Tour de France 2025 Stage 2 Preview: Lauwin‑Planque → Boulogne‑sur‑Mer — Wind, Climbs & Puncheur Chaos
Welcome to Stage 2 of the Tour de France 2025 — and make no mistake, this isn’t a lazy Sunday ride. The peloton faces a 209.1 km rollercoaster from Lauwin‑Planque to Boulogne‑sur‑Mer on Sunday, July 6th, serving up sharp climbs, gusty coastal roads, and a classic puncheur’s finale. Expect crosswind chaos and yellow jersey tension as GC favorites and opportunists battle for time bonuses and seaside glory.
This isn’t a pure sprinter’s playground, nor a GC showdown — it’s a puncheur’s delight with punchy climbs, swirling coastal winds, and the promise of chaos after km 180. It’s one of those deceptive stages where fortunes shift fast, and as any seasoned fan knows: “The Tour waits for no one.”
From KOM hunters to crosswind masters, this one’s a stage where bold legs and sharp tactics rule. So buckle up — Stage 2 is a powder keg waiting for a spark.
If Stage 1 was the grand ballroom waltz for sprinters, Stage 2 flips the script — welcome to the wind tunnel. This is one of those sneaky early days where the Tour de France won’t be won, but could definitely be lost.
Stage 2 Detailed Route Overview — Tour de France 2025
Stage 2 of the Tour de France 2025 is anything but a transitional stage. Covering ~209 km from Lauwin‑Planque to Boulogne‑sur‑Mer, this route is a tactical minefield loaded with narrow roads, coastal gusts, sharp climbs, and legendary northern French scenery. It’s a day built for puncheurs, classics specialists, and chaos-loving fans.
Here’s what you need to know at a glance:
Features | Stage 2 Highlights |
|---|---|
Sunday, July 6th, 2025 | |
Lauwin‑Planque, Hauts‑de‑France | |
Boulogne‑sur‑Mer, Pas-de-Calais | |
209.1 km | |
Hilly stage with punchy finale and possible echelons | |
2,550 metres | |
4 (Cat 4, Cat 3 x2, steep finish ramp) | |
Bréxent‑Énocq (mid‑stage at km 154.2) | |
Côte de Saint‑Étienne‑au‑Mont, Côte d’Outreau, seaside finish ramp | |
~17:20 CEST (11:20 ET / 08:20 PT) | |
Hilly stage with punchy finale and possible echelons | |
Van der Poel, Alaphilippe, Van Aert, Pogacar | |
Windy 25–35 km/h, 19–23°C |
The route for Stage 2 is a stunning loop through Hauts-de-France and the Pas-de-Calais, peppered with historic landmarks and Tour-worthy terrain. Here’s a breakdown of what’s coming:
Stage 2nd of the 2025 Tour de France – Key Route Points
Start: Lauwin‑Planque (Km 0)
The peloton departs from Lauwin‑Planque, a flat, industrial town just outside Douai — a deceptive calm before the storm.
Km 30–70: Rolling Warm-up to the West
Riders head west on gently rolling terrain, passing through Lens and past the Notre-Dame de Lorette memorial. Expect early breakaway attempts here as teams fight for TV time and maybe a shot at the polka-dot jersey.
Km 70–130: Crosswind Exposed Farmland
The open roads between Rollancourt and Wamin are notorious for their winds. Teams like Jumbo-Visma and UAE Team Emirates will be on high alert for potential echelons, especially with gusts expected off the Côte d’Opale.
Climb #1: Côte de Cavron-Saint-Martin(Cat 4, at Km 104.3 – 1014m)
A short (1.1 km-long climb at 5.9%), sharp tester, but a chance for the breakaway to scoop up mountain points.
Km 130–150: Historic Towns and Technical Roads
The race snakes through charming villages like Neuville-sous-Montreuil and Montreuil-sur-Mer, whose narrow medieval streets and tight turns will stretch the peloton.
Intermediate Sprint: Bréxent‑Énocq (Km 154.2)
Time for the fast men and GC hopefuls chasing bonus seconds. Expect fireworks here.
