Tadej Pogačar, one of the most formidable contenders in cycling today, has shared his initial thoughts on the 2025 Tour de France route, calling it “pretty brutal” yet clearly appealing to his taste for challenging courses. Pogačar’s excitement comes from the demanding profile that will define the upcoming edition, featuring multiple high-altitude finishes and a particularly mountainous route that plays to his strengths. The challenging nature of this route reflects the organizers’ intention to create a thrilling battle for the yellow jersey, where climbers like Pogačar will have multiple opportunities to showcase their skills and endurance.
The 2025 Tour de France is set to introduce a series of grueling mountain stages with finishes at some of the most iconic summits in the cycling world, reminiscent of the 2024 edition but with added intensity. Key mountain ranges like the Alps and the Pyrenees are packed into the three-week schedule, and several stages will finish above 2,000 meters, where altitude becomes an additional factor. This layout is expected to favor climbers over sprinters or time-trial specialists, tilting the odds toward versatile riders like Pogačar who thrive in high-altitude, steep-climb scenarios.
One stage that has caught particular attention is the high-stakes summit finish on Alpe d’Huez. Known for its grueling 21 hairpin turns, Alpe d’Huez promises to be one of the most defining stages, likely to separate the GC (General Classification) leaders from the rest of the peloton. Riders who excel in long, punishing climbs, such as Pogačar, will have a unique advantage here. Beyond Alpe d’Huez, the route features multiple back-to-back mountain stages, creating minimal recovery time between the climbs, which could see riders struggling to maintain energy levels. These sequences are expected to expose any weaknesses in a rider’s stamina and team support, which Pogačar has expressed excitement to tackle.
Aside from the mountain stages, the route also includes limited time trials, a factor that could work in Pogačar’s favor. With less emphasis on flat time-trialling, where specialists like Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel typically excel, the focus will shift to endurance, climbing prowess, and tactical racing. This format aligns well with Pogačar’s skill set, giving him a strong opportunity to make his mark.
Despite the enthusiasm, Pogačar acknowledges the challenges posed by this “brutal” route. He emphasizes the importance of strategic pacing and team support, noting that his UAE Team Emirates squad will play a crucial role in navigating the harsh terrain and providing backup in critical moments. Team support in the mountains will be especially vital, as the steep gradients and high altitudes are expected to test every rider’s limits.
Ultimately, the 2025 Tour route seems designed for a rider like Pogačar who thrives in high-altitude climbs and intense stages. It promises to deliver a thrilling spectacle for fans, with unpredictable twists and potential surprises. The grueling nature of this year’s course will place extreme demands on each contender, pushing even the most seasoned cyclists to their physical and mental limits. For Pogačar, it’s a chance to once again prove his dominance on one of the world’s most prestigious cycling stages.