Tour de France 2025 Stage 7: Detailed Route, Profile, Favourites & Race Day Preview

Get ready for fireworks — Stage 7 of the 2025 Tour de France is set to deliver one of the most exciting days of the first week. Covering 197km from Saint-Malo to Mûr-de-Bretagne Guerlédan, this classic Breton stage brings rolling hills, coastal winds, and a double helping of the famous Mûr-de-Bretagne climb.

If you love punchy uphill finishes and unpredictable racing, this is your stage. With two brutal ascents of the legendary climb and a route packed with narrow roads and passionate fans, it’s a day where both the breakaway artists and Stage 7 favorites will be eyeing victory.

Expect bold moves, tactical games, and maybe even a shake-up in the general classification before the riders head into the high mountains. Buckle up — Stage 7 of the 2025 Tour de France is going to be a thriller.

What’s Special About Stage 7 Route?

Welcome to the battlefield of Brittany.
197 km of unrelenting, old-school French racing where roads are narrow, winds are vicious, and no one gets a free ride.

But it’s all a prelude to THE climb.

🎯 Mûr-de-Bretagne Guerlédan isn’t just any climb — it’s a stage-maker.

In 2011, Cadel Evans edged out Contador by millimeters here.
In 2018, Dan Martin hit it first and fast for a career-defining win.
This hill builds legends and buries pretenders.

What makes Stage 7 dangerous?

It’s not a mountain stage — it’s worse.
A deceptively tough day where legs dull, tactics sharpen, and one bad position spells disaster.
It’s the kind of stage where the Tour won’t be won, but it could damn well be lost.

Stage 7 Detailed Overview: Saint-Malo to Mûr-de-Bretagne Guerlédan

The Stage 7 route of the Fri 11th of July 2025 offers a bit of everything — coastal breezes, rolling inland roads, and a double climb of one of France’s iconic cycling hills. Here’s a breakdown of what fans and riders can expect on this classic Breton day:

Start: Saint-Malo (départ fictif & réel)

The peloton will roll out from the walled port city of Saint-Malo, a town famous for its pirate history and crêperies. After a short départ fictif through the cobbled streets and along the seafront, the départ réel will officially kick things off just outside the city limits. Expect an aggressive start, with riders desperate to jump into the day’s breakaway — a trademark of this type of hilly Stage 7 route.

🌊 Through Brittany: Coastal and Inland Highlights

The first half of the stage hugs Brittany’s scenic coastline, where winds off the Atlantic could easily split the bunch. Towns like Dinan and Lamballe provide the picturesque backdrop as the race heads inland over undulating terrain. No categorized climbs early on, but plenty of short, sharp ramps will soften up the legs before the decisive finale.

Keep an eye out for crosswinds, especially around Erquy and Pléneuf-Val-André. The Stage 7 detailed route is designed for tension, with narrow, twisting roads and passionate local crowds adding to the atmosphere.

🐓 Hinault’s Yffiniac & Intermediate Sprint at Plédran

The race passes through Yffiniac, hometown of Bernard Hinault, the last Frenchman to win the Tour (1985). Expect a nod to “The Badger” from the local fans.

Shortly after, the day’s intermediate sprint at Plédran offers vital points for the green jersey contenders. A fast and slightly uphill sprint — perfect for punchy sprinters who can handle a bump in the road.

🏔️ Final Climbs and Approach to Mûr-de-Bretagne

The closing 20km delivers all the action. First, the riders will tackle the Côte du Village de Mûr-de-Bretagne, a sharp 1.5km ramp with gradients topping 7%. It’s a preview of what’s to come.

Then comes the first ascent of the Mûr-de-Bretagne Guerlédan itself — 2km at an average of 6.9%, with sections kicking up to 15%. The first pass is tough, but it’s the second time up this wall where the real fireworks will happen.

The final climb finishes at the summit, making this one of the best Tour de France hill finishes for explosive climbers and GC hopefuls.

Summary Stage 7 route:
From cobbled ports to leg-burning climbs, Stage 7 of the 2025 Tour de France promises a proper Breton battle. It’s a route that favours aggressive racing, with enough terrain for both breakaway specialists and Stage 7 favorites to fight for glory.

What to Expect in 2025 Version:

A savage start leaving Saint-Malo’s ramparts. Expect 50+ km/h average for the first hour as breakaway hopefuls scrap for freedom.

Rolling, exposed countryside through Brittany’s rough heartland.

Echelon potential in the first 80 km — if the wind’s up, it’ll split like a dropped baguette.

Mid-stage tension builds with minor climbs and the first pass over the Mûr-de-Bretagne (yep, they hit it twice).

