Étape du Tour 2025: Analysis and Technical Advice by Velo-Perso.com
Stage Profile
Discover the detailed altimetric profile of the Étape du Tour 2025, provided by ASO. This year, the race concludes with a climb to La Plagne, known for its difficulty and spectacular scenery. With a total of 60 km over 5%, the 2025 edition promises to be one of the most challenging in recent years.
Technical Analysis: High Gradient Kilometers
While the total elevation gain is often highlighted, the number of high-gradient kilometers is an even more pertinent indicator of difficulty. Here is a comparison of recent editions:
- 2023: 38 km over 5%.
- 2024: 47 km over 5%.
- 2025: 60 km over 5%.
Moving from 47 km in 2024 to 60 km in 2025 is like adding a 13 km climb at 7% to the course. This demands meticulous effort management, especially in the final kilometers.
Tips for Gearing and Effort Management
For the 2025 edition, here are our recommendations:
- Gearing: If you struggled in 2024, switch to a 48/32 setup with an 11-34 cassette for a more relaxed climb.
- Crank Length: If possible, opt for 165 mm cranks to improve your cadence and delay fatigue. Alternatively, consider oval chainrings to reduce peak power demands when passing the dead spot.
- Power Meter: Use a power meter to create a precise pacing plan and optimize your effort management. Check out our Rotor power meters for optimal analysis.
Winter Training for the Étape du Tour 2025
Your winter training should focus on preparing for sustained efforts on steep gradients. Here are some specific tips:
- Cadence Work: If using short cranks (165 mm), prioritize high-cadence sessions to adapt your pedaling to this setup. Start in winter to ensure the change is fully assimilated by July.
- Test Your Gearing: Try the gearing you plan to use in 2025 (e.g., 48/32) on mid-mountain climbs. This will help you adjust your choice if needed.
- Specific Training: Perform intervals at 85-90% of your FTP on 10-15 minute segments to simulate the conditions of the Étape’s climbs.
- Endurance: Gradually increase the duration of your long rides to prepare your body for sustained efforts over several hours. If possible, include solo or two-person rides, as these are the most similar to the efforts you will face at the Étape.
Pro Tip: Use a power meter to track your progress and create a personalized training plan. Check out our Rotor power meters for more information.
Profile and Key Section Analysis: The Climb to La Plagne
La Plagne will be the final climb of the Étape du Tour 2025, a demanding and technical ascent, perfectly suited to testing your FTP. Here’s a detailed analysis:
- Start of the Climb: Steady gradients between 7% and 9% in wooded areas, with numbered switchbacks.
- Intermediate Section: A relative flat near the bobsleigh track, followed by a long switchback at 9%.
- Plagne Centre: A climb at 8%, with sections at 6% offering recovery before tackling the final kilometers.
Expect to take between 1h20 and 2h to reach Plagne Villages, depending on your level. Consistency will be key to limiting power loss in the final kilometers.
Prepare with Velo-Perso.com
To succeed at the Étape du Tour 2025, equip yourself with the right gear:
- 46/30, 48/32 chainrings for Rotor cranks compatible with Shimano 12-speed.
- Short cranks (165 mm) to improve your cadence.
- Power meters to optimize your pacing strategy.
Good luck to all participants in the Étape du Tour 2025 !
Stéphane, 45 years old, 5 Étapes du Tour
Stéphane rides 14,000 km a year and has a FTP of 300 W:
"I plan to climb the first col at 280 W, trying to stay with a good group to avoid losing too much time early on. As I approach the Cormet de Roselend, I know it will get tougher, so I’ll make sure to refuel properly in the Beaufortain and take it easy on the Col du Pré. I plan to recover as much as possible on the long descent to the base of La Plagne. If I’ve done enough training in the spring, I should be able to tackle the climb to La Plagne strongly, again at 280 W, or so I hope. My gear setup: 52/36 chainrings with an 11/34 cassette."
Dominique, 68 years old, 17 Étapes du Tour
Dominique relies on his experience and heart rate monitor for pacing:
"I don’t use a power meter, not at my age; that’s for the younger ones. I know myself well with my heart rate monitor. I’m familiar with the area and rode in Nice in 2024. After a fall last autumn and considering the difficulty, I’ll take a cautious approach and use 48/32 chainrings with an 11/34 cassette to handle the significant elevation gain."
Théo, 21 years old, First Étape du Tour
Théo, a young cyclist comfortable in the mountains, prepares for his first Étape:
"I’m good in the mountains and can climb Alpe d’Huez in 55 minutes. However, I’ve been told that the Étape du Tour is different—it’s very long. This winter, my coach has me doing long 120 km rides in 4 hours since I live in the plains. My goal is to manage each climb well and save enough energy for the final ascent."
Romain, 34 years old, Top 100 in Nice 2024
Romain is aiming for a top 50 finish with a tailored preparation plan:
"I don’t know the region, but I climb well. This year, I’m aiming for a top 50 finish, so I’ve adjusted my preparation. I’m adding a weekly 100 km ride in Zone 2 until March. In June, I’ll spend a week at a training camp in Tignes to acclimatize, as the two climbs at 2,000 m will be challenging. Even at this level, far from the pros, these details make a huge difference to avoid blowing up or staying with the right group at the right time."