Cycling showdown anticipated in Tour de France 2025 stage 10: Tension escalates between Pogacar and Vingegaard as they confront eight challenging climbs on Bastille Day
The 2025 Tour de France is heating up as we approach Stage 10, taking place on Bastille Day. This challenging 165-kilometre route through the Massif Central features eight categorized climbs, including Col de Guéry, Col de la Croix Morand, Col de la Croix Saint-Robert, and Puy de Sancy.
Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) are the clear favourites for the general classification (GC). The tension between their teams has been escalating throughout the first week, with Mauro Gianetti, the team CEO of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, confirming that the team's tactics will change on stage 10, with all team members backing Pogačar.
Vingegaard's team, however, has a strong support system in place. Matteo Jorgenson, Sepp Kuss, and Simon Yates lead an elite trio of climbing support for Vingegaard. Jorgenson described stage 10 as a "big explosion" with "big time gaps" expected. Wout van Aert and Tiesj Benoot will bridge the gap from their Classics stars for Vingegaard's team.
The French riders are aiming to stay close to these leaders rather than contest outright victory on this day. Kévin Vauquelin (Arkéa-B&B Hotels), Lenny Martinez (Bahrain Victorious), and Romain Grégoire (Groupama-FDJ) are the main French hopefuls for the stage. Vauquelin is positioned third overall before the stage but dropped time on Stage 10, falling to sixth place overall. Martinez earned the King of the Mountains polka dot jersey on this stage, suggesting strong climbing form, although he may not be a serious GC contender yet. Grégoire is considered possibly not strong enough at this point to survive the intense GC battles during this mountainous stage.
Despite the tough competition, the focus remains on Pogačar and Vingegaard. They matched each other closely on this challenging stage, with Pogačar starting on Monday with a 1:17 advantage over Vingegaard and 54 seconds over Remco Evenepoel. Vingegaard considers stage 10 as the first real test outside the time trial. The riders are already tired after racing for ten days, according to Gianetti.
The final four climbs that will decide the Bastille Day champion of 2025 almost come in two pairs in the last 60 kilometers. The Côte de Loubeyrat, Côte de La Baraque, Côte de Charade, and Côte de Berzet are the climbs that will come in quick succession between 110km to go and 80km to go. Ennezat will host the calm before the storm before the riders head west, with the flag dropped at 13:25 local time.
Broadcasting information for stage 10 of the 2025 Tour de France in various countries has been provided. Don't miss out on the action as the world's best riders battle it out in the heart of France.
Sports enthusiasts eagerly await the tension between Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard as they compete in the 2025 Tour de France, particularly during Stage 10, taking place on Bastille Day. Supported by strong teams, both athletes are considered serious contenders for the general classification (GC), ready to conquer the challenging mountainous route.
