2025 Tour de France: Top Contenders and Key Stages to Watch

The 2025 Tour de France is set to be one of the most challenging editions in recent years, with a route heavy on climbs and two major time trials that will test the endurance of top cyclists. With the race months away, fans are already speculating about the favorites who will compete for the coveted yellow jersey. Here’s a closer look at the route’s defining features and the top contenders expected to battle it out in July.

 

The Route: What’s New for 2025?

The 2025 route focuses on high-altitude challenges, with a unique blend of five summit finishes and two time trials. This setup will make the race a true test of versatility and strength, favoring riders who can dominate both in the mountains and against the clock.

• Mountain Stages: The Tour will take on five brutal summit finishes, including iconic peaks like Mont Ventoux and Hautacam, demanding powerful climbing skills.
• Time Trials: The race features a 33km time trial in the first week and an 11km mountain time trial at Peyragudes, where every second will count.

Top Contenders for the Yellow Jersey

1.Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates): Leading Favorite

Three-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar is the leading favorite to win the 2025 Tour. Known for his prowess in both climbing and time trials, Pogačar’s success last season saw him dominate the 2024 Tour with six stage wins and a comfortable overall victory. He’s expected to lead the field once again, barring any unforeseen challenges.

• 2024 Achievements: Claimed the yellow jersey along with victories at Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Giro d'Italia.
• Challenges Ahead: With such a mountainous route, Pogačar’s rivals will be keen to put his skills to the test, particularly in the tougher climbs.

 

2. Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike): The Main Challenger

Jonas Vingegaard, a two-time champion, is the most likely competitor to challenge Pogačar. Known for his strength in high-altitude stages, Vingegaard’s history of consistent performances on climbs makes him a serious contender, despite setbacks in 2024.

• Key Strengths: Especially strong on mountain routes like Col de la Loze.
• Focus for 2025: A smooth preparation period will be essential for Vingegaard to compete at his best.

 

3. Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep): Rising Star

Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel is another name to watch. Evenepoel impressed in his Tour debut, finishing third and claiming the white jersey. However, to truly challenge for the yellow jersey, he’ll need to improve his performance in the mountains.

• 2024 Highlights: Claimed a stage victory in the first week’s time trial.
• Room for Growth: Further development in mountain stages could close the gap with riders like Pogačar and Vingegaard.

4. Primož Roglič (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe): Veteran Contender

Primož Roglič enters the 2025 Tour with high hopes following wins at the Vuelta a España and Critérium du Dauphiné in 2024. However, his 2024 Tour was cut short due to crashes. Avoiding misfortune will be crucial for Roglič to aim for a podium spot.

• 2024 Successes: Titles at Vuelta and Dauphiné.
• Challenge for 2025: Keeping his health intact through the Tour’s grueling stages.

 

Notable Super-Domestiques and Supporting Riders

Alongside these main competitors, a strong roster of support riders is expected to make an impact. Often known as “super-domestiques,” these talented cyclists back their team leaders while securing high placements of their own.

• Riders to Watch: João Almeida and Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates), Mikel Landa (Soudal-QuickStep), and Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike).
• Roles and Potential: With experience supporting top cyclists, these riders could end up in top-10 positions themselves.

 

Other Top-10 Contenders

Ben O'Connor (Jayco-AlUla)

Ben O’Connor, now with Jayco-AlUla, brings strong climbing skills and a promising track record, making him a strong candidate for a top-10 finish.

• Key Results: Fourth at the Giro and second at the Vuelta in 2024.
• Outlook for 2025: Likely to secure a top-10 spot with a chance to exceed expectations.

 

Enric Mas (Movistar)

Known for his steady racing style, Enric Mas has delivered multiple top placements in Grand Tours. Though he may not challenge for the yellow jersey, his consistency makes him a reliable choice for the top 10.

 

Carlos Rodríguez (Ineos Grenadiers)

A young talent from Ineos Grenadiers, Carlos Rodríguez finished strong in both the Tour and Vuelta in 2024. He’s Ineos’ best hope for a future podium finish.

 

Derek Gee (Israel-Premier Tech)

David Gaudu stands as France’s hope for a strong Tour finish. Having secured top-10 placements in previous years, Gaudu will aim to represent French cycling with pride in 2025.

 

FAQs About the 2025 Tour de France

Who is the favorite to win the 2025 Tour de France?
Currently, Tadej Pogačar is the top favorite for 2025 after a dominant 2024 season.

What are the key stages in the 2025 Tour de France?
Key stages include summit finishes on Mont Ventoux and Hautacam and time trials early in the race and in the Pyrenees.

Who are other top contenders?
Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel are expected to challenge Pogačar, while veteran Primož Roglič remains a threat if he avoids crashes.

The 2025 Tour de France is set to showcase epic battles among the world’s best cyclists, promising fans an unforgettable summer of racing.