The second stage of the 2025 Tour de France has begun with
more disruption, this time from heavy rain and logistical chaos at the start in
Lauwin-Planque. Organisers delayed the neutralized roll-out by 15 minutes, now
scheduled for 12:30 CET, after morning storms and traffic issues created havoc
for riders and teams.
The start area was drenched throughout the morning, soaking
the roads and making conditions precarious even before a pedal was turned.
After the chaos caused by crosswinds on Stage 1, weather is once again the
defining element, this time with slick roads and limited visibility.
Many team buses were caught in traffic trying to reach the
start line, leaving riders scrambling to prepare. The pre-stage presentation
was effectively ruined, as organisers worked to keep the schedule from slipping
further.
With 209 kilometers on tap, Stage 2 is expected to be
another challenging day in the saddle. While the route features less wind
exposure than Stage 1, the combination of distance and wet, narrow roads means
riders will have to fight not just for position, but to stay upright.
Today’s finale favors powerful classics riders who thrive in
these conditions. All eyes will be on riders like Mathieu van der Poel and Wout
van Aert, both capable of handling punchy climbs, tricky descents, providing
they make it through the day unscathed.
But with rain as the dominant factor, mechanicals, crashes,
and time losses remain a real threat for the GC hopefuls. After several
contenders were caught out on the opening day, including Remco Evenepoel and
Primoz Roglic, the peloton is under pressure to stay sharp.
Read also
Due to adverse weather conditions causing issues with access to the village, the start of stage 2 has been delayed by 15 minutes. Start at 12.30 pm.
— Tour de France™ (@LeTour) July 6, 2025
En raison des difficultés d'accès et des conditions météo, le départ de l'étape 2 est décalé de 15 minutes. Départ fictif à 12h30.
Fin MajorCycling Journalist
Fin Major is a UK-based writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2024. He is the site’s main writer for FAQs and evergreen explainers and has written around 2,000 pieces for the platform. Alongside this work, he focuses on in-depth analysis and covers the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, providing clear context around performance trends, tactics, and key storylines.
In his reporting, Fin uses reputable data sources such as ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. Outside of writing, Fin is an active cyclist, which supports his practical understanding of the sport and its demands.
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- many people advise him to grow slowly and rather do giro and/or vuelta instead of tdf. but i can totally understand that he is not satisfied with taking over once pogi declines, but instead beat him in his prime. so if he goes for tdf again, i‘m all for it. let‘s hope that pogi recovers soon!Ketterechts07-11-2026
- So gracious to offer something no-one would be prepared to pay for. The Giro is not the Tour and doesn’t command the same interest or attract the same “elite” (those willing to pay to be a part of something they consider has ego boosting potential). Roadside viewing will always largely remain free for everyone outside circuits. Introduction of a symbolic entrance to mountain climbs is worthy of exploration. Asking 1-2€ isn’t going to repulse real fans (most will spend 50-100€ on their outing that day all things included) but will prevent a portion of the total knobhead thrillseekers who will join in any large gathering as long as it’s free, just because they’re attracted to crowds, without which it it difficult for them to work up their anti-social behaviour.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- How is radio going to help when someone went over a cliff or bridge or off the roadside into a forest unnoticed and is laying there unconscious?Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Yep, next we’ll be accusing F1 drivers of avoiding Le Mans.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- But on what is that opinion based? Are you holding him to a different standard than others? Are you saying he should do learn to like something he doesn’t Are you saying he hasn’t achieved enough Are you saying he pretends to be better than his results? It’s actually a really strange opinion to oust if you consider it objectively or rationally. Try applying it to others or yourself by asking if not EVERYONE should then be doing more? Nobody in athletics or swimming gets criticism for not expanding their repertoire when a rival or someone else does. In fact, most who move to another event get accused of running from their rival. Opinions are boring, the reasons behind them are what count.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- for a medical chief to throw things like is just bad. There are already radios which were banned for spectacle. allow radios. Gps trackers are not a complete solutionabstractengineer07-11-2026
- Yeah man...PogiSloFans07-11-2026
- any rider less than 25 whether they are really ready for the position of leadership of GT is probably not the case. I think Pogi himself suffered when he was defeated by Jonas in the TDF twice. But that would be the team's job to ensure support so that they can bounce back. It requires a team and time to get back up and win after getting knocked down.abstractengineer07-11-2026
- I'm very glad he got the big late Quickstep Vuelta win and I hope he has a few left for Euskaltel-Euskadi.flyer07-11-2026
- My memories of Ivan Basso aren't good but I liked his sister Elisa ok.flyer07-11-2026
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