Explained Tour de France 2025 Stage 20 Route Map Nantua To Pontarlier
Saturday, 26 July 2025 delivers the penultimate act of the Tour de France with Stage 20, a rolling 184.2-kilometre ride from Nantua to Pontarlier that tips the scale with 2,900 m of climbing. While it doesn’t dive into the high Alps, this hilly transitional stage across the Jura Massif is far from easy — and it’s tailor-made for ambitious breakaway artists.
The action ignites early with the longest ascent of the day, the Col de la Croix de la Serra (12.1 km at 4.1%), and simmers into punchy terrain with the Côte de Valfin, Côte de Thésy (3.6 km at 8.9%), and the short but sharp Côte de Longeville late on. With over 60 km of open terrain after the final big climb, the finale demands savvy tactics, resilience, and just enough chaos.
It’s too lumpy for the sprinters, too tame for the GC elite — which makes Stage 20 of the 2025 Tour de France a golden ticket for the brave. Expect a long-range move, fireworks from seasoned rouleurs, and one final shakeup before Paris.
🕑 Departure Time Stage 20:
- Neutralized start: 12:10 CEST, departing from Place de la Mairie, Nantua
- Official race start: 12:20 CEST on D1084 just outside town
🏁 Expected Finish:
- Between 16:20 and 16:30 CEST at Avenue de la République, Pontarlier city center
Why Stage 20 Matters in 2025 Tour
This isn’t just a parade through the Jura — it’s where champions can crumble and brave outsiders can write their names into Tour folklore. The Tour de France 2025 stage 20 route offers no hiding places. With four categorized climbs scattered throughout the day, GC leaders must keep their wits about them while opportunistic climbers will see this as their final chance to grab a stage win.
“When the stakes are high, the roads get steeper.” Expect fireworks on these undulating lanes.
Quick Highlights
- Start Location: Place de la Mairie, Nantua (01130)
- Finish Location: Avenue de la République, Pontarlier (25300)
- Distance: 185 km
- Stage Type: Hilly Jura profile
- Key Times: Neutral start at 13:10 | Expected finish by 17:50
- Notable: Final GC shake-up chance before Paris
Stage 20 Route & Elevation Profile: Jura’s Rolling Gauntlet
Stage 20 of the 2025 Tour de France, taking place on Saturday, July 26, runs 184.2 km from Nantua to Pontarlier through the hilly terrain of the Jura. It’s a Stage 20th route 2025 that dares puncheurs and breakaway artists to make their move. Below, we’ve structured the route and climbs in a clean, interactive table for your strategic viewing pleasure.
Features | Details |
|---|---|
Sat, July 26, 2025 | |
Nantua ➝ Pontarlier | |
185 km | |
Hilly | |
Approx. 2,900 m | |
Col de la Croix de la Serra (12.1 km at 4.1%), Côte de Thésy (3.6 km at 8.9%) | |
chance of a breakaway survivor victory | |
17–19°C, with light wind from the northeast |
📊 Stage 20: Route Breakdown & Key Climbs
| KM Marker | Segment | Category | Length | Avg. Gradient | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 km | Start in Nantua | – | – | – | Fictional start; real action begins in Les Neyrolles |
| 19 km | Col de la Croix de la Serra | Cat 3 | 12.1 km | 4.1% | Early launchpad; potential breakaway split |
| 45.1 km | Côte de Valfin | Cat 4 | 5.7 km | 4.2% | Short but steady; adds rhythm-break early |
| 72.3 km | Intermediate Sprint | – | – | – | Chaux du Dombief — green jersey points hotspot |
| 131 km | Côte de Thésy | Cat 2 | 3.6 km | 8.9% | The steepest climb of the day; key attack zone |
| 161.2 km | Côte de Longeville | Cat 4 | 2.5 km | 5.5% | Short final bump before run-in to Pontarlier |
| 184.2 km | Finish: Pontarlier | – | – | – | Fast finish in town center; watch for tactical sprint showdown |
🧭 Key Elevation Zones
| Terrain Phase | Distance Covered | Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Early Hilly Section | 0–70 km | Multiple climbs & descents |
| Sprint Segment | 70–90 km | Slight rollers, wide roads |
| Selective Climb Phase | 120–140 km | Côte de Thésy & undulating roads |
| Finale & Run-In | 140–184.2 km | Gradual downhill, exposed flats |
⚠️ Terrain Summary
This Stage 20 route of the Sat 26th is a Jura trap stage — ideal for late-stage GC surprises or solo raids. The Côte de Thésy is the tactical pivot, while the final 40km demands coordination or courage. If you want drama before Paris, this is the canvas.
