The second Alpine stage of the Tour de France is short, nervous and very difficult. Right from the start, stage eight commences with rollers that will be ideal for attackers, then it transitions to three first category ascents in the second half. After 75 kilometres, the long ascent of the Cormet de Roselend, then the Montée de Hauteville should give the favourites a chance to get into position for the 18-kilometre, 5.5% average gradient of the ascent to Tignes, where the real contenders for victory in this year's Tour will likely be revealed.
Climbs:
Km 15.5: Col du Marais: 3.8 km climb @ 4.1 % grade / 4th Cat.
Km 22: Côte du Bouchet-Mont-Charvin: 2.0 km climb @ 7.1 % grade / 3rd Cat.
Km 46.5: Col de Tamié: 9.5 km climb @ 4 % grade / 2nd Cat.
Km 99.5: Cormet de Roselend (D.925-D.902): 19.9 km climb @ 6 % grade / 1st Cat.
Km 136.5: Montée d'Hauteville: 15.3 km climb @ 4.7 % grade / 1st Cat.
Km 163: Montée de Tignes: 18.0 km climb @ 5.4 % grade / 1st Cat.
Sprints:
Km 36: Faverges
Km 105: Albertville
-
‘My number one goal is the Classics but also the sprints' - Paul Magnier
Tour de France ‘doesn't seem like a priority right now' for 21-year-old French rider -
Marc Madiot praises Tadej Pogačar's 'sense of history' of cycling, but picks Wout van Aert as his favourite
Groupama-FDJ manager finds that the world champion has a deep understanding of the sport -
'A truly dramatic year' - Lotte Kopecky reflects after a sub-par 2025 season where the Tour of Flanders was the only highlight
The Belgian superstar once again asserts that another Tour de France GC bid is highly unlikely -
Mattias Skjelmose's Amstel Gold triumph over Pogačar and Evenepoel gave 'hope to other riders in the peloton'
After a difficult year, Dane returns to the biggest victory his career
