Tour de France 2025: Challenging Stage 15 from Muret to Carcassonne
Overview of Stage 15 of the Tour de France 2025 from Muret to Carcassonne.
Key Points
- • Stage 15 runs 169.3 km with an elevation gain of 2,400 meters.
- • Includes two third-category and one second-category climbs.
- • The route begins flat but ends with a downhill to Carcassonne.
- • Carcassonne is noted for historic race moments, including Bourlon's 1947 breakaway.
The 15th stage of the Tour de France 2025, taking place on July 20, features a journey from Muret to Carcassonne, covering a distance of 169.3 kilometers with a significant elevation gain of 2,400 meters. This stage is expected to challenge the riders with a combination of flat sections and demanding climbs, including two third-category climbs at the Côte de la Saint-Ferréol and Côte de la Sorèze, and a strenuous second-category climb at Pas de Sant.
Beginning with a relatively easy 70 kilometers, the route then shifts to more rugged terrain, especially highlighted by the Pas de Sant climb, which measures 2.9 kilometers with an average gradient of 10.2%. Cyclists should be prepared for a rise that continues over a slight incline for an additional 10 kilometers before easing into a downhill ride towards Carcassonne. This flat stretch also brings the potential for crosswinds that could complicate the peloton's organization.
Carcassonne is historically significant in the Tour, known for hosting memorable events like Albert Bourlon's remarkable breakaway in 1947, where he maintained a 16-minute lead over his competitors after an impressive solo effort of 253 kilometers. In more recent history, Mark Cavendish celebrated his 34th Tour victory here in 2021, equalling Eddy Merckx's record for career stage wins. With 167 cyclists expected to take part this year, the stage promises to be a thrilling mix of tactics and endurance.