2025 Étape du Tour Cyclo: Route Analysis

During the official presentation of the 2025 Tour de France, the organizer ASO unveiled the route for the 2025 Étape du Tour Cyclo. This 33rd edition will once again take place in the majestic setting of the Alps. On Sunday, July 20, 2025, over 16,000 amateur cyclists will set off to ride from Albertville to La Plagne. This challenging course will traverse the Beaufortain and Tarentaise mountain ranges, offering participants an exceptional challenge that we will examine together.

‍

Profile and key climbs of the route

The route from Albertville to La Plagne spans 131 km and features an impressive 4,500 meters of elevation gain. This intense, compact format includes five major climbs:

• Côte d’Héry-sur-Ugine (1004 m) – from Ugine.
• Col des Saisies (1650 m) – via Crest-Voland.
• Col du Pré (1748 m) – from Beaufort.
• Cormet de Roselend (1968 m) – from the Roselend Lake.
• La Plagne ascent (2052 m) – from Aime.

The full GPS route and GPX file are available for download to aid in your preparation.

Route analysis of the 2025 Étape du Tour Cyclo

Starting in Albertville, amateur cyclists will embark on a challenging 2025 Étape du Tour. This intense route features no fewer than five major climbs before reaching the finish line at the summit of La Plagne. Covering 131 km with nearly 4,500 m of elevation gain, this compact yet demanding format promises to be explosive.

As with the previous edition, the challenges follow one another without respite, leaving little room for recovery in the valleys. The final ascent to La Plagne, long and grueling, will be a true test of endurance and is likely to push riders to their limits.

For now, the return route proposed by the organizers has yet to be confirmed. However, it should be possible to cycle back to Albertville via Moûtiers and the Tarentaise Valley, covering an estimated 60 km with 250 m of elevation gain.

The Héry-sur-Ugine climb: a first ascent to warm up

Albertville will once again be in the spotlight as the starting town, just as it was for the 2019 edition. The route begins with a gently rising section along the Arly River towards Ugine. After about 9 kilometers at an average gradient of 1%, cyclists will reach the base of the first climb: the Héry-sur-Ugine slope.

This ascent, 11 kilometers long with an average gradient of 5%, is relatively accessible. The gradient rarely exceeds 6%, allowing participants to find their rhythm and position themselves well from the very start of the event.

‍

A short 3 km descent leads directly to the foot of the second climb, Col des Saisies.

The Col des Saisies: a longer and more irregular climb

This 13.7 km ascent, with an average gradient of 6.4%, is longer and more irregular than the first climb. Right from the start, steep gradients await cyclists, including 2.5 km at 9%, followed by a short 500 m flat section at 4%, before resuming between 7% and 8% all the way to Crest-Voland.

After passing through the village, the climb continues on an open road where temperatures may rise by midday. Four kilometers at nearly 8% precede a recovery section of 1.5 km. Finally, the last two kilometers at 6.5% lead to the summit of the Col des Saisies, located at the entrance of the ski station, perched at 1658 m.

‍

Col des Saisies

‍

The final 2 km at 6.5% lead to the summit at 1658 m, making it essential to pace yourself and stay hydrated, as the harder challenges lie ahead.

The Col du Pré and Cormet de Roselend combination

From the Saisies, a descent along a wide road with no major technical challenges will quickly lead you to the charming village of Beaufort. At kilometer 57, with almost no transition, it will be time to tackle one of the most demanding sections of the course: the Col du Pré, spanning 12 km with an average gradient of 8%.

The descent to the Roselend dam provides a brief respite before tackling the last 6 km of the Cormet de Roselend, at 6.3% gradient, leading to its 1968 m summit. At this stage, cyclists will have already accumulated nearly 3,100 m of elevation gain.

The final ascent to La Plagne: the key segment and ultimate challenge of the 2025 Étape du Tour Cyclo

Cyclists who participated in the 2019 Étape du Tour will likely recognize the descent from the Cormet de Roselend to Bourg-Saint-Maurice. The first section is fast, allowing for high speeds, while the second becomes more technical, with numerous turns through forested areas.

Once in Bourg-Saint-Maurice, riders will enter the Tarentaise Valley for a transitional segment of 10 km on a gentle downhill slope along a wide road. Use this section to refuel and conserve your energy, as the final challenge still lies ahead.

‍

‍

At the entrance to the village of Aime, at kilometer 113, you will leave the main road to begin the final climb toward the La Plagne ski station. A challenging 19-kilometer ascent with an average gradient of 7% awaits to conclude this Étape du Tour. The gradients are relatively steady, ranging between 7% and 8%, with occasional stretches reaching 9%. With no significant flat sections, it will be essential to pace yourself from the start, especially given the hours of riding already behind you.

With a total elevation gain of 1430 m, this final climb to La Plagne will be a true test of endurance. Managing your effort carefully will once again be the key to successfully completing this stage of the 2025 Tour de France Étape.

‍

Take on the 2025 Étape du Tour challenge

With its demanding climbs, breathtaking Alpine scenery, and the unique atmosphere of the Étape du Tour, this edition promises to be unforgettable. Prepare for an extraordinary cycling adventure where every pedal stroke brings you closer to achievement.

Ready to rise to the challenge? Book your spot now and gear up for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Alps.

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