheading initiatives to combat technological fraud in cycling, reinforcing the commitment to a fair and honest race.

The Tour is also witnessing notable figures from its history, such as former world champion Laurent Brochard, who is eager for a reunion with Richard Virenque, reflecting the close-knit nature of the cycling community.

Interestingly, the article discusses potential future trends in cycling, indicating that the rise of punchers may lead to a decline in traditional sprint stages, which could reshape the sport's dynamics. Additionally, the race is characterized by the rivalry between Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogacar, with many speculating Vingegaard's ability to challenge Pogacar as the race intensifies during these mountain stages.

As the competitors gear up for the challenges ahead, the dynamics of this stage are set to significantly influence the outcome of the Tour de France.