🏔️ Key Climbs & Terrain Analysis – Where Stage 20 Will Be Won (or Lost)
The Stage 20 route from Nantua to Pontarlier isn’t alpine, but it’s no walk in the park either. With four categorized climbs packed into the first 160 km, followed by a 62 km rolling finale, this hilly stage is a puncheur’s playground. Each ascent offers a platform for aggression — or collapse.
Here’s a climb-by-climb breakdown of this Stage 20th of the 2025 Tour de France:
🚵♂️ Climb Breakdown & Strategic Importance
| Climb | Category | Length | Avg. Gradient | KOM Points | KM Marker | Tactical Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Col de la Croix de la Serra | Cat 3 | 12.1 km | 4.1% | 2 / 1 | ~19 km | Early selection zone for breakaway. Long and steady; legs tester. |
| Côte de Valfin | Cat 4 | 5.7 km | 4.2% | 1 | ~45 km | Rhythm-breaker. May help solidify a breakaway gap. |
| Côte de Thésy | Cat 2 | 3.6 km | 8.9% | 5 / 3 / 2 / 1 | ~131 km | Steepest and most explosive climb. Key attack launchpad. |
| Côte de Longeville | Cat 4 | 2.5 km | 5.5% | 1 | ~161 km | Final KOM bump. Legs will sting. Launchpad or regroup point. |
Terrain Flow: How the Stage Evolves
0–50 km: Early Aggression Zone
Starts in Nantua, the breakaway likely forms around the Col de la Croix de la Serra. This long draggy ascent favors diesel engines — the classic “get clear before TV coverage” climb.
50–100 km: Settling Phase
After cresting Côte de Valfin, expect a lull. GC teams may sit back, letting the break establish time gaps. Expect a fluid race dynamic in this section of the Stage 20 detailed route.
100–140 km: Selective Fire
This is the flashpoint. The peloton hits Côte de Thésy — the most brutal pitch of the day — with serious gradients (8.9%). Expect GC contenders to test rivals here if gaps are still tight. This is the summary stage 20 route‘s big move zone.
140–184.2 km: Tactical Chess Match
Once over Côte de Longeville, it’s 23 km to Pontarlier — mostly downhill or flat. Teams chasing the break must cooperate, or solo attackers could hold on. Late counters are possible from puncheurs like Van der Poel or Healy.
This Stage 20 route will not break the GC wide open like an alpine epic — but it can chip away at seconds, or crown a daring stage hunter. With 2,900m of climbing and no true summit finish, opportunists with climbing legs and tactical sense will thrive.
Intermediate Sprint & Green Jersey Battle
While Stage 20 is no flat sprinter’s drag race, it still holds valuable green jersey points — and the chance to influence the final standings before Paris. The sole intermediate sprint and the final finish line payout offer up to 50 points, making this a high-stakes day for the maillot vert contenders.
📍 Intermediate Sprint: Chaux du Dombief (KM 72.3)
| 📌 Location | Chaux du Dombief |
|---|---|
| 🕒 Distance into stage | 72.3 km |
| 🏁 Points available | 20 (1st) down to 1 (15th) |
| 📈 Terrain context | Rolling plateau, post-Côte de Valfin |
| 💡 Strategic outlook | Perfect for breakaway sprinters or GC-safe opportunists |
The Chaux du Dombief sprint, nestled in the Jura’s wooded highlands, comes after a couple of warming climbs. It’s unlikely sprinter teams will control the stage this deep into the Tour, so expect this to go to the breakaway group — especially if a fast finisher like Michael Matthews or Mads Pedersen is up the road.
🏁 Finish Line Sprint: Pontarlier (KM 184.2)
| 🎯 Location | Pontarlier (Stage Finish) |
|---|---|
| 🏁 Points | 30 (1st) down to 2 (15th) |
| ⛰️ Terrain | Slightly downhill/flat finish stretch |
| 🧠 Tactics | Depends on race scenario — if break sticks, sprinters miss out |
The finale into Pontarlier is fast and relatively flat, but it’s the stage scenario that determines the green jersey fight. If the peloton fails to bring back the breakaway, no points for the sprinters. If it does, expect a reduced-bunch sprint — possibly led by the likes of Jasper Philipsen or Biniam Girmay, if they survive the climbs.
