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**Pyrenees Trilogy Set to Shape 2025 Tour de France**
The upcoming stages in the 2025 Tour de France, known as the Pyrenees trilogy, promise to be a pivotal moment for the race. These three mountain stages, set in the challenging Pyrenees terrain, will test riders with significant climbing and the potential for decisive action in the general classification (GC) [1][3].
**Key Stages**
The trilogy begins with Stages 11–13, where GC contenders like Ben Healy (race leader), Tadej Pogačar, and Remco Evenepoel are expected to face off in a series of demanding mountain battles [3]. The stages feature multiple climbs and summit finishes, setting the stage for an exciting and tense competition.
Stage 14, from Pau to Luchon-Superbagneres, is particularly noteworthy. This 183km stage is one of the most brutal in the Tour, featuring four famous Pyrenean climbs—Col du Tourmalet, Col d’Aspin, Col de Peyresourde, and Luchon-Superbagneres [1]. With virtually no flat terrain, even the opening section is uphill, demanding maximum effort for over five hours. This stage is a tribute to Bernard Hinault, commemorating 40 years since his fourth yellow jersey [1].
Stage 15, from Muret to Carcassonne, offers some respite but still presents riders with three categorised climbs and a technical descent in the final 40km [1].
**Impact on the Overall Standings**
The Pyrenees stages are crucial for riders hoping to claw back deficits or defend their positions. With multiple summit finishes and legendary climbs, gaps are expected to grow, and the GC order could undergo significant changes [1][3]. The combination of relentless climbing, thin air at high altitude, and technical descents will test the durability of the peloton. Riders who are strong in the mountains but weaker against the clock may try to attack, while those targeting the overall victory must manage their efforts carefully.
**KOM Contention**
The mountains also provide opportunities for climbers and breakaway specialists to chase polka-dot points, adding another strategic layer to the racing.
**Historical Precedent**
Historical data and rider previews suggest that these stages can be decisive for the final podium, especially when the battle is close among top contenders, as is the case with Healy, Pogačar, and Evenepoel leading into the Pyrenees [3].
**Summary Table: Key Pyrenees Stages**
| Stage | Start – Finish | Key Climbs/Features | Significance | |---------------|------------------------------|------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | 11–13 | Pyrenees (details unclear) | Multiple climbs, summit finish(s) | Early GC sorting, mountain points | | 14 | Pau – Luchon-Superbagneres | Tourmalet, Aspin, Peyresourde, Superbagneres | Most brutal Pyrenean test, GC likely decided here[1] | | 15 | Muret – Carcassonne | Three categorised climbs, technical descent | Potential breakaway or late attack |
As the peloton moves through the Pyrenees, the race for the GC and stage victories heats up. The upcoming stages promise to be thrilling and decisive, shaping the course of the 2025 Tour de France.
The grueling mountain stages in the Pyrenees trilogy could potentially provide opportunities for climbers and breakaway specialists to score points in the King of the Mountains (KOM) competition.
During the dramatic Pyrenees stages, General Classification (GC) contenders like Ben Healy, Tadej Pogačar, and Remco Evenepoel will engage in a series of intense mountain battles, with each stage offering significant climbing and the possibility of decisive action in the race for the Tour de France title.