The final lap? A furious drag race up the Mûr where dreams will either soar or shatter.

Puncheurs and GC guys will trade blows on that final ramp.

Stage 7 Detailed Route Map and Profile

If you’re tracking predictions, fantasy picks or planning your couch-side viewing snacks — here’s how the Stage 7 route of the 2025 Tour de France breaks down visually and by the numbers.

🗺️ Stage 7 Detailed Route Map

The official Stage 7 detailed route map charts a varied 197km journey across Brittany — from seafront Saint-Malo to the punishing ramps of Mûr-de-Bretagne Guerlédan. Expect wide coastal roads early, tight inland lanes later, and fireworks on the climbs.

➡️ Key Route Features:

• Saint-Malo départ fictif & réel
• Dinan, Lamballe, Yffiniac
• Intermediate Sprint at Plédran (km 113.2)
• Côte du Village de Mûr-de-Bretagne (km 176)
• Double ascent of Mûr-de-Bretagne (km 187.5 & finish at 197km)

📊 Stage 7 Route Profile

The terrain profile stays fairly tame for the first 100km before getting increasingly lumpy — capped by a brutal double climb finish. The final 25km are where Stage 7 will likely be won or lost.

📋 Stage 7 Route Data Summary

On the profile chart, the stage looks like a sharp double spike at the end — the famed double ascent of Mûr-de-Bretagne. This classic Breton wall is where GC riders will test each other and punchy climbers will sniff victory.

Stage 7 favorites with quick uphill kick: think Tadej Pogačar, Remco Evenepoel, Mattias Skjelmose, and savvy breakaway specialists.

Key Climbs & Challenges of the 7th Stage

While much of Stage 7 of the 2025 Tour de France rolls through gentle Breton countryside, the final third is a real leg-breaker. This is where the stage goes from scenic to savage — with sharp climbs and a double ascent of the iconic Mûr-de-Bretagne.

Let’s break down the climbs fans need to watch for:

📊 Stage 7 Climb Summary Table

🔥 Climb-by-Climb Breakdown

🟡 Côte du Village de Mûr-de-Bretagne

• Length: 1.5km
• Average Gradient: 5.5%
• When: At 176km
• Why it matters: A teaser for the legs before the big finale. Expect early breakaway survivors to start cracking here, and GC teams to get organized.

🟠 Mûr-de-Bretagne (1st Ascent)

• Length: 2.0km
• Average Gradient: 6.9%
• Max Gradient: 15% in final 400m
• When: At 187.5km
• Why it matters: It’s a stinger. A chance for teams like UAE Team Emirates, Soudal Quick-Step, and Lidl-Trek to test rivals and maybe set up a punchy climber for the stage.

In past editions, riders have used this climb to drop pretenders and isolate GC rivals before the final showdown.

🔴 Mûr-de-Bretagne (Finish)

• Length: 2.0km
• Average Gradient: 6.9%
• Max Gradient: 15%
• Finish Line: At 197km
• Why it matters: A modern Tour classic.
  Van der Poel made history here in 2021, and this year promises similar drama. Look for GC contenders and explosive puncheurs to light it up.

📢 Insider Tip for Fans:

Watch for riders like Pogačar, Evenepoel, Skjelmose to battle here, while local hero Warren Barguil might try something for the cameras on the first ascent.

Stage 7 Favourites & Predictions

Stage 7 of the 2025 Tour de France isn’t a pure sprint and it’s not a full mountain day — it’s classic puncheur territory. Expect fireworks on the Mûr-de-Bretagne finish where explosive climbers and GC hopefuls will jostle for precious seconds and stage glory.

⭐ Top Favourites for Stage 7

Wildcards & Outsiders

🏆 Predicted Winner: Tadej Pogačar

Unless a breakaway miracle survives, Pogačar has the perfect mix of GC ambition, sprint finish, and uphill punch to take this. Expect him to accelerate in the final 300m, gap his rivals, and grab a few bonus seconds along the way.

Fan’s Sleeper Pick:
Wout van Aert — if he’s climbing well, he could pull off a powerful surge on the Mûr.

📊 How This Finish Typically Plays Out

• Breakaway holds out… until the final climbs.
• First ascent of Mûr sees GC teams crank up the pace.
• Final ascent: explosive attacks inside the final km.
• Last 400m: gradients hit 13–15%, leaders go all-in.
• Either a GC favorite grabs it, or a brave puncheur edges clear.

Food & Drink Pairing for Stage 7 🍏🥞🍻

As the Tour peloton winds its way through Brittany — a region famed for its rugged coastline, Celtic roots, and passionate cycling fans — it’s only right we celebrate the local specialities fans will be enjoying roadside and at home.

