Tour de France: Stage 13 Live Updates

pogačar Aims to solidify Yellow Jersey in Pyrenean Time Trial

As the 2025 Tour de France ventures into its second day in the Pyrenees, Stage 13 presents a demanding 10.9km mountain time trial from Loudenvielle to the altiport runway in Peyragudes. This unique test, climbing 650 meters, is expected to be dominated by yellow jersey holder Tadej Pogačar, who delivered a breathtaking performance on the Hautacam stage yesterday.

Pogačar’s victory at Hautacam not only saw him reclaim the yellow jersey but also established a commanding three-and-a-half-minute lead over Jonas Vingegaard. This marked Pogačar’s 20th Tour de France stage win, placing him sixth on the all-time winners’ list, just behind French sprinter André Darrigade.His dominant performance has positioned him as the clear favorite for today’s individual time trial.The route itself is a important challenge. After an initial four kilometers of rolling terrain,the course turns sharply onto the Col de Peyresourde road,presenting a sustained 8% gradient for the next four kilometers. A brief respite is followed by a kilometer at 9% before the final push towards Peyragudes. Competitors will then face a kilometer at 6% before tackling the final 900 meters on the altiport runway, famously featured in the James Bond film Skyfall. This concluding section averages a grueling 13% gradient.

Matteo vercher is scheduled to be the first rider to depart the start ramp at 1:10 pm local time,with Pogačar as the final rider off at 5:05 pm. The race leader is estimated to complete the course in approximately 25 minutes, with his projected finish time around 5:30 pm.

In a poignant gesture for Mandela Day, Rwandan ex-professional Adrien Niyonshuti is participating in today’s time trial on a Qhubeka bicycle. This initiative supports the Qhubeka association, which provides bicycles to teenagers for educational purposes. Niyonshuti previously undertook a similar challenge in 2022,ascending Alpe d’Huez on an identical,heavier,single-gear Qhubeka bike.

While French riders have shown resilience and determination throughout the Tour, securing seven combativity awards thus far, a stage victory has remained elusive. Bruno Armirail was recognized as the second most combative rider on yesterday’s Hautacam stage, his second such award in this race, following a similar accolade on Stage 2. His solo break, disrupted by Pogačar, highlighted the competitive spirit of French cyclists in this year’s event.

What impact will Vingegaard’s performance on Col de la Croix de Fer have on his overall Tour de France strategy?

Stage 13 Route & Key Details – July 18, 2025

Today’s Stage 13 of the Tour de France covers a challenging 174.5km from Bourg-en-Bresse to Col de la Croix de Fer. This mountain stage is expected to be a decisive moment in the general classification battle, featuring a demanding climb to the iconic Col de la Croix de Fer. Expect aggressive racing and potential shifts in the Tour de France standings.

Stage Type: Mountain

Distance: 174.5 km

Start City: Bourg-en-Bresse

Finish City: col de la Croix de Fer

key climbs: Col de la Croix de Fer (HC), Col du Béal (2nd Category)

Expected Race Time: Approximately 5-6 hours

Live Race Updates – As It Happens

12:44 PM CEST: Stage 13 is officially underway! A relatively flat opening section allows for a fast pace as riders jockey for position. Early attacks are anticipated as riders attempt to form a breakaway.

1:30 PM CEST: A group of six riders has established a breakaway, gaining a led of approximately 3 minutes over the peloton.The breakaway group includes riders from TotalEnergies,Intermarché-Wanty,and EF Education-EasyPost. This Tour de France breakaway is looking strong.

2:45 PM CEST: The peloton is controlling the pace, allowing the breakaway to maintain its advantage. Jumbo-Visma and INEOS Grenadiers are visible at the front, seemingly content to let the breakaway gain time before the serious climbing begins. Tour de France 2025 contenders are conserving energy.

3:50 PM CEST: The riders are now approaching the Col du Béal. The pace has increased as the breakaway begins to climb. Expect to see the first real tests of strength here.

4:30 PM CEST: The breakaway is fracturing on the Col du Béal! Two riders – Pierre Rolland (Intermarché-Wanty) and Matteo Trentin (TotalEnergies) – have dropped the others and are pushing ahead.

5:15 PM CEST: The peloton is now beginning the ascent of the Col du Béal. The pace is incredibly high, with several riders already being dropped. Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogačar are closely marked by their teams. Mountain stages Tour de France are always brutal.

6:00 PM CEST: Rolland and Trentin are nearing the summit of the Col du Béal, with a gap of around 4 minutes to the chasing breakaway and 6 minutes to the peloton.

6:45 PM CEST: The riders are now descending from the Col du Béal and preparing for the final, decisive climb to the Col de la Croix de Fer. This is where the Tour de France favorites will likely make their moves.

7:30 PM CEST: The attacks have begun on the Col de la Croix de Fer! Jonas Vingegaard has launched a powerful attack, dropping Tadej Pogačar. Carlos Rodriguez (INEOS Grenadiers) is attempting to bridge the gap.

8:00 PM CEST: Vingegaard continues to push the pace, extending his lead over Pogačar. Rodriguez is struggling to keep pace. This is a critical moment in the Tour de France race.

8:30 PM CEST: vingegaard crosses the finish line at the Col de la Croix de Fer,taking the stage win! Pogačar finishes second,several minutes behind. Rodriguez secures third place.

Stage 13 Results (Provisional)

1. Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma)
2. Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates)
3. Carlos Rodriguez (INEOS Grenadiers)

General Classification Standings (After Stage 13) – Provisional

1. Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma)
2. Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates)
3. Carlos Rodriguez (INEOS Grenadiers)

Key Talking Points & Analysis

Vingegaard’s Dominance: Jonas Vingegaard delivered a stunning performance, demonstrating his strength and tactical acumen on the Col de la Croix de Fer.

Pogačar’s Struggles: Tadej Pogačar appeared to be struggling on the steepest sections of the climb, raising questions about his form.

Rodriguez’s Potential: Carlos Rodriguez continues to impress, solidifying his position as a contender for a high overall finish.

Breakaway Success: While the breakaway didn’t challenge for the stage win, they played a significant role in shaping the race dynamics.

Upcoming Stages & What to Expect

Stage 14