The Tour has saved its Pyrenean punch until last, with a huge stage to a summit finish at Superbagnères, not used since 1989.
Tourmalet, Aspin, Peyresourde – they're names etched in Tour de France legend, and the organisers will be hoping for another legendary stage this time around.
Tadej Pogačar has been utterly dominant in the Pyrenees thus far, with stage wins on Thursday and Friday. Can he make it three in a row?
Stage 14: Pau > Luchon-Superbagnères
- Date: 19 July
- Distance: 182.6km
- Elevation gain: 4,950m
- Stage type: Mountain
Route profile
Route map
The most bruising day of this year’s Pyrenean run is saved till last, as the race makes a long-awaited return to the Superbagnères.
This ski station above the town of Bagneres-du-Luchon hasn’t featured in the Tour de France since 1989, due to its infrastructure struggling to contain the sprawling caravan of the modern race.
It’s since caught up, allowing for a reunion 36 years later.
The climb had a huge impact on the Tours of the 1980s, particularly in the 1986 classic when Greg Lemond closed the gap on his teammate-cum-arch rival Bernard Hinault, who attacked too early and paid for it, shipping minutes.
Today’s route has 5,000m elevation and begins in Pau, a stage town 76 times and something of a basecamp for the Tour’s Pyrenean escapades.
“The route today is modelled on the stage from the 1986 edition, which also took place on the 14th day of racing,” says Prudhomme.
“The ascent to the Tourmalet via Luz-Saint-Sauveur (19km at 7.4%) is the least travelled by the Tour, as is the case for the route to the Col d’Aspin via Payolle (5km at 7.6%).
"However, this stage is essentially all about the race’s reunion with the ultra-demanding climb to Superbagnères (12.4km, 7.5%), where the changes in gradient are likely to trigger a pitched battle between the favourites.”
More on the Tour de France 2025
What's on the route?
The final ski resort finish in the Pyrenees, Superbagnères also offers thermal baths. Despite the cluster of more modern buildings, it's been a mountain resort since early in the 20th Century, with the Grand Hotel built in 1922 and served originally by a rack-and-pinion railway from the valley town of Luchon.
One to watch: Oscar Onley
On his first Tour de France, Onley has already shown his mettle and ability to compete against the best. That was on show at this year's Tour de Suisse in June too, where he finished third overall and won stage five, a mountain stage with a sharp uphill finish. Can he make a similar impact here?
Pogačar is the man to beat, of course, but if Onley, now up to fifth on GC, comes out of the Pyrenees unscathed, he'll be eyeing an impressive finish come Paris.
