Tour de France Stage 11 Preview: Toulouse Gears Up for Punchy Finale
Toulouse, France – July 16, 2025 – The peloton rolls out today for Stage 11 of the 2025 Tour de France, a 156.5km journey starting and finishing in the picturesque “Pink City” of Toulouse. After a well-deserved rest day, riders face a demanding route that could shake up the general classification.
The dayS profile is deceptively short, but a series of challenging climbs in the final 40 kilometers will undoubtedly test the riders. The final ascent, the Côte de Pech David, looms large, featuring a brutal 900-meter stretch averaging a daunting 12.4% gradient, with a punishing 200-meter section hitting 20%.
With the summit of Pech David just 8.8 kilometers from the finish line, the stage is set for a dramatic conclusion. Sprinters, with limited opportunities in this year’s race, will be hoping their teams can control the race and keep any breakaways within striking distance over the aggressive final climbs.However, the steep gradients of Pech David might prove too much for pure sprinters, opening the door for a strong breakaway or a decisive attack from the puncheurs in the field.
Speculation is rife about who might animate the finale.Many eyes are on Mathieu van der Poel, a known threat on punchy terrain. Even defending Tour champion tadej Pogacar could be tempted too launch an audacious solo effort in pursuit of his third stage victory of this edition.
Temperatures are expected to reach 30°C (86°F) this afternoon, with a light north-westerly breeze. While the wind is unlikely to be a significant factor, it could add a layer of complexity on the exposed flatlands and rolling hills surrounding Toulouse.
The neutralized start is scheduled for 1:15 pm local time,with the official start at 1:45 pm. the finish is anticipated around 5:14 pm.
Local sports daily The Team is giving significant coverage to Toulouse’s role in the Tour, featuring an in-depth interview with Antoine Dupont, captain of the French national rugby team and Stade Toulouse, who recently clinched the French championship. The city, known for its distinctive reddish stone buildings, is buzzing with excitement for the cycling spectacle.
What tactical errors allowed Pogačar to launch a accomplished attack on Joux plane?
Table of Contents
- 1. What tactical errors allowed Pogačar to launch a accomplished attack on Joux plane?
- 2. Tour de France: Stage 11 Dispatch
- 3. Stage 11 Route & Profile: A Brutal Mountain Test
- 4. Key Moments & Race highlights
- 5. Stage 11 Results (Top 5)
- 6. General classification Standings (After Stage 11)
- 7. tactical Analysis: the Mountain Strategy
Tour de France: Stage 11 Dispatch
Stage 11 Route & Profile: A Brutal Mountain Test
today’s Stage 11 of the 2025 Tour de France, covering 158.5 kilometers from Les Gets to Morzine, delivered a punishing mountain stage in the Portes du Soleil. The route featured four categorized climbs:
Col de la Ramaz (13.9km at 6.8%): A long, steady climb testing early endurance.
Col de Joux Plane (8.5km at 8.5%): A notoriously arduous ascent, often a decisive point in the race.
Col de Mines de Reberty (9.8km at 7.8%): A challenging climb with potentially decisive attacks.
montée de Morzine (7.3km at 6.8%): The final climb to the finish line, offering a chance for late-stage heroics.
The elevation gain of over 4,200 meters made this a true test for the general classification contenders. Expect aggressive racing and important time gaps. This stage is crucial for anyone hoping to challenge for the yellow jersey.
Key Moments & Race highlights
The pace was relentless from the start, with numerous attacks launched on the Col de la Ramaz. A breakaway group of six riders established a lead, but the peloton, led by Jumbo-Visma and INEOS Grenadiers, kept them within striking distance.
The real fireworks began on the Col de joux Plane. Tadej Pogačar launched a blistering attack, immediately distancing himself from Jonas Vingegaard and the other GC hopefuls. Only Carlos Rodríguez and Richard Carapaz were able to briefly respond, but Pogačar’s sustained effort proved too strong.
Pogačar’s Dominance: Pogačar’s attack on Joux Plane was a clear statement of intent, showcasing his exceptional climbing ability.
Vingegaard Struggles: jonas Vingegaard appeared to be struggling on the steepest sections of Joux Plane, losing valuable time to Pogačar.
* Rodríguez’s Resilience: Carlos Rodríguez demonstrated extraordinary form, staying with Pogačar for a significant portion of the climb.
On the descent of joux Plane, Pogačar extended his lead, expertly navigating the technical corners. The final climb to Morzine saw Pogačar maintain his advantage, securing a dominant stage win.
Stage 11 Results (Top 5)
- Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) – 4h 18′ 32″
- Carlos Rodríguez (INEOS Grenadiers) – +1′ 15″
- Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) – +1′ 48″
- Jonas Vingegaard (Visma | Lease a bike) – +2′ 30″
- Jai Hindley (BORA – hansgrohe) – +3′ 02″
General classification Standings (After Stage 11)
- Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) – 47h 52′ 15″
- Jonas vingegaard (Visma | Lease a Bike) – +2′ 30″
- Carlos Rodríguez (INEOS Grenadiers) – +3′ 31″
- Jai Hindley (BORA – hansgrohe) – +4′ 58″
- Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) – +5′ 26″
The GC battle is now firmly centered around Pogačar and Vingegaard, with Rodríguez emerging as a serious contender.
tactical Analysis: the Mountain Strategy
Today’s stage highlighted the importance of pacing and tactical awareness in mountain stages. Jumbo-Visma initially controlled the pace, attempting to wear down Pogačar. However, Pogačar’s explosive attack on Joux Plane caught them off guard
