Cycled up the renowned Superbagnères hill, absent from the Tour de France for 36 years, slated for a comeback in 2025.
Superbagnères Returns as a Challenging Summit Finish in the 2025 Tour de France
The Pyrenean summit finish at Superbagnères will once again be a key stage in the Tour de France, with Stage 14 (Pau to Luchon-Superbagnères) being recognised as one of the hardest of the race. This stage will feature challenging ascents of major Pyrenean passes, including the Tourmalet, Aspin, and Peyresourde.
A Strenuous Climb with Breathtaking Views
The final ascent to Superbagnères is described as extremely demanding and atmospheric, with a mix of steep and flat sections. The climb offers views overlooking the Bagnères-de-Luchon valley, the Spanish border, and the Maladeta massif. Superbagnères is one of the most difficult climbs in the 2025 Tour, rivaled mainly by the Tourmalet and Mont Ventoux in difficulty.
Historic Moments at Superbagnères
The road to Superbagnères, after being carved into the mountainside, is more open and winds a little more, which some find appealing. The Tour de France visited Superbagnères in 1986, where Bernard Hinault and Greg LeMond had an extraordinary duel. In 1989, Philippa York sprinted away from breakaway companion Pedro Delgado to win a stage at Superbagnères.
Key Details of Stage 14
- Stage 14 runs from Pau to Luchon-Superbagnères, covering 182.6km and having 4,950m of climbing.
- The stage will be decisive and demanding, with significant implications for the general classification.
The Return of Superbagnères
The long omission of Superbagnères from the Tour de France was due to issues with local government promotion and the weight and size of the Tour's TV and logistics trucks. However, work on a new 60m-span crossing, the Pont de Ravi, was completed in December 2023, allowing Superbagnères to be included in the Tour de France route. Superbagnères is back in the Tour de France route this year, hosting a key stage on July 19.
Four Pure Climbers Triumphed at Superbagnères
Four of the sport's purest climbers have triumphed at Superbagnères - Imerio Massignan, Federico Bahamontes, José Manuel Fuente, and Philippa York. Fuente's victory in 1971 came the day after he won a dramatic stage into Luchon, where Luis Ocaña crashed out in yellow. Philippa York (then known as Robert Millar) took her third Tour de France stage victory in 1989 at Superbagnères.
The Strava KOM for Superbagnères
The Strava KOM for Superbagnères was set by Ben O'Connor on 14 May, 2025. The gradient of the road to Superbagnères fluctuates less now, but the angle of attack is more consistently taxing. The steep gradient of the final kilometre of Superbagnères feels even more acute due to a strong breeze blowing from the north.
In summary, Superbagnères is a Pyrenean summit finish on Stage 14 of the 2025 Tour de France, following multiple major climbs in what is expected to be a decisive and demanding mountain stage with significant implications for the general classification. The return of Superbagnères to the Tour de France route is highly anticipated by cycling enthusiasts.
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