The sixth stage of the 2025 Tour de France has begun, challenging the assumption that northern France is always flat. Spanning 201.5 kilometers from Bayeux to Vire, this stage features a significant vertical gain of 3,550 meters and includes six categorized climbs, making it resemble an Ardennes one-day Classic.
As the race progresses, early skirmishes and breakaways are unfolding. With 145 kilometers to go, Tim Wellens from UAE leads the front up the climb, closely followed by Israel’s Mike Woods. However, they have been caught, and EF Education are initiating attempts to create a split in the peloton, with Alex Baudin taking the lead. Movistar’s Gregor Mühlberger has also launched an attack, with Israel’s Alexey Lutsenko in pursuit.
The peloton remains competitive, as various riders, including Wout van Aert and Julian Alaphilippe, are making their moves. Tadej Pogačar, currently in the yellow jersey, is aiming to maintain his status while also contending for points. The sprint for the intermediate segment will prove pivotal, especially for sprinters like Jonathan Milan, who is currently vying for the green jersey alongside Pogačar.
The route, winding through the picturesque “Swiss Normandy” with its tight, twisting roads, offers significant challenges for the riders, especially as they approach the steep climbs. With sprinters being dropped from the peloton early, we anticipate a fierce contest between punchy riders fitting this stage’s profile.
As the race unfolds, it will be exciting to see if breakaway riders can sustain their lead, as the final climbs and a punchy uphill finish could play into the hands of strong contenders. All eyes will be on Pogačar and other top riders as they battle not only for stage victory but also for strategic positioning as the Tour progresses.
This stage presents a great opportunity for those willing to seize the moment, and it will be interesting to see how each team approaches the final climbs.