🔄 Points Strategy: Key Scenarios
| Situation | Green Jersey Outcome |
|---|---|
| Breakaway wins | Opportunist gains 20–30 points uncontested |
| Peloton catches break | Classic sprint with big names in play |
| GC race explodes on Thésy | Green jersey battle neutralized amid chaos |
Even though it’s a hilly transitional stage, Stage 20 of the July 26, 2025 Tour de France could reshape the green jersey standings, especially if opportunists sniff the break and capitalize on a disinterested peloton. For sprinters, survival is step one — strategy is step two.
What to Expect Tactically: Stage 20 Tour de France 2025
Stage 20 of the Tour de France 2025 is the final battleground for the opportunists — and it’s built for breakaway brilliance. With 2,900 meters of climbing over a lumpy Jura landscape and no GC time trial pressure to force big teams into control mode, we’re heading into a textbook breakaway day.
🎯 Early Moves: Where the Break Forms
| 🔹 Segment | Tactical Insight |
|---|---|
| Nantua to Col de la Croix de la Serra | Long drag up = ideal springboard for early separation |
| Côte de Valfin | Lighter climbers solidify the break, sprinters drop off |
| Post-Valfin plateau | Time gap builds — race settles |
Expect a strong breakaway to form over the Col de la Croix de la Serra, where the road tilts uphill for over 12 km. Teams without a GC card to play — think EF Education, Alpecin, Lotto-Dstny — will go all-in here.
🔥 Tactical Flashpoint: Côte de Thésy
This steep, Category 2 wall (3.6 km at 8.9%) is the crucible of Stage 20. It’s where:
- GC contenders may test legs one last time
- The breakaway can blow apart
- Puncheurs can escape weaker climbers
If riders like Ben Healy or Tom Pidcock are in the move, they’ll light it up here.
🌀 The Chaos Zone: After Thésy
From the summit of Thésy (around 113 km) to the finish in Pontarlier, it’s rolling, exposed, and unpredictable.
| Segment | Tactical Expectation |
|---|---|
| Déservillers to Longeville | Rolling terrain, chance of crosswinds or regrouping |
| Last 25 km | Energy management crucial, no terrain for GC attack |
If the break has 2+ minutes over the peloton post-Thésy, they’re likely gone. The GC teams won’t chase, and sprinter squads will be fractured from the climbs.
🔮 Scenario Forecasts
| Scenario | Most Likely Outcome |
|---|---|
| Break forms early & works together | Breakaway win — strong puncheur or rouleur takes it |
| GC teams test legs on Thésy | Reduced group forms; stage win from elite escapee |
| Peloton catches break late | Small bunch sprint; uphill speedsters in the mix |
🌟 Stage 20 Tour de France Favorites
| Rider | Why They’re a Threat |
|---|---|
| Ben Healy | Aggressive, thrives on mid-mountain chaos |
| Quinn Simmons | Breakaway monster with punch on steep gradients |
| Mathieu van der Poel | If he makes the break, he’s nearly unbeatable |
| Tom Pidcock | Perfect blend of climbing + descending ability |
These are your Stage 20 Tour de France favorites — not GC men, but the stage hunters.
Stage 20 of the July 26, 2025 Tour de France is not a day for control. It’s a day for chaos, courage, and creativity. With GC teams likely resting before Paris, the Stage 20 breakaway is more than just a tactic — it’s the race-winning playbook.
🔮 Stage 20 Favorites & Contenders
With Stage 20 of the Tour de France 2025 unfolding over the hilly, unpredictable terrain of the Jura, this is a dream scenario for attackers — not the GC titans. With no summit finish, no big mountain finale, and a flat run-in, this is where stage hunters come to play.
Let’s break down the key names to watch for this pivotal penultimate day.
🏆 Top Tier Favorites
| Rider | Strengths & Why He’s Favored |
|---|---|
| Wout van Aert | Can survive climbs, sprint from reduced group, elite engine |
| Quinn Simmons | Aggressive rider who thrives in breakaways, strong on long drags |
| Julian Alaphilippe | Perfect terrain: steep climbs, tactical finale, solo specialist |
These riders combine punch, endurance, and experience, and their teams (Jumbo-Visma, Soudal-QuickStep, Lidl-Trek) know how to commit to chaotic stages like this.
