Tour de France 2025: Stage 16 Set for a Tough Test at Mont Ventoux
The sixteenth stage of the Tour de France 2025 will test climbers with a grueling ascent to Mont Ventoux.
Key Points
- • The stage covers 171.5 kilometers from Montpellier to Mont Ventoux.
- • Key climb features a 15.7 km ascent with an 8.8% average gradient.
- • Tadej Pogacar is favored to win, while Lenny Martinez aims to secure the polka dot jersey.
- • Live broadcast available on France 2, France 3, and Eurosport starting at noon.
The sixteenth stage of the Tour de France 2025, taking place on July 22, will challenge riders with its 171.5-kilometer route from Montpellier to the iconic Mont Ventoux, famed for its steep climbs and scenic vistas. This stage marks a pivotal point in the competition, setting the tone for a week filled with demanding alpine challenges.
The stage begins with a flat stretch covering nearly 150 kilometers before the competitors face the grueling ascent of Mont Ventoux at kilometer 155.7. The climb is categorized as hors catégorie, featuring a daunting 15.7 kilometers at an average gradient of 8.8%, making it one of the toughest tests of endurance in the race. Key sections of the final climb will see gradients exceed 9.2%, creating potential for major shifts in the overall standings, especially under the forecast of sweltering heat expected that day.
Tadej Pogacar, currently leading the general classification and wearing the yellow jersey, is a strong favorite for this stage. He is expected to capitalize on his climbing strengths. Lenny Martinez, who holds the polka dot jersey for best climber, will need a robust performance to secure his position during this challenging ascent. In any case, with the climb being particularly treacherous, it’s anticipated to be a decisive moment in the race.
The event will start with a fictitious departure at 12:10 PM local time, followed by the real race launch at 12:40 PM. The expected finish time at the summit of Mont Ventoux is around 4:57 PM, aiming for an average speed of about 40 km/h. Fans can catch all the action live on France 2 and France 3, as well as full coverage on Eurosport.
Montpellier is not just the starting point for this stage; it is a city rich in sporting history, having hosted the Tour de France 33 times. Mont Ventoux, on the other hand, is infused with literary and cultural significance, making it a revered landmark not only in cycling but in French culture as a whole. As the competitors prepare for this exhilarating challenge, cycling enthusiasts eagerly anticipate how the stage will influence the race's overall outcome.