Live coverage of Stage 12 of the Tour de France 2025: Journey from Auch to Hautacam today
The 2025 Tour de France is gearing up for a challenging mountain stage as riders prepare for Stage 12, a 180.6 km journey from Auch into the Pyrenees. With a total elevation gain of 3,913 meters, this stage promises to be a true test for the climbers, setting the tone for the high mountains ahead.
The route features four key climbs, each with its own unique challenges. The stage begins with the Col de Labatmale, a fourth-category climb that stretches 1.3 km with an average gradient of 6.3%. This relatively short but punchy ascent provides an early opportunity for breakaway attempts and strategic positioning.
Next up is the first-category Col du Soulor, a more significant climb spanning 11.8 km at an average gradient of 7.3%. The challenging ramps of the Soulor offer no respite to the riders, preparing them for the toughest challenges that lie ahead.
Following the Soulor, the route descends before leading into the second-category Col des Bordères, a 3.1 km climb at 7.7%. This ascent serves as a stepping stone towards the final hurdle.
The decisive summit finish is at Hautacam, an hors catégorie climb with a length of 13.5 km and an impressive average gradient of 7.8%. Historically, Hautacam has been a psychologically important climb, with its steep gradients in the final 13.5 km offering opportunities for the general classification contenders to make significant moves.
The stage profile combines a mostly flat opening 122 km with consecutive demanding climbs, testing riders' endurance and climbing ability. The Hautacam climb, in particular, is expected to be the greatest hurdle, making it a pivotal day in the race.
As the race stands, Danish Jonas Vingegaard is in third place, 1 minute and 46 seconds behind the leader. Slovenian Tadej Pogacar, who suffered a fall in the previous stage, is second, 29 seconds behind the leader. Belgian Remco Evenepoel is close behind in fourth place, 1 minute and 29 seconds behind the leader.
The difficulty of the stage is amplified this year by race incidents before the stage, such as Pogacar's crash in stage 11 and the loss of his key lieutenant. These factors will undoubtedly complicate strategies and add an extra layer of intrigue to the race.
The finish of Stage 12 is at the summit of Hautacam at 1,520 meters. The live broadcast of the stage can be watched on Teledeporte from 14:25, then switch to La 1 at 16:00, and on the website Play without interruptions. Don't miss this crucial day in the race as the climbers face the ultimate test in the Pyrenees.
The average gradient of each key climb during the 180.6 km Stage 12 of the 2025 Tour de France presents numerous challenges for the riders, with the Col de Labatmale and Col des Bordères boasting gradients of 6.3% and 7.7%, respectively. Regarding sports, the 2025 Tour de France's Stage 12, which culminates in the hors catégorie climb of Hautacam, promises to be a significant test for the competitors, determining the general classification standings in the race.
