Women's Tour de France with Zwift 2025: Expanded Route with Increased Challenges in Length and Difficulty
The 2025 Tour de France Femmes is set to be an exhilarating nine-day race, covering a total distance of approximately 1,168.6 km with a staggering 17,240 meters of elevation gain. The race kicks off in Brittany, northwestern France, and culminates in the Alps, featuring some of the most iconic mountain climbs in the cycling world.
The first stage, on July 26, sees the riders pedal from Vannes to Plumelec, covering 79 km and featuring multiple ascents of the Côte de Cadoudal (1.7 km at 6.2%). This stage is ideal for puncheurs, with a punchy finish in Plumelec.
The following three stages remain in Brittany, offering a mix of hilly terrain and sprint opportunities. The second stage, while slightly flatter, still presents a challenge.
As the race moves eastward through France, the route showcases the picturesque landscapes of the Massif Central, providing opportunities for breakaways and sprinters.
The mid-race stages are not to be underestimated. They feature medium mountains, serving as a prelude to the main course of climbing that lies ahead.
The queen stage, on August 2, finishes atop the demanding Col de la Madeleine, a 18.6 km climb at 8.1%. This stage is decisive for the general classification, with multiple steep and long climbs, including the first-category Col de la Plainpalais and the Côte de Saint-Georges-d'Hurtières.
The final stage concludes with a dramatic alpine finish at the ski resort of Châtel – Les Portes du Soleil, featuring the challenging Hors Catégorie climb of Col de Joux Plane.
This year's route combines historical cycling regions with iconic mountain climbs, increasing the race’s length and difficulty compared to previous editions. Climbs are categorized from 4 (easiest) to Hors Catégorie (most difficult), with two Hors Catégorie climbs featured.
The route design promises dynamic racing from day one to the final alpine showdown, balancing punchy short climbs, sprints, and challenging mountain ascents to test all rider skill sets. The 2025 Tour de France Femmes is shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle, not to be missed.
The 2025 Tour de France Femmes promises to showcase various rider skill sets, with stages featuring sprint opportunities, punchy short climbs, and challenging mountain ascents (sports). The race also includes two Hors Catégorie climbs, which are the most difficult (sports).
