Stage 16: Montpellier > Mont Ventoux (July 22)

2025 TOUR DE FRANCE STAGE 16

Stage 16: Montpellier → Mont Ventoux · 172 km · ≈ 2,950 m+

It’s arrived once again: the Giant of Provence. Undoubtedly one of the most fun days of the entire Tour de France whenever it’s featured.

The peloton departs from vibrant Montpellier, weaving through picturesque southern vineyards before heading north towards Bédoin, the legendary gateway to the daunting slopes of Mont Ventoux. This iconic ascent spans 15.7 kilometers at an average gradient of 8.8%, opening fiercely with the first three kilometers through dense forest averaging nearly 10%, then emerging onto the famous, barren upper slopes near Chalet Reynard.

Montpellier is steeped in history, with Roman aqueducts, medieval ramparts, and a lively cultural scene. It provides a scenic and energetic send-off for riders who face one of cycling’s most revered climbs, Mont Ventoux. Known as the "Giant of Provence," Ventoux returns to the Tour as a full summit finish for the first time since 2013.

Stage 16 accumulates around 2,950 meters of climbing, but the day's main drama centers entirely around Ventoux itself. Early flat terrain will likely limit the breakaway’s chances, ensuring a tightly controlled peloton arrives at the mountain's base ready to battle. This ascent is infamous for its relentless grade, extreme weather conditions, and stark lunar landscape.

The slopes of Mont Ventoux favor pure climbers and riders with deep reserves of strength and resilience. Expect GC contenders Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard to launch critical attacks, likely in the open expanses above Chalet Reynard. Remco Evenepoel, always a threat on steep, sustained climbs, will aim to disrupt the top riders with his trademark explosiveness.

KOM contenders will eye Ventoux hungrily, as significant points await at the summit. If allowed into the early break, climbers such as Wout Poels or Ben O’Connor may seize the opportunity to bolster their polka-dot ambitions. However, with the GC riders fighting fiercely, those hopes could fade as the elite climbers assert their dominance.

Mont Ventoux has the power to reshape a Tour. It’s a mountain that tests character as much as it tests legs, where riders battle against gravity, rivals, and their own limitations. A victory atop Ventoux could mean the yellow jersey, a secure KOM lead, or the turning point in an epic rivalry.

Expect drama, unforgettable images, and possibly decisive gaps on Stage 16. It is a day built for legends, where the strongest rise above the rest on one of cycling’s greatest stages.

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COMMENTS FROM RACE DIRECTOR CHRISTIAN PRUDHOMME - STAGE 16:

“The unusual geographical configuration of the “Giant of Provence” often makes it the only difficulty of the day. The route is quite straightforward to begin with, crossing the departments of Hérault, Gard and Vaucluse. Here, the riders will reach the road where the contest between the favourites could become a demonstration. Between the village of Bédoin and the observatory overlooking the finish line, there are 15.7km of ascent, averaging 8.7%... and chances to attack at absolutely every point.” (Tour de France Stage 16).

KOM Corner

Official post-race summary for Stage 16 (from letour.fr)