The 2025 Tour de France Femmes is set to be one of the most challenging and exciting editions in the history of women's cycling. With a record 17,240 meters of climbing spread over nine stages, the race will test the limits of even the most seasoned cyclists. The route begins in Brittany and winds its way through the Massif Central before culminating in the Alps, featuring three high mountain stages in the final four days.

Route Overview

The race kicks off with two typically Breton stages, known for their rolling terrain and lack of flat roads, setting the stage for early general classification action. The sprinters will have their chance in the following flat stages before the climbing begins in earnest. The Col du Beal on stage six marks the first major mountain challenge, with the Queen Stage on day eight finishing atop the Col de la Madeleine, the highest point of this year's Tour at 2,000 meters.

Contenders to Watch

Demi Vollering, who narrowly missed out on the yellow jersey in 2024, is the favorite this year. With 10 victories in 2025, including the Vuelta Espana, she is in peak form. Her team, FDJ-Suez, boasts strong climbers like Evita Muzic and Juliette Labous, making her a formidable contender.

Defending champion Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney returns with her form on the rise after a spring crash. Elisa Longo Borghini, fresh off her second Giro d'Italia title, is another strong contender. Pauline Ferrand-Prevot, the Olympic mountain bike champion, is aiming for her first road Tour victory, while Lotte Kopecky of SD Worx-Protime is determined to overcome a back injury and challenge for the yellow jersey.

Rising Stars

Millie Couzens, the newly crowned British road race champion, is one of four British riders making their Tour debut. At just 19, Imogen Wolff is the youngest rider in the race, representing Visma. Flora Perkins and Pfeiffer Georgi are also making their first appearances, with Georgi eyeing a stage win in the opening days.

Sprinters and Points Classification

Lorena Wiebes remains the fastest sprinter in the peloton, with 14 wins in 2025. She will face stiff competition from Charlotte Kool and last year's green jersey winner Marianne Vos.

Stage-by-Stage

• Stage 1: Vannes - Plumelec, 78.8km
• Stage 2: Brest - Quimper, 110.4km
• Stage 3: La Gacilly - Angers, 163.5km
• Stage 4: Saumur - Poitiers, 130.7km
• Stage 5: Chasseneuil-du-Poitou Futuroscope - Gueret, 165.8km
• Stage 6: Clermont-Ferrand - Ambert, 123.7km
• Stage 7: Bourg-en-Bresse - Chambery, 159.7km
• Stage 8: Chambery - Saint Francois Longchamp - Col de la Madeleine, 111.9km
• Stage 9: Praz-sur-Arly - Chatel, 124.1km

The 2025 Tour de France Femmes promises to be a thrilling spectacle of endurance, strategy, and sheer willpower, showcasing the best of women's cycling.