Climb #2 Côte Du Haut Pichot (Cat 3 at Km 179.3 – 179m)
1.2 kilometre long climb at 9.4%.
Climb #3: Côte de Saint-Étienne-au-Mont (Cat 3, Km 200.5 – 109m)
This climb signals the start of the finale. It’s steep, narrow, and perfectly positioned for a pre-emptive attack.
Climb #4: Côte d’Outreau (Cat 4, Km 203.8 – 86m)
The climb is 0.8 kilometre long at 8.8%, all about positioning for the puncheurs and yellow jersey contenders.
Finale: Boulogne‑sur‑Mer (Km 209.1)
The race finishes along the seafront, with a 450m final ramp averaging 8%. A savage sting in the tail — ideal for power finishers like Van Aert, Pidcock, Alaphilippe, or Pogacar.
Stage 2 Detailed Route Map
The Stage 2 detailed route map confirms an exposed northern loop with the coastal finale — a classic recipe for drama in the Tour de France 2025.
Elevation Profile & Road Breakdown | Tour de France 2025 Stage 2
Stage 2 of the 2025 Tour de France isn’t your typical flat northern sprint day. It’s a cunning mix of flatlands, rolling hills, treacherous coastal roads, and a brutal uphill finish. Here’s a detailed kilometer-by-kilometer terrain breakdown — where the attacks will fly, the crosswinds howl, and legs are truly tested.
📈 Stage 2 Elevation Profile:
A jagged, undulating stage profile featuring:
- Early flat sections
- Rolling midsection with KOM opportunities
- A sharp ramp towards the coast
- Brutal final 9 km with back-to-back ramps and coastal winds
📊 Road Breakdown & Key Features:
Segment | Distance (km) | Terrain & Key Features |
|---|---|---|
0–104 | 104.3 km | Flat–rolling countryside. Early breakaway likely. KOM #1 at Côte de Cavron-Saint-Martin (Cat 4). Crosswinds possible through open farmland. |
104–179 | 75 km | Leaping into rolling climbs, passing heritage towns like Montreuil-sur-Mer. Tight technical roads. KOM #2 appears as a warning shot. |
179–200 | 21.2 km | Coastal shift with exposed roads, sharp descents, and a punishing Category 3 climb: Côte de Saint-Étienne-au-Mont (1 km at 9.5%). |
200–209 (Final 9 km) | 9.1 km | Race-deciding sector. Côte d’Outreau (800 m at 8.8%), howling coastal winds, and an uphill drag finish into Boulogne-sur-Mer. Riders need explosive legs and smart positioning here. |
Summary of Climbs on Stage 2
- KOM 1: Côte de Cavron-Saint-Martin – Cat 4
- KOM 2: Côte de Saint-Étienne-au-Mont – Cat 3 (1 km at 9.5%)
- KOM 3: Côte d’Outreau – Cat 3 (800 m at 8.8%)
This stage will be a classics specialist’s dream. Riders like Wout van Aert, Tom Pidcock, Mathieu van der Poel, and Julian Alaphilippe will circle this one in red. GC men must avoid splits and crosswind ambushes. And with a final kilometer averaging 8%, pure sprinters will likely be shelled before the finish.
Boulogne-sur-Mer’s History with the Tour de France
You might know Boulogne-sur-Mer for its fresh seafood and windswept beaches, but when the Tour de France rolls into town, this place transforms from sleepy port to cycling’s version of a mosh pit.
Previous Tour Visits: A Quick Throwback
Year | Stage Outcome |
|---|---|
2012 | Peter Sagan’s first-ever Tour stage win — remember that Hulk celebration? Legendary. |
1994 | Sprint finish mayhem, with Frenchman Jacky Durand in the break for 170+ km |
1960s & earlier | Regular stopover for coastal stages, with crosswinds playing havoc on the GC contenders |
In 2012, Sagan outsprinted Cancellara and Boasson Hagen like a fox in a henhouse, sealing his maiden Tour win and turning Boulogne’s harborfront into an all-night party.