⚡ Puncheurs on the Hunt
| Rider | Edge on This Terrain |
|---|---|
| Matej Mohorič | Downhill daredevil, thrives in unpredictable stages |
| Maximilian Schachmann | Fast finisher with the legs for Côte de Thésy |
| Neilson Powless | Has shown strong form on mid-mountain profiles |
| Frank van den Broek | Rising talent with smart timing and big engine |
These Stage 20 favorites Tour de France 2025 are built for solo moves or late-stage tactics after the final categorized climb.
🎯 Dark Horses & Wildcards
| Rider | Why They’re Dangerous |
|---|---|
| Victor Campenaerts | Time trialist who can grind on rolling terrain |
| Luke Plapp | Aggressive, likely to animate the early break |
| Mauro Schmid | Consistent on rolling courses, good on flatter finishes |
Don’t be surprised if someone from this group slips away on the false flats beyond Côte de Thésy and holds off the chase.
GC Contenders? Unlikely
Expect the yellow jersey group to ride defensively. With a flat final 60 km and Paris the next day, teams like UAE and Ineos won’t want to spend bullets. Unless someone cracks spectacularly or a podium spot is still up for grabs, the general classification battle will stay quiet.
📊 POLL: Who Will Win Stage 20?
🔘 Who is your pick to win Stage 20 of the Tour de France 2025?
- Wout van Aert
- Julian Alaphilippe
- Quinn Simmons
- Matej Mohorič
- Someone from the breakaway
- Other (Tell us in the comments!)
Our Call
Quinn Simmons. He’s shown the form, he has the punch for Thésy, and he thrives in messy tactical races. With the right breakaway companions, he could power to glory in Pontarlier.
🕐 Timings, Schedules & Live Info
Planning to catch Stage 20 of the Tour de France 2025 live? Here’s your minute-by-minute race day schedule so you don’t miss a second of the action across this critical hilly stage from Nantua to Pontarlier.
Whether you’re following from the roadside or the sofa, here are the key timings to watch for on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
🗓️ Full Stage Schedule — Stage 20 (Saturday 26 July)
| Event | Time (CEST) |
|---|---|
| Publicity Caravan Rollout | 10:05 – 12:05 |
| Official Start (Départ réel) | 12:15 approx. |
| Col de la Croix de la Serra (Cat. 3) | ~12:55 – 13:10 |
| Côte de Valfin (Cat. 4) | ~13:30 – 13:45 |
| Intermediate Sprint – Champagnole | ~14:45 – 15:00 |
| Côte de Thésy (Cat. 2) | ~15:10 – 15:25 |
| Côte de Longeville (Cat. 4) | ~15:55 – 16:05 |
| Estimated Finish – Pontarlier | 16:15 – 16:25 |
⏰ Note: Times may shift slightly based on race tempo and weather.
History of Nantua & Pontarlier — Stage 20’s Charming Hosts
🏞️ Nantua: Where History Echoes in the Hills
Nestled in the heart of the Ain department, Nantua isn’t just a starting town — it’s a place where every street corner whispers stories of resilience. The town gained prominence in World War II as a hub of the French Resistance against German occupation. Cycling fans might know it from earlier Tour de France editions, as it has occasionally hosted stage starts, with its scenic lakeside and narrow valley roads providing dramatic backdrops.
Historically, Nantua’s claim to fame comes from Lake Nantua, a glacial lake surrounded by steep cliffs — a postcard-perfect scene. The local cuisine is a hidden gem too; cyclists and visitors rave about the Famous Nantua Sauce, a classic French preparation made from crayfish.
In racing folklore, Nantua’s tight, winding streets have often produced chaotic roll-outs, with the peloton stringing out early before heading for the climbs.
🏔️ Pontarlier: Gateway to the Jura & Absinthe’s Hometown
At the other end of the stage lies Pontarlier, the highest town in France (837 meters above sea level) of its size, and a place deeply intertwined with French cycling history. Known as the “Gateway to the Jura Mountains”, Pontarlier has seen many dramatic cycling battles, especially in editions of the Critérium du Dauphiné and Tour de l’Avenir.
