Mainland France’s most westerly city, Brest has hosted the Grand Départ of the Tour de France more often than any other city (1952, 1974, 2008 and 2021).
However, its name became synonymous with competitive cycling before the Tour de France came into being in 1903, as the turning point of the Paris-Brest-Paris race since 1891 (it ran as a race until 1951 and has since been an audax).
This stage, taking place entirely in the department of Finistère, finishes in the inland city of Quimper and again utilises a finishing circuit, helping to compact the action and giving fans more than one glimpse of the riders.
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Stage 2: Brest > Quimper
- Date: 27 July
- Distance: 110.4km
- Stage type: Flat
Route Profile
Route map
The peloton will tackle two ascents of the categorised Côte du Chemin de Troheir prior to finishing on an uncategorised ramp into the Quimper finish.
“The peloton will set off from the busy port of Brest, just as the 2021 Tour de France did,” says Rousse.
“After running along the coast and passing through Châteaulin, a town renowned as a cycling centre, the riders will face the Menez Quelerc’h (3km at 6.2%).
“From Locronan, this stage runs entirely in Finistère, and will head to Quimper and onto an undulating loop spiced up by two hills, with the finish line located at the top of the second. The day’s winner is sure to have plenty of stamina and power.”
One to watch: Elisa Longo Borghini
A winner in the Classics this year, Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ) is well placed for her first TdFF stage win today.
Cédrine Kerbaol, the first French stage winner of the Tour de France Femmes (in 2024, in Morteau), was born in Brest. While less likely, a win for her would be a popular result.
