Le Ventoux: strategic summit, judge of the peace, dynamiter of the general?

The 16ᵉ stage of the 2025 Tour de France: Montpellier - Mont Ventoux (171.5 km), promises a possible upset in the overall classification. With almost 3,000 m of positive ascent, this stage will be among the most demanding on the route.

The climb, starting in Aubignan and really climbing from Bédouin, accelerates from the Saint-Estève hairpin, then crosses the Chalet Reynard at 1,417 m. After a brief flat, the route leads to the famous 6 km "lunar zone", bare and swept by the mistral, where riders will suffer the wind without tree protection.

Technically classified as hors catégorie, this ascent brings together gradients of 7 to 10%, with portions up to 13% in the forest. Overheating, wind, fatigue: all conditions will be present to cause major gaps. The pure climbers could take off, while the leaders with a more versatile profile will have to defend their position. An offensive at Chalet Reynard or in the final lunar kilometers could propel an outsider into a temporary yellow jersey.

This stage could also reshuffle the cards for the polka-dot jersey.

To find out more about Mont Ventoux, its profile, and its full route => click here