But Pontarlier is famous beyond two wheels — it was once the absinthe capital of the world before the iconic green spirit was banned in 1915. Today, it’s made a spirited comeback (pun intended) with traditional distilleries dotting the old streets. The Porte Saint-Pierre, an 18th-century triumphal arch, marks the old entrance to the city and stands proudly as a symbol of the town’s defiance and history.
For cycling fans, Pontarlier has always meant one thing: a hard-earned finish. Its approach roads, twisting through Jura pine forests and rolling hills, sap the strength from even the toughest breakaways. In the past, local fans have packed the streets, ringing cowbells and shouting encouragement in true Franco-Suisse border style.
💡 Fun Fact: Both towns share a deep tradition in woodwork and cheese-making, and if you’re a stage-following spectator, don’t leave without trying Comté cheese — made right in the Jura foothills you’ll see on this stage.
🌄 Scenery, Culture & Local Flavor
As the peloton weaves through the Jura region during Stage 20 of the 2025 Tour de France, they ride through a landscape steeped in natural beauty and cultural richness. From wild gorges to glacial lakes, and from medieval villages to vineyards, this is France off the beaten track — and it’s stunning.
🏞️ Nature’s Backdrop
- Lac d’Ilay shimmers quietly along the route, part of the region’s postcard-perfect lake district.
- The Mont des Ifs and the nearby Marmites de Géant (giant’s cooking pots) give the ride a mythical feel — ancient rock formations carved by water over millennia.
- Limestone cliffs and forested hills define much of the terrain. It’s raw, untouched, and unexpectedly dramatic.
🧀🍷 Taste of the Jura
The riders may be chasing KOM points, but fans watching near the roadside or at home should chase local delicacies:
- Cheese: The Jura is home to the nutty Comté, creamy Morbier, and aged Bleu de Gex.
- Wine & Spirits: Sip on Macvin du Jura, a fortified wine made from unfermented grape must and Marc du Jura brandy. Don’t forget the region’s most famous (and once-banned) spirit — absinthe, revived in Pontarlier.
- Tour Tip: The Jura Wine Route (Route des Vins du Jura) lets you explore vineyards and rustic cellars on two wheels or four.
🔗 Discover the Jura Wine Route
Even if you’re not roadside, soaking in the scenery onscreen adds a whole new layer of appreciation. Stage 20’s backdrop is pure cycling romance — scenic switchbacks, alpine meadows, and villages unchanged by time.
🌦️ Weather, Altitude & Local Factor
Stage 20 of the Tour de France 2025 takes riders through the heart of the Jura Mountains, where terrain isn’t the only challenge — weather and elevation will quietly shape how this penultimate stage plays out.
☀️ Weather Outlook – Saturday, July 26, 2025
The Jura region is known for its changeable mountain microclimate.
- Morning start in Nantua (~10:15 CEST): Cool and crisp, around 17–19°C, with light wind from the northeast.
- Midday climbs: Temperatures expected to rise to 25–27°C, particularly exposed on Côte de Thésy.
- Pontarlier finish (~16:20 CEST): Sunny with potential crosswinds and highs pushing 28°C.
Stage 20 weather Tour de France conditions may favor breakaway riders who tolerate heat and fuel up early. Late-stage fatigue will be compounded by rising temperatures.
🏔️ Altitude Considerations
While Stage 20 doesn’t scale the Alps, it spends significant time above 700–800 meters, especially between:
- Col de la Croix de la Serra (Cat. 3): Crest at ~1,049m
- Côte de Thésy (Cat. 2): Peaks near 800m
While not extreme, these elevations combined with long drags and short recovery zones could subtly wear down the peloton. Altitude-literate puncheurs and experienced riders will manage their efforts better on climbs like Thésy, where heart rate spikes are unforgiving.
SEO Tip-In: “Col de la Croix de la Serra altitude”
🧡 Local Culture & Crowds
Expect passionate local support through:
- Saint-Claude, known for artisan pipe-making and rowdy Tour crowds
- Chaux-du-Dombief, buzzing during the intermediate sprint
- Pontarlier, a classic Tour finish town, deeply rooted in Jura cycling heritage
Riders will feed off the Jura fans, whose roadside energy has become part of the Tour’s folklore. Homemade banners, cowbells, and flag-waving schoolkids will light up the route.