Tomblaine – La Planche des Belles Filles
Distance: 199km
Highest point: 1,035m
Category: Medium mountains
The first steep ramps
Most pundits believe that the route of this year’s Tour heavily favours the time trial specialists and Frank Schleck is the man most frequently picked out as the rider for whom this is a problem. On this basis, Schleck and other climbers who struggle against the clock, such as Robert Gesink and Pierre Rolland, will have to take advantage of stages like this. All the damage will be done on the final climb, which has never previously featured on the Tour but provides a breathtaking finale to the Trois Ballons sportive. They may only gain seconds at the finish but they will get a big psychological boost if they drop key rivals.
Janez Brajkovic: "The profile of the final climb is really hard with ramps of 11 and 13 percent and there are certainly going to be some time differences at the top. It is almost six kilometres and averages around 7 percent so it is a climb that suits me."
Maps and profiles courtesy of ASO
-
Best leg warmers for cycling 2025: Six options for all budgets tested and rated
The best cycling leg warmers add extra warmth and will extend the usability of your bib shorts -
UAE Team Emirates-XRG reveal new jersey design for 2026 season
Top-ranked team present white, red and black kit for coming season, with key rider goals to be confirmed on Saturday -
A Swiss army gravel bike, some of the best brakes around, and sunglasses for the winter: Tom's Gear of the Year
The gravel shorts I've used for all my big rides this year, and one of the best groupsets on the market make my list this year -
'I feel the trust I need here' – Matthew Brennan agrees new long-term contract with Visma-Lease a Bike after stand-out season
British rider expected to have key role in Classics and sprints
