Date: Friday, July 25
Start: Albertville at 13:30 CEST
Finish: La Plagne at approximately 17:18 CEST
Distance: 95km
Elevation Gain: 3,360m
Overview
Stage 19 of the 2025 Tour de France marks the final high-altitude showdown—a 95-kilometer firecracker from Albertville to La Plagne. Originally set for 130km, the route was shortened due to an outbreak of bovine dermatitis at Col des Saisies. Yet, despite its trimmed distance, this remains a brutal Alpine test with over 3,300m of climbing across three categorized ascents, culminating on the legendary slopes of La Plagne.
The Route
After a neutral start, the peloton will climb steadily through the Doron valley before rejoining the original route in Beaufort. From there, the Col du Pré (12.6km at 7.7%) kicks off the battle, featuring 15 sharp hairpins and gradients that rarely drop below 9%. It leads directly into the Cormet de Roselend (5.9km at 6.3%), a deceptive second-category climb that rewards risk-takers.
A fast descent follows, then a long drag toward the day’s final obstacle: La Plagne (19.1km at 7.2%). With 25 sweeping switchbacks and unrelenting gradients, it’s the final Alpine proving ground of this year’s race.
Source: letour.fr
Weather
Expect a cool 20°C in the valleys and 14°C at altitude. Afternoon showers are possible, though not likely to impact the outcome significantly. Winds are light and mainly cross-to-tail along the decisive climbs.
GC Dynamics
Tadej Pogačar holds a commanding lead and looks set to seal his fourth Tour de France victory. His dominance on Stage 18, even while finishing behind Ben O’Connor, reinforced his control. Only a catastrophic implosion would open the door to challengers.
Jonas Vingegaard remains second but trails by over four minutes. He may launch attacks on the Col du Pré in a last-ditch bid, but unless Pogacar cracks, the yellow jersey isn’t budging.
The real battle lies for third. Florian Lipowitz clings to his podium spot and white jersey, but Oscar Onley is just 22 seconds back. Bora-Hansgrohe might deploy Roglič as a wildcard in the break to protect both GC and stage ambitions.
Tour de France 2025 Stage 19 Odds
Traditionally, Tadej Pogacar is the favorite again, claims Fairpari.
Breakaway Watch
With UAE likely to control the early tempo, breakaway success hinges on who commits. Expect strong climbers like Sepp Kuss, Felix Gall, or Ben O’Connor to try again. Lenny Martinez could bounce back after a tough Stage 18, while Michael Storer, Bruno Armirail, and Santiago Buitrago are solid longshots.
Contenders
- Top Picks: Tadej Pogačar, Sepp Kuss, Felix Gall
- Secondary Picks: Jonas Vingegaard, Primož Roglič, Michael Storer
- Wildcards: Oscar Onley, Florian Lipowitz, Tobias Johannessen, Sergio Higuita, Santiago Buitrago, Frank van den Broek, Ilan van Wilder, Bruno Armirail, Matteo Jorgenson
Our Pick: Sepp Kuss
Visma-Lease a Bike could play the breakaway card. With Vingegaard unable to drop Pogačar, Kuss may capitalize and take the stage victory.
Historical Echoes
La Plagne has hosted some iconic moments—from Fignon’s twin victories to Roche’s legendary collapse and wink in 1987. The 2022 Dauphiné saw Mark Padun shock the field here. History whispers from every hairpin, and Stage 19 may yet add a new name to its lore.
This is the last big climb of the 2025 Tour and possibly the final fireworks. Expect early attacks, a furious pace, and a decisive final climb. Whether it’s a breakaway artist or the man in yellow, La Plagne will crown a worthy victor. Tune in early—because the action will ignite from the first kilometer.