Tour de France Riders Face Brutal Massif Central Challenge in Stage 10

Posted : 14 July 2025

Riders in the 112th edition of the Tour de France are preparing for one of the toughest tests of this year’s race as they head into the rugged terrain of the Massif Central on Monday’s 10th stage. Covering 165.3 kilometers from Ennezat to Le Mont-Dore Puy de Sancy, the route includes eight categorized climbs, culminating in a demanding uphill finish.

Tour de France race director Thierry Gouvenou warned that the stage would be a relentless test of stamina.

“All day long, it's up and down. Riders will need to be in peak condition to compete on this kind of terrain,” he said.

Currently, Tadej Pogacar leads the general classification by 54 seconds over Remco Evenepoel, with Jonas Vingegaard, a two-time Tour champion, sitting in fourth, 1 minute and 17 seconds back. Pogacar anticipates fireworks, noting that the terrain is ideal for GC attacks.

“It’s going to be intense, all day climbing and descending. I think there will be moves from the GC guys,” the Slovenian said.

Pogacar's team will be without key mountain domestique Joao Almeida, who withdrew following a rib fracture sustained in a crash last Friday. Team principal Mauro Gianetti acknowledged the loss but emphasized the strategic importance of Monday’s stage.

“With 4,500 meters of climbing, it’s one of the critical moments of the Tour. Expect aggressive racing,” he said.

Former French pro Pierre Rolland added that the stage could prove even tougher than upcoming high mountain stages due to the relentless rolling terrain.

“There won’t be huge time gaps, but expect the favorites to lose or gain valuable seconds,” Rolland commented.

After Monday’s grueling ride, the peloton will enjoy its first rest day on Tuesday.

Tim Merlier claimed his second stage win at the 2025 Tour de France on Sunday, out-sprinting rivals at Chateauroux after Mathieu van der Poel's heroic 173km breakaway was caught in the final kilometre.

Merlier, riding for Soudal Quick-Step, was led out by teammate and GC leader Remco Evenepoel, despite the Belgian’s own title ambitions.

“It’s crazy—we’re supposed to support him, but he’s helping us too,” said Merlier, who now boasts 12 wins this season.

Van der Poel’s long-range attack alongside Jonas Rickaert nearly paid off, but both were reeled in just before the finish line. Rickaert was awarded the combativity prize, fulfilling one of his personal goals.

“We didn’t expect to get that far. It’s a bit heartbreaking not to finish it, but we gave it our all,” Van der Poel reflected.

The final sprint saw Merlier edge out Jonathan Milan and Arnaud De Lie. The stage also honored Mark Cavendish, with road signs declaring Chateauroux as “Cavendish City” in tribute to his past victories there.

With Stage 10 falling on Bastille Day (14 July), a French national holiday, the atmosphere is expected to be electric. The climbing-heavy route may reshape the leaderboard and reveal the true form of contenders like Vingegaard, who has remained close to Pogacar despite losing time in the Stage 5 time trial.

Pogacar, meanwhile, remains confident:

“It’ll be a hard day. Visma has a strong team, but I believe in my guys. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead.”

The 2025 Tour de France is reaching a pivotal stretch, and Stage 10 promises a dramatic showdown in the heart of France’s toughest terrain.

Tour de France Riders Face Brutal Massif Central Challenge in Stage 10

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