Alpe d’Huez to return? Reports suggest the 2025 Tour de France will return to its most famous climb

According to Le Dauphiné, the 2025 Tour de France is set to bring back one of the most iconic stages in cycling—the climb to Alpe d’Huez. The legendary ascent, a fan-favourite and a true test of grit for the riders, has not been part of the Tour since 2022, when Tom Pidcock delivered a stunning solo victory. The 2025 edition of the Tour will run from July 5th to July 27th, and with its return to Alpe d’Huez, anticipation is building for what could be a defining stage of the race.

Alpe d’Huez is synonymous with Tour de France history. The 21-hairpin bends winding up its 13.8 km ascent, with an average gradient of 8.1%, have seen some of the most dramatic moments in the race’s storied past. It first featured in 1952, when legendary Italian cyclist Fausto Coppi rode to victory and established the climb as a legendary route for cycling. Since then, it has become one of the most revered climbs in cycling, often serving as a battleground for the Tour’s yellow jersey contenders. Riders who triumph here cement their place in Tour history.

Read also

Lotte Kopecky wins again! Belgian defends title in Zurich with Dygert and Longo Borghini on the podium

The 2025 Tour is also expected to return to Savoie, revisiting the high-altitude regions that offer spectacular alpine views. A stage from Albertville to La Plagne is rumored, meaning the peloton could face another brutal day in the mountains with Alpe d’Huez already in their legs.

Another notable feature of the 2025 route is the return to Paris for the traditional final day sprint. In 2024, the race finale was relocated due to the Paris Olympics, but the Champs-Élysées will once again host the prestigious sprint in 2025.

The official route will be unveiled in Paris on October 29th, but fans can already start to look forward to another thrilling edition of the Tour, with Alpe d’Huez likely to be a major highlight.

Read also

Pedal Punditry #13 - The Cyclocross season is starting. Here's what to expect of 2024/2025