Tour de France 2025 Stage 5: Route Map, Timings, Favourites & Full Preview

The 2025 Tour de France hits a pivotal moment on Wednesday, 9 July, as the peloton faces its first individual time trial of the race — a flat and fast 33-kilometre loop around Caen. With the general classification beginning to take shape, this stage offers the pure time trial specialists a golden opportunity to leave their mark and potentially shake up the yellow jersey battle.

The city of Caen, celebrating its 1,000th anniversary in 2025, makes a fitting host for this critical stage. Once a frequent fixture on the Tour route during the 1950s and 1960s, it returns to the spotlight after a 19-year absence. The last time the Tour finished here, in 2006, it was sprinter Oscar Freire who edged out yellow jersey Tom Boonen in a thrilling sprint — but this year, it’s all about speed against the clock.

With a pan-flat course profile, barely 200 metres of elevation gain, and long, straight stretches of open road, the course is tailored for time trial specialists like Remco Evenepoel, who will eye this as a prime stage for victory. Meanwhile, GC contenders such as Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard will aim to limit their losses while preserving their ambitions for the high mountains still to come.

Historic landmarks, Normandy’s timeless countryside, and echoes of World War II history frame the route, making this not just a sporting contest, but a poignant ride through one of France’s most storied regions. As the riders clip in and set off one by one from Quai Vendeuvre by the Port de Plaisance, the clock will be the only opponent they face — and the stakes could not be higher.

What’s Special About The 5th Stage?

Ah — now this is where the boys are separated from the men. Stage 5’s Individual Time Trial in Caen is the first proper “race of truth” at this year’s Tour. No teammates to drag you through, no wheels to follow. It’s just you, your bike, and that relentless ticking clock.

Why it matters:

As they say in cycling circles — time gained here is time you don’t have to chase in the mountains.

Stage 5 Detailed Route Overview

Stage 5 of the Tour de France 2025 takes place on Wednesday 9th July and marks the first individual time trial of this year’s race. Covering a 33-kilometre loop starting and finishing in Caen, the route is designed for time trial specialists with its wide, flat roads and minimal climbing. It’s a course where pure power and aerodynamics will decide the day.

The stage begins at Quai Vendeuvre, right by the Port de Plaisance de Caen, and heads past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Early on, riders will pass the Château de Caen, a medieval fortress built by William the Conqueror, and the Jardin des Plantes de Caen, one of the oldest botanical gardens in France. Not long after, the peloton will glide by the Mémorial de Caen, a renowned museum and memorial dedicated to the history of World War II.

Leaving the city via Avenue Amiral Mountbatten, the course continues on Boulevard Maréchal Juin and Rue de Mâlon before reaching the first time check at Cambes-en-Plaine (8.2 km). This section is flat and fast, ideal for riders who can quickly settle into their aero position.

From Cambes-en-Plaine, the route moves north past the Norwegian World War II Memorial and heads west to Thaon, crossing the river Mue. At 16.4 km, the second intermediate time check awaits in Thaon, giving teams another benchmark on their riders’ pacing strategy.

Next, competitors head south towards Cairon and Rosel, before picking up the D126 Route de Caen. The third time check at Gruchy (24.8 km) comes on this stretch — an important marker as riders begin their final push back towards Caen.

Re-entering the city from the west, the route skirts around the Parc de la Colline aux Oiseaux, then follows Rue de Champagne and Rue de Rosel, passing the Cimetière Saint-Gabriel once more. The final stretch winds through Rue Saint-Gabriel, Rue de l’Académie, Rue Saint-Martin, and Place Saint-Sauveur — one of Caen’s oldest squares.

The final kilometre sees riders on Rue Sadi Carnot before they sprint to the finish on Cours du Générale de Gaulle, beside the Hippodrome de Caen.
With only 200 metres of total elevation gain and long, straight roads, this is a textbook individual time trial route built for raw speed.
Stage 5th of the 2025 Tour de France promises to be a decisive day for the general classification contenders, and a golden opportunity for pure time trial specialists to shine.

Stage 5 Route Map & Profile

For those eager to visualize the Stage 5 route of the 2025 Tour de France, it’s a fast and technical 33km individual time trial around the city of Caen and its scenic surroundings. The route offers flat terrain with subtle undulations, but no categorized climbs — making it perfect for pure rouleurs and TT specialists.

📌 Stage 5 Detailed Route Map

The official Stage 5 detailed route map reveals a loop starting from Quai Vendeuvre, tracing a clockwise path through key Norman towns such as Cambes-en-Plaine, Thaon, and Gruchy. Riders will crisscross open countryside and urban sections before concluding by the Hippodrome de Caen.

Key landmarks visible on the map:

• Château de Caen
• Jardin des Plantes
• Mémorial de Caen
• Parc de la Colline aux Oiseaux

You can view Stage 5 route 2025 to explore or ride it virtually.