When Sagan Went Beast Mode: The 2012 Boulogne-sur-Mer Sprint That Made Headlines
Stage 3 of the 2012 Tour de France (on July 3, 2012, from Orchies to Boulogne-sur-Mer) was won by Peter Sagan that turned him into a tour star.
🏖️ Cycling Culture on the Côte d’Opale
- Locals love their bikes: You’ll find more vintage Peugeot jerseys here than in a Paris thrift shop.
- The Maritime Museum café has a wall dedicated to old Tour posters — pure nostalgia gold.
- Expect impromptu roadside picnics, old-timers recounting Anquetil tales, and kids on balance bikes chasing the caravan.
Local Legend Sayings
When the Tour hits Boulogne, the locals claim:
“Ici, c’est pas le vent qui tourne — c’est la course.”
(Here, it’s not the wind that changes — it’s the race itself.)
Which basically means: expect the unexpected. One minute, a breakaway leads by five minutes, the next — boom, a sea gust and they’re spat out the back.
Boulogne-sur-Mer’s legacy?
A seaside town that punches way above its weight when the peloton rolls in. A place where history, headwinds, and heroics collide.
What’s cooking on the route?
This isn’t alpine brutality, but it’s death by a thousand cuts. Short, sharp climbs litter the parcours, especially in the back half of the 2nd stage, and with winds off the Channel, it’s as unpredictable as a French waiter’s mood on Bastille Day.
Key zones:
- Rolling countryside for the first 90 km
- Middle section: a mix of uncategorized kickers and exposed flatlands
- Final 50 km: a series of sharp climbs and narrow, winding roads leading to a spicy seaside finale
📌 In short: it’s the type of day that looks harmless in the roadbook but bites you on the derrière when you least expect it.
Stage 2 Route Profile, Danger Zones & Weather Watch
Stage 2 isn’t just long and lumpy — it’s an ambush disguised as a day by the sea. Coastal gusts, tight urban corners, and cobbled sections mean trouble lurks everywhere. Here’s your rider risk report.
Key Climbs (Categorized & Not-so-categorized)
The kind of nasty ramps that aren’t long enough for KOM points but plenty long enough to ruin a sprinter’s afternoon.
Major Danger Zones at Stage 2
Zone | Approx. km | |
|---|---|---|
Open, exposed roads along the coast where gusts can split the peloton into echelons instantly — GC contenders must stay front | km 179–200 | |
Narrow descents, sudden turns into town — risk of crashes, especially in a tense finale | ~km 198–201 | |
Steep 800 m ramp at 8.8% after 200 km — possible pile-ups, bottlenecks, desperate attacks | km 200.5 | |
Last 2 km of street furniture, traffic islands, and high-speed tension as riders sprint or climb for the line | km 207–209 |
Weather Forecast: July 6th, 2025
Coastal France doesn’t play nice in July — and this stage could be shaped by the skies.
- Wind: 25–35 km/h gusts from the northwest (cross-tailwind on the coast = echelons incoming)
- Temperature: 19–23°C (mild but humid)
- Chance of Rain: 35% mid-afternoon — slippery cobbles in Arras and Saint-Étienne a real hazard
- UV Index: 7 (sunburn risk for spectators and exposed riders)
🛑 Crash & Mechanical Risk spots
- Mont-Saint-Éloi medieval road (km 38): Uneven cobbles, narrow pass
- Énocq Intermediate Sprint (km 154): Fast downhill lead-in, sprint teams jostling for bonus seconds
- Boulogne finish zone: Urban barriers, late race fatigue, and frantic puncheur moves
Keep an eye on the official Tour live app for instant crash zone alerts and wind updates.
