The favourites emerge
This stage joins two towns also linked in the 2008 Tour. The route between them is slightly different, though, with the cat 2 Col de Croix Saint-Robert providing a stiff test prior to the final climb up to the ski resort of Super-Besse. Three years ago, Riccardo Riccò led the field home while Stefan Schumacher lost the yellow jersey after crashing in the final charge to the hill-top finish. Neither, of course, will race this year, but the yellow jersey could still change hands. The final ramps are steep enough to split the field and to ensure all the yellow jersey favourites will be working hard.
Details -
Distance: 189 km
Highest point: 1,451m
Category: Medium mountains
Sean Yates says...
'In the Massif Central, it’s often so hot the tarmac starts to melt. The stages are hectic until the break goes but the main group will never coast and let a group get 20 minutes. I doubt that the finish is hard enough to cause big splits in the GC guys."
Stage map
Stage profile
-
Movistar Team opt for mostly white kit for 2026, Uijtdebroeks to make Tour de France debut
Team presents 27 men and 17 women for WorldTour along with new development team -
'This is a tough industry to keep a team running' - Crit specialist Andrea Cyr makes bold move to launch women's programme after third team collapse
HigherDOSE Cycling will feature Cyr and five other riders for US campaign in 2026 -
Quiz! Can you name the top-25 riders in each of this year's UCI rankings?
Do you think you can correctly name the best male and female road riders of 2025? -
'It was pretty scary' – Makena Kellerman recalls finish-line crash at US Cyclocross Nationals last year in her quest for a second U23 title after MTB success
US under-23 mountain bike champion joined Steve Tilford Foundation Racing for deeper dive in 'cross which paid dividends with recent podiums