📊 Stage 5 Route Profile

This summary Stage 5 route profile is as flat as they come for a Grand Tour time trial:

• 📏 Total distance: 33 km
• ⛰️ Total climbing: 200 m
• 📈 Average gradient: 0%
• 📏 Longest continuous climb: just 2.3% over 1 mile
• 🛤️ Steepest section: 4.1% for a quarter-mile

Most of the parcours runs between 0-2% gradient, with 53% of the course being perfectly flat and 46% on slight descents — conditions that will see average speeds well above 50 km/h for the top contenders.

📌 Intermediate Time Checks:

• 1st Check: Cambes-en-Plaine (8.2 km)
• 2nd Check: Thaon (16.4 km)
• 3rd Check: Gruchy (24.8 km)

The Stage 5 route of Wednesday 9th July offers little recovery, demanding precise pacing and flawless aero form to contend for victory.

📊 Stage 5 Route Map & Profile Summary

The vibe:
A tight, moderately rolling loop around Caen’s outskirts and town center — a mix of open countryside straights and technical turns through historic streets. Riders will go flat out for half an hour, hearts pounding, legs screaming, chasing watts like there’s no tomorrow.

📆 Stage 5 Tour de France 2025: Timings & Schedule

Here’s the full official timetable for Stage 5 of the Tour de France 2025, happening on Wednesday 9th July 2025.

This individual time trial (ITT) starts in Caen and finishes in the same city — with riders setting off one by one from 13:10 CEST until the final finisher expected at 17:42 CEST.

📌 Notes:

• Local Time (CEST) applies throughout.
• Riders depart at regular intervals from 13:10.
• Caravan (official publicity parade) runs before the race, at 11:30.
• Expect big crowds at Cambes-en-Plaine, Thaon, Gruchy, and the Hippodrome finish area.

Technical rating: ⚙️⚙️⚙️⚙️ (out of 5)
TT Bike Handling Challenge: Medium-High

This isn’t a pure power course. It’s a punchy, rhythm-breaking route where pacing like a metronome will pay off. Go out too hot, and you’ll be crawling home like a cat in a downpour. Technical turns late in the game mean those who can handle their TT rigs like a street racer will steal valuable seconds.

Key Landmarks & Points of Interest on the Stage 5 Route

Stage 5 of the 2025 Tour de France isn’t just a test against the clock — it’s a ride through the rich history and landscapes of Normandy. Here’s a look at the most notable places along the 33 km Stage 5 route on Wednesday 9th July 2025:

🏁 Start: Quai Vendeuvre, Port de Plaisance, Caen

The individual time trial kicks off by the marina in the heart of Caen, offering a scenic start with views of moored yachts and the city’s lively port area.

🏰 Château de Caen

One of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe, built by William the Conqueror. Riders will pass its ancient stone walls early in the stage.

🌿 Jardin des Plantes de Caen

Caen’s historic botanical garden, dating back to 1736, lines the route shortly after the start.

🕊️ Mémorial de Caen

A moving war memorial and museum dedicated to WWII and the Battle for Caen. Riders pass this powerful landmark on their way out of town.

🌳 Parc de la Colline aux Oiseaux

As they leave Caen on Avenue Amiral Mountbatten, they’ll pass this beautiful public park, known for its rose garden and panoramic views.

🕑 First Time Check: Cambes-en-Plaine

A small town with military history, marked by murals commemorating the Royal Ulster Rifles.

⚔️ Norwegian WWII Memorial

The route runs past this international tribute before heading to Colomby-Anguerny.

🕑 Second Time Check: Thaon

A picturesque Normandy village and midpoint marker for the stage.

🕑 Third Time Check: Gruchy

A tiny hamlet along the D126 Route de Caen, marking the final time split before the finish.

🏁 Finish: Cours du Générale de Gaulle, Hippodrome de Caen

The final push happens near Caen’s famous racecourse, with crowds gathering for a thrilling finish.

🍎 Food, Drink & Local Culture

Normandy isn’t just famous for its war history — it’s one of France’s culinary heartlands. Spectators and viewers can soak up the local atmosphere by sampling these regional delights:

🍏 Calvados

A world-renowned apple brandy, produced by distilling cider. Smooth, aromatic, and best enjoyed as a digestif.

🧀 The Big Four Normandy Cheeses

• Camembert de Normandie – creamy and earthy.
• Livarot – pungent and spicy.
• Pont-l’Évêque – mild and buttery.
• Neufchâtel – heart-shaped and tangy.

🍽️ Local Specialties

• Seafood platters fresh from the English Channel.
• Tripe à la mode de Caen, a traditional stew made with beef tripe.
• Madeleines and Normandy apple tarts for dessert.

The inclusion of these landmarks and cultural highlights makes Stage 5 of the Tour de France 2025 a stage that’s not only crucial for GC contenders and specialists but also a celebration of Normandy’s heritage — adding depth to the race and appeal for fans worldwide.

🌦️ H2: Weather and Wind: Conditions for Speed

The weather can play a pivotal role in the outcome of a Tour de France 2025 time trial, and Stage 5 on Wednesday 9th July 2025 is no exception. With a flat, open course around Caen and its surrounding countryside, wind strength and direction could heavily influence rider performances and pacing strategies.

