Mountain stages

In grand tour cycling — races like the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España — few elements capture the imagination quite like the mountain stages. These grueling days in the high mountains are where legends are made, champions are tested, and the drama of the race often reaches its peak. For new fans, they offer a thrilling introduction to what makes cycling so compelling: raw endurance, strategic battles, breathtaking scenery, and emotional highs and lows.

Unlike flat or sprint stages, mountain stages demand not only physical strength but also mental toughness and tactical brilliance. Riders face long, steep climbs that stretch for kilometers, often at altitudes where oxygen is scarce. The stakes are high — a single bad day can end a rider’s hopes of winning the race, while a well-timed attack can create decisive gaps in the overall standings.

But it’s not just about suffering. Mountain stages also showcase some of the most iconic and picturesque roads in the world, lined with passionate fans and steeped in cycling history. Whether it’s a solo breakaway to the summit or a tense showdown among rivals, mountain stages are where the true spirit of grand tour racing comes alive.

So, here are the most important mountain stages of Tour de France 2025

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Although the first real hill to climb in the history of Tour de France was Ballone d'Alsace (introduced to the race in 1905) , there were some peaks also in the program of the very first edition of the race already (Col du Pin-Bouchain, Col de La Republic etc).

But Tour de France, like other road cycling races during that time period, were defined rather by the long distances than high altitudes.

The real game changer was the introduction of Col du Tourmalet and other ascents of Pyrenees to the Tour de France in 1910 and the Alps a year later.

Until 1952, the stages including high mountsin passes finished in valleys. The first hilltop finish happened on the top of Alpe d'Huez (not in the program of Tour de France 2025) during Tour de France 1952.

Although the most iconic ascents were introduced to the race during the first half, or the middle of the 20th century, a bunch of new climbs were introduced to Tour de France also during the last few decades, like Planche de Belles Filles (not in the program of this year's competition) in 2012 and Col de la Loze in 2020.