🥞 What to Eat While Watching Stage 7

🍻 What to Drink

🎉 Fan Tip:

If you’re hosting a Tour de France watch party or following the stage at home, lay out a Breton-style spread: galettes, cider, and a big plate of Kouign-Amann. Bonus points for waving a Breton flag when the riders hit the Mûr-de-Bretagne.

Stage 7 Timings & Live Coverage Info

Whether you’re catching it on TV, streaming on your phone, or tracking the peloton from a café in Brittany — here’s exactly when and where you need to be tuned in for Stage 7 of the 2025 Tour de France.

📅 Stage 7 — Friday, 11th July 2025

📺 How to Watch Stage 7 Live

🔔 Fan Note:

The double ascent of the Mûr-de-Bretagne is unmissable — expect fireworks on both climbs. Aim to tune in from around 16:00 CET to catch the explosive finale.

Brittany’s Legendary Tour de France History

You think Normandy’s cobbles are wild? Brittany’s roads have been the birthplace of legends, heartbreakers, and cycling gods. Let’s ride through the history books:

The Cradle of French Cycling Royalty

Brittany isn’t just another stage host — it’s a cycling shrine. This rugged, wind-battered region has produced more Tour heroes than anywhere else in France.

Notable Breton Tour Heroes:

• Louison Bobet — Three-time Tour winner (1953–55), born in Saint-Méen-le-Grand, less than 40 km from Mûr-de-Bretagne.
• Bernard Hinault (“Le Blaireau”) — Five-time Tour champ (1978, ‘79, ‘81, ‘82, ‘85) from Yffiniac. The most aggressive, fearless Frenchman ever to ride a bike.

You don’t ride gently in Brittany — you fight the wind, the rain, and the road.

⛰️ Mûr-de-Bretagne: The ‘Alpe d’Huez of Brittany’

They call it “The Wall” for a reason.
A 2 km climb averaging 6.9%, but kicking up over 10% in sections. It’s short, savage, and absolutely legendary for explosive stage finishes.

Historic Mûr moments:

• 2011: Cadel Evans outsprinted Contador by a whisker in a GC shake-up.
• 2015: Alexis Vuillermoz launched a blistering attack here for a heroic solo win.
• 2018: Dan Martin dusted the favorites with a late punch, proving it’s a stage where GC hopefuls can’t hide.

Brittany’s Tour DNA

• The first ever Tour de France in 1903 passed near this region.
• The coastlines, windswept ridges, and narrow stone-walled lanes have staged countless decisive moments.
• Local crowds are famously wild — cowbells, cider-fueled chants, and waving Breton flags on every climb.

You don’t just race in Brittany. You battle a century of cycling ghosts, salty wind, and a crowd that knows every pedal stroke counts.

Past Mûr-de-Bretagne Stages 📜⏳

The Mûr-de-Bretagne finish has built a reputation as one of the Tour de France’s punchiest hilltop showdowns — short, steep, and dramatic. Since its first appearance in 2011, it’s delivered some unforgettable moments and big-name winners.

Quick Recap of Past Mûr-de-Bretagne Stage Winners

📌 Why This Climb Matters

• Iconic Breton Setting: The wall-like climb has become Brittany’s answer to the Mur de Huy — a pure puncheur’s paradise.
• History of Changing the GC Narrative:
  In both 2011 and 2021, the results here shaped the yellow jersey standings dramatically.
• Multiple Ascents in 2025: This year’s double ascent makes it even more decisive — one for the history books.

🎙️ Fan Fact: When van der Poel won in 2021, he dedicated the victory to his late grandfather, cycling legend Raymond Poulidor, adding an emotional layer to this brutal climb’s lore.

So there we have it — Stage 7 of the 2025 Tour de France is shaping up to be an absolute cracker. With a picturesque ride through Brittany, a double serving of Mûr-de-Bretagne brutality, and a host of GC hopefuls and punchy stage hunters ready to throw down, this one promises fireworks.

From cider-fueled roadside fans to high-stakes KOM battles, Stage 7 is where the Tour truly starts to tighten — and history suggests surprises are never far away on this iconic Breton climb.

📊 Your Pick for Stage 7 Glory?

Who do you reckon will snatch victory atop the Mûr-de-Bretagne Guerlédan?
Vote in our poll or drop your pick in the comments 👇

🔘 Top GC star?
🔘 A bold wildcard?
🔘 Or a local hero rising to the occasion?

We’ll be watching every pedal stroke.

The final haul up Mûr-de-Bretagne isn’t just a hill — it’s a career-defining battlefield. Riders won’t win the Tour here, but mark my words, some poor soul will lose it if they blink at the wrong moment.