PREVIEW | Tour de France Femmes 2025 stage 8 - Maillot Jaune decider on the Col de la Madeleine

The 2025 edition of the Tour de France Femmes promises to be one of the most thrilling in the race’s short but rapidly growing history. With a route that spans from the windswept coastline of Bretagne to the punishing high mountains of the Alps, this year’s race showcases both the scenic beauty and the physical demands of elite women’s cycling. The event begins on July 26th and culminates on August 3rd, with eight stages that blend sprint finishes, rolling terrain, and mountain drama. And nowhere is the drama expected to be more intense than in the final on Stage 8.

The stage begins with an early challenge: the Col de Plainpalais, a steep and demanding ascent that could see early attacks and splits. The road then winds through the Alpine valleys before reaching the legendary Col de la Madeleine, one of the longest and most iconic climbs in France. At 18 kilometres in length with sustained gradients averaging around 8%, the Madeleine will serve as the final battleground.

As a summit finish, this climb is likely to produce significant time gaps. The GC contenders will have no choice but to go all-in — whether defending yellow or launching one last attack. With fatigue from the previous seven stages in their legs, it will come down to pure climbing strength and race-day strategy.

Stage 8 could be set to crown not just a stage winner, but possibly the overall champion. It’s the queen stage for a reason — a potentially decisive test in the high mountains where Demi Vollering, Kim Le Court and all other GC contenders will be taken to the limit.

*** Demi Vollering
** Sarah Gigante, Katarzyna Niewiadoma
* Pauline Ferrand-Prevot, Anna van der Breggen, Pauliena Rooijakkers, Juliette Labous, Niamh Fisher-Black, Cedrine Kerbaol

Pick: Demi Vollering