Visual-Style Timeline Idea:
Km | Feature | Type |
|---|---|---|
0 | Lauwin-Planque Start | Flat Rollout |
60 | Crosswind zone | Wind Echelons |
90 | Rolling hills | Selective |
140 | Côte de Desvres (1.7 km @ 6.5%) | Cat 3 Climb |
160 | Series of uncategorized kickers | Tough Selectors |
195 | Côte de La Capelle-lès-Boulogne | Cat 3 Climb |
208 | Côte de Saint-Martin-Boulogne | Final Punch |
212 | Boulogne-sur-Mer Finish | Seafront Chaos |
“Flat by name, treacherous by nature.”
Spectator’s Live Guide | Tour de France 2025 Stage 2
Stage 2 on July 6th isn’t just one to watch — it’s one to experience.
From café-packed climbs to wind-battered coastal straights and a roaring seaside finish, this is northern France at its punchiest. Here’s how to soak up every second.
Best Live Viewing Spots of The Stage 2
If you’re road-side, these are your prime spots to witness the fireworks:
Spot | Location (km marker) | Why It’s Epic |
|---|---|---|
Côte de Haut-Pichot | ~km 104.3 | First KOM of the day — crowds, cowbells, and pure tradition |
Arras Town Square | km 29 | Festive send-off vibe, cobbled streets packed with fans |
Coastal Wind Roads | km 179–200 | Where echelons form and races are lost — bring a flag |
Côte d’Outreau Climb | km 200.5 | 800 m at 8.8% — final launchpad before the finish |
Boulogne-sur-Mer Seafront | Finish (209 km) | Champagne, sprint drama, and Tour madness on the promenade |
Bring a yellow polka-dot flag for the KOM climbs — it’ll get you on the broadcast.
Live Race Schedule (CEST)
| Time | Action | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| 12:15 | Official Start | Lille Start Zone |
| 13:00 | Arras fly-past | km 29 |
| 13:25 | Mont-Saint-Éloi medieval pass | km 38 |
| 15:45 | Intermediate Sprint Battle at Énocq | km 154 |
| 16:50 | Final two climbs: Saint-Étienne & Côte d’Outreau | ~km 200 |
| 17:20 | Expected Sprint or Puncheur Showdown Finish | Boulogne-sur-Mer (209 km) |
Local Eats & Drinks Along the Route
Because race food can’t just be energy gels. Northern France has flavors to match its racing grit.
- 🦞 Boulogne seafood platters: Mussels, whelks, and oysters — local, fresh, and essential
- 🥘 La Gainée stew: Hearty fish stew with cream sauce, the perfect pre-climb carb load
- 🍻 Goudale beer: Crisp, golden ale — best enjoyed along the coast with a view of echelons forming
The tiny boulangerie near Mont-Saint-Éloi church does a legendary tarte au sucre — get there before the riders.
🎺 Atmosphere Ranking: Fan Hotspots
Spot | Crowd Energy | Views | Race Action |
|---|---|---|---|
Boulogne finish | 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 | 🌊🌊🌊🌊 | 💥💥💥💥💥 |
Côte d’Outreau | 🔥🔥🔥🔥 | 🌳🌊🌊🌳 | 💥💥💥💥 |
Coastal wind sections | 🔥🔥🔥 | 🌊🌊🌊🌊 | 💥💥💥 |
Mont-Saint-Éloi village | 🔥🔥 | 🏰🌳 | 💥💥 |
🎶 Live Entertainment & Activities
- Fan zones at Arras and Boulogne with live DJ sets, food trucks, and Tour giveaways
- Kids’ cycling sprint challenge at Mont-Saint-Éloi village green
- Public giant screen areas at Boulogne finish zone
If you’re anywhere near Hauts-de-France on July 6th, this is the stage to chase.
Côte d’Outreau and Boulogne-sur-Mer are about to deliver Tour de France theatre at its spiciest.
How to Watch & Broadcast Info | Tour de France 2025 Stage 2
No one wants to miss Stage 2’s coastal crosswinds, KOM fireworks, and puncheur battles. Here’s exactly where and when to tune in, wherever you are in the world.
