Albertville hosted the start of a Tour de France stage eight times before. The town is also known for organising the 1992 Winter Olympics. It’s quite remarkable that the Games took place there, considering Albertville has fewer than 20,000 residents.
The route climbs false flat from the start, and 10 kilometres in, the gradients rise as the riders take on the Côte d’Héry-sur-Ugine: 11.3 kilometres with an average gradient of 5.1%. After a short descent, the the Col des Saisies throws in 13.7 kilometres at 6.4%.
A proper descent takes the riders down to Beaufort, at the base of the Col du Pré. At 12.6 kilometres, it’s another long climb, while the slopes are averaging 7.7%. The second half is particularly steep, with the last kilometre hitting 12%. After a negligible descent, the route continues to go up on the Cormet de Roselend: 5.9 kilometres at 6.3%.
With four of the five climbs done, there are still over 50 kilometres left to race atop the Cormet de Roselend.
A long descent leads to Aime-la-Plagne, where the finishing climb commences. The haul up to La Plagne is 19.1 kilometres long, with an average gradient of 7.2%. Overall, it’s a steady ascent, although there are three kilometres at over 9%.
It’s do or die in the leg to La Plagne, as there won’t be many chances to make significant gains in the next two stages.
Tour de France 2025, stage 19: route, profiles, videos
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