📅 Expected Weather Forecast for 9 July

At the time of writing, the long-range forecast for Caen on Stage 5 of the 2025 Tour de France predicts:

• Temperature: 21°C to 24°C (mild and pleasant)
• Sky Conditions: Partly cloudy with bright intervals
• Chance of Rain: <10% — dry conditions expected
• Humidity: 55–60%

These are near-perfect conditions for fast time trialing, with no extreme heat or wet roads to worry about.

💨 Wind Strength and Direction — Impact on Pacing

The more decisive factor will be the wind. Forecast models indicate:

• Wind Speed: 18–22 km/h
• Direction: Southwest, shifting slightly west later in the day

This means a tailwind for the northern run up to Cambes-en-Plaine and Thaon, but a headwind on the long westward stretch towards Gruchy and parts of the return into Caen.

How this affects riders:

• Tailwind sections: Faster average speeds, opportunity for strong TT riders like Evenepoel and Ganna to build early momentum.
• Headwind sections: Require careful pacing — riders must avoid going too deep early, conserving energy for tougher exposed stretches.
• Crosswind areas: Particularly near open countryside fields around Thaon and Gruchy; bike handling and aero stability will be crucial.

🕑 Importance for Early vs. Late Starters in Time Trial Format

In an individual time trial, conditions can subtly shift throughout the day. On Stage 5 of the 2025 Tour de France:

• Early starters (lower-ranked GC riders) might benefit from slightly calmer wind in the first hour.
• Midday riders could face building crosswinds on exposed sections.
• GC favourites and late starters like Pogačar, Vingegaard, and Evenepoel are expected to tackle the course in peak afternoon winds, making pacing decisions even more crucial.

A slight advantage might go to those drawn earlier, especially if gusts pick up — something to monitor as the start list and weather updates firm up.

Caen’s History with the Tour de France

Caen may not be a regular on the Tour’s stage roster, but when it shows up — it makes noise. Nestled in Normandy, this medieval beauty has seen its fair share of drama, both on and off the tarmac.

Past Tour Highlights in Caen

Caen as a Cycling City

It’s not just about the Tour — Caen breathes bikes:

“C’est pas la mer à boire.” (It’s not like drinking the sea.)
Locals say this when something’s no big deal — like casually hosting the world’s fastest cyclists in the middle of ancient streets.

Stage 5 Favourites & Predictions — Tour de France 2025

Stage 5 of the 2025 Tour de France, a 33 km individual time trial in Caen on Wednesday 9th July, is one of the most anticipated early tests for the General Classification (GC) favourites. The route is almost entirely flat, making it ideal for pure time trial specialists — while the GC men must limit their losses.

Here’s a look at the main contenders for victory:

🥇 Top Favourites for Stage 5

🔍 Outside Picks / Dark Horses

• Joshua Tarling (INEOS Grenadiers) — rising British TT star, 2023 European TT Champion.
• Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) — decent against the clock and in strong form.
• Mikkel Bjerg (UAE) — solid domestic TT threat.

📊 Predicted Top 5 for Stage 5

1. 🥇 Remco Evenepoel
2. 🥈 Filippo Ganna
3. 🥉 Tadej Pogačar
4. Stefan Küng

Evenepoel is the clear favourite for Stage 5 of the 2025 Tour de France. Ganna will push him hard, while Pogačar will aim to keep himself in GC contention, potentially leapfrogging Vingegaard if time gaps open.

🏁 What to Expect on Stage 5 of the 2025 Tour de France

Stage 5 of the 2025 Tour de France promises to be a decisive moment in this year’s race. With a 33km individual time trial around Caen — a city steeped in history and hosting its first stage in 19 years — this stage will suit pure time trial specialists and strong rouleurs.

The Stage 5 detailed route offers wide, flat roads with minimal climbing and a few technical turns through Caen’s historic streets. The forecast calls for dry, warm weather, though changing wind patterns throughout the afternoon could play a tactical role, especially for late starters in the GC battle.

Expect riders like Remco Evenepoel, Filippo Ganna, Tadej Pogačar, and Jonas Vingegaard to be at the front of the fight for the stage win. With GC points on the line and green jersey points awarded to the top 15 finishers, this could be a key shake-up in multiple classifications.

If you’re tracking this Stage 5 of the 2025 Tour de France at home or roadside, keep an eye on the three intermediate time checks at Cambes-en-Plaine, Thaon, and Gruchy — those splits could tell the story before the finish at Caen Hippodrome.

The yellow jersey could swap shoulders today, and what happens here shapes alliances, rivalries, and desperation moves in the stages to come. Expect tension crackling in the start ramp air like static before a storm.

Roglič, Pogačar, Evenepoel, Ganna, Kung, Van Aert… someone’s leaving a mark today, someone else will leave shattered.

The peloton leaves Caen forever changed. The only question is — who’s climbing that GC ladder, and who’s getting booted off it?