Moving Day on Bastille Day – TdF 2025
Brutal Bastille Day Mountain stage weaving through eight categorized climbs: seven Category 2 and one Category 3, totaling approximately 4,400–4,450 m of elevation gain.
Early testers like Côte de Loubeyrat, followed by a vicious mid-section (La Baraque, Charade, Berzet), and a steep finale up to Mont‑Dore/Puy de Sancy (3.3 km at 8%).
Christian Prudhomme: “Anyone who missed the 2023 Tour will see the climb to Puy de Dôme early … then no respite until Le Mont-Dore”.
Team Talk & Media Buzz GC Dynamics & Rivalries.
Tadej Pogačar (UAE) holds a 54″ lead—but is now missing key domestique João Almeida, who abandoned due to a fractured rib on Stage 9.
Jonas Vingegaard (Visma‑Lease a Bike) trails Pogačar by +1’17” and is ready to push in the high terrain.
Tensions are brewing: the UAE vs Visma rivalry is respectful but intense, rooted in strategy rather than personal hostility.
Rider Sentiments.
Matteo Jorgenson (Visma) anticipates “big time gaps … a big explosion” – Stage 10 will be the first real mountain showdown.
Pogačar’s team boss emphasizes one goal: “Make sure he stays in control” throughout the day.
Home Hopefuls.
French riders like Julian Alaphilippe and rising star Romain Grégoire are eyeing national glory on Bastille Day. Historically, French wins on July 14 are rare—last by Warren Barguil in 2017.
Breakaway & KOM Battle.
With 37 polka-dot points available, opportunistic climbers such as Ben Healy, Neilson Powless, Michael Storer, and Matteo Jorgenson could capitalize on early breakaway action. Healy has already shown his form with a sensational Stage 6 win, signaling he could repeat such dominance.
Key Contenders & Predictions.
Tadej Pogačar GC leader, defensive but ready to attack; now without Almeida — extra pressure on Yates, Soler, Sivakov.
Jonas Vingegaard GC contender, will test Pogačar early and Visma is expected to push pace aggressively.
Remco Evenepoel GC threat, just 54 seconds behind; strong time-trialist but yet to prove himself on the steep terrain.
Ben Healy Stage hunter, proven breakaway rider looking to claim solo win and KOM points.
Matteo Jorgenson a young climber predicts fireworks, ideal profile for punch on final climb.
Julian Alaphilippe / Romain Grégoire, French hope all motivated by Bastille Day and crowd support; long-shot breakaway candidates.
Michael Storer / Neilson Powless, breakaway specialists, strong climbers ready to support breakaway attempts or GC teams.
What to Expect – Tactics & Drama
Early break likely to form on Côte de Loubeyrat. GC teams (UAE, Visma, Soudal‑Quickstep) will monitor closely.
Mid-stage fight across La Baraque–Charade–Berzet may drop domestiques, favoring only pure climbers at the finale.
Final climb showdown to determine time gaps: Pogačar must defend alone without Almeida; Vingegaard to pressure heavily.
Potential shake-ups: Evenepoel may exploit any moment of Pogačar’s isolation. French riders may animate the stage with opportunistic attacks.
Predictions
Stage win: A tactical battle between Healy (break) or Jorgenson (late punch)—both primed for the day’s format.
Yellow jersey shake: If UAE falters, this is the stage where Vingegaard or Evenepoel can create decisive gaps.
Polka dots: Breakaway climbers could scoop KOM points early, then fade—Healy, Powless, Storer among favourites.
French flair: Alaphilippe or Grégoire may light the mood for local fans, but unlikely to stay clear to the line.
Summary
Stage 10 is poised to define the first half of the Tour: The Massif Central terrain, GC rivalry (UAE vs Visma), absence of Almeida, and home-day motivation all set up potential fireworks. Expect early aggression, a fractured peloton, and possibly a new face in yellow.
