The 2025 Tour de France is underway, and cycling fans worldwide are asking: when is Stage 2 of the Tour de France, and what can we expect from this pivotal day? Stage 2 is set for Sunday, July 6, 2025, promising a dramatic mix of distance, elevation, and strategic racing that could shape the early general classification.
Stage 2 of the Tour de France 2025: Date, Route, and Schedule
Stage 2 of the Tour de France 2025 will take place on Sunday, July 6. The peloton will depart from Lauwin-Planque and head to Boulogne-sur-Mer, covering a formidable 209.1 kilometers—the longest stage of this year’s race. Riders will set off at 12:15 local time, with the finish expected around 17:20. This stage is classified as hilly, featuring several categorized climbs and a punchy finale that could shake up the standings.
Key Points Summary
- Stage 2 Date: Sunday, July 6, 2025
- Start: Lauwin-Planque
- Finish: Boulogne-sur-Mer
- Distance: 209.1 km (longest stage of 2025)
- Terrain: Hilly, multiple categorized climbs
- Start Time: 12:15 local / Expected finish: 17:20
- Riders: 184 from 23 teams
What Makes Stage 2 of the Tour de France 2025 Unique?
The second stage is not just about endurance; it’s a tactical challenge. Riders will encounter a series of short but steep climbs, including the Côte de Cavron-Saint-Martin, Côte du Haut Pichot, Côte de Saint-Étienne-au-Mont, and the decisive Côte d’Outreau, an 800-meter ascent at a punishing 8.8