Yesterday, the route for the 2025 Tour de France was unveiled. Traditionally, this announcement also includes the stage selected for the popular French gran fondo, L'Étape du Tour. Next summer, that will be stage 19, from Albertville to La Plagne.
The course covers 131 kilometers and includes five climbs, with a total elevation gain of 4,500 meters. The start is in Albertville, and the finish is in La Plagne.
The first climb is the Col des Saisies, a classic French ascent—challenging but not overly difficult. Next is the Col du Pré from Beaufort, a narrow road with sections reaching a steep 10% grade. It's a beautiful climb with a well-maintained road surface. After a short descent, there are breathtaking views of Lac de Roselend. The final kilometers of the Cormet de Roselend are particularly stunning, winding along the lake and rocky cliffs.
The descent south is impressive, sometimes technical, and partly forested. From Bourg St Maurice, riders face a 12-kilometer stretch of gradual descent leading to the base of La Plagne. For Dutch fans, this 8% gradient climb is legendary, remembered for Boogerd’s iconic victory in 2002.
Photo: © L'Étape du Tour
Signing up for this gran fondo is challenging, as the 15,000 entry tickets sell out within hours each year. Registration opens at 4 p.m. on November 6, with a starting price of €159.
More information is available here.
Discount on event tickets up to 50% and much more.