📺 📡 Live TV Broadcast Schedule
| Region | Channel(s) | Local Start Time | Approx. Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | France Télévisions, Eurosport | 12:15 CEST | 17:20 CEST |
| UK | ITV4, Eurosport | 11:15 BST | 16:20 BST |
| USA | Peacock/NBC, CyclingLive | 6:15 a.m. ET | 11:20 a.m. ET |
| Canada | FloBikes | 6:15 a.m. ET | 11:20 a.m. ET |
| Australia | SBS On Demand, GCN+ | 8:15 p.m. AEST | 1:20 a.m. AEST |
See where to watch every stage live or in-person — find your country in our complete Tour de France 2025 live & broadcast guide.
📶 Coastal stages = patchy coverage in places — stay tuned to the official app and our social feeds for real-time wind drama. Stay connected throughout the event!
Key Live Moments Not to Miss
| Time (CEST) | Key Race Action |
|---|
| 12:15 | Rollout from Cesson |
| 14:15 | Arras & Mont-Saint-Éloi climbs |
| 15:45 | Énocq Intermediate Sprint (Bonus seconds) |
| 16:45 | Côte d’Outreau attack zone |
| 17:20 | Boulogne-sur-Mer uphill finish (likely GC fireworks) |
🍺 Ideal Fan Viewing Setup
- Snack: Boulogne-style seafood platter or La Gainée fish stew
- Drink: Goudale blonde ale, crisp and perfect for a crosswind stage
- Device: Big screen TV for the finale, phone app for wind echelons
July 6th’s Stage 2 is appointment viewing — wherever you are, mark those times, get your snacks ready, and brace for tactical mayhem.
Predictions & Fan Poll | Tour de France 2025 Stage 2
Stage 2 isn’t a sprinter’s party — it’s a puncheur’s playground with bonus seconds lurking on every climb and coastal gusts ready to split the peloton. Here’s who we’re backing, who’s plotting, and who might steal it.
Top Stage 2 Favorites
| 🔥 Rider | 📌 Reason to Watch |
|---|
| Julian Alaphilippe | Côte d’Outreau’s punch suits his explosive kick perfectly |
| Mathieu van der Poel | Tailwind or headwind — if he sees daylight, it’s over |
| Wout van Aert | Climbing legs + sprint finish = perfect stage profile |
Dark Horses & GC Ambush Artists
- Tadej Pogacar: Might sneak bonus seconds and test Vingegaard’s legs
- Tom Pidcock: If INEOS wants chaos, he’s the spark
- Michael Matthews: Tough enough to hang and fast enough to finish
Fan Poll: Who Takes Yellow in Boulogne-sur-Mer?
✅ Julian Alaphilippe
✅ Mathieu van der Poel
✅ Wout van Aert
✅ Tadej Pogacar
✅ Someone else — name your bold pick!
Whisper
“A puncheur stage with crosswind splits this early in the race? GC guys won’t sleep well. Pogacar will poke, Alaphilippe will attack, and Van der Poel… might just detonate the whole thing.” — former pro directeur sportif
FAQs | 2025 Stage 2 Essentials
Got questions about Stage 2? We’ve got fast, no-BS answers for you.
Stage 2 isn’t a lazy Sunday ride through the countryside — it’s a high-stakes, crosswind-lashed, punchy brawler of a stage that’s going to leave bruises in the GC standings and pride alike. With 2,550 m of climbing packed into a 209 km route, sharp coastal winds, and a cruel uphill finish in Boulogne-sur-Mer, it’s a perfect ambush for the opportunists and a nerve-test for the yellow jersey contenders.
Puncheurs like Alaphilippe, Van der Poel, and Van Aert will smell blood on the final climbs, while GC titans Pogacar and Vingegaard must stay ice-cold and perfectly placed when the echelons split on the wind-swept flats.
Expect heartbreak for sprinters, fireworks from the puncheurs, and maybe — just maybe — a surprise stage leader by sunset on July 6th.
This is Tour racing at its scrappiest, nastiest, and most beautiful. And if you miss it live, you’ll regret it.
July 6 — Stage 2. Be there for the chaos.