Stage 14: Pau > Superbagnères (July 19)

2025 TOUR DE FRANCE STAGE 14

Stage 14: Pau → Luchon Superbagnères · 182.6 km · ≈ 5,573 m+

This stage showcases the Pyrenees at their fiercest. From Pau, the riders immediately tackle the Col du Tourmalet, an HC giant climbing 19 km at 7.4% and featuring the prestigious Souvenir Jacques Goddet at its summit. After descending, riders face Col d’Aspin (5 km at 7.6%) and Col de Peyresourde (7.1 km at 7.8%), setting the stage for the final brutal ascent. The home stretch climbs 12.4 km averaging 7.3%, with steep ramps exceeding 10%, finishing at the Superbagnères ski station at 1,804 m.

Pau is a historic gateway to the Pyrenees, renowned for its Château de Pau, birthplace of King Henry IV. The city frequently hosts dramatic starts to decisive mountain stages. After 36 years, Superbagnères returns to the Tour, refreshed by modern infrastructure, including a new access road and gondola linking the resort to Bagnères-de-Luchon below.

With nearly 5,600 meters of vertical climbing packed into less than 183 kilometers, the rhythm will be relentless. Tourmalet will stretch the peloton immediately, then Aspin and Peyresourde will further drain riders before the decisive climb to Superbagnères. This day isn’t just about climbing; it's an epic test of endurance and tactics deep in the Pyrenees.

Pure climbers will come to the fore on these long, demanding ascents. Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogačar will likely duel aggressively, seeking valuable GC seconds. Remco Evenepoel, explosive on steep gradients, may risk everything for a significant advantage or stage glory. Expect attacks from French stage-hunters like David Gaudu or the veteran Thibaut Pinot, both capable of seizing opportunities if top GC teams hesitate.

KOM competition could see significant developments today, with points available at each summit. Tourmalet alone offers 20 crucial points, while Superbagnères rewards maximum points for an HC finish. Riders such as Wout Poels and Ben O’Connor might aggressively target these climbs early, but GC contenders will also be eyeing critical points to improve their standings.

Expect relentless drama throughout this iconic mountain stage. Attacks will unfold across every climb, creating decisive gaps and reshaping the overall standings. Stage 14 is a definitive day, rich in history and poised to deliver one of the most memorable moments of the 2025 Tour.

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COMMENTS FROM RACE DIRECTOR CHRISTIAN PRUDHOMME - STAGE 14:

“The route today is modelled on the stage from the 1986 edition, which also took place on the 14th day of racing. The ascent to the Tourmalet via Luz-Saint-Sauveur (19km at 7.4%) is the least travelled by the Tour, as is the case for the route to the Col d’Aspin via Payolle (5km at 7.6%). However, this stage is essentially all about the race’s reunion with the ultra-demanding climb to Superbagnères (12.4km, 7.5%), where the changes in gradient are likely to trigger a pitched battle between the favourites.” (Tour de France Stage 14).

KOM Corner

Official post-race summary for Stage 14 (from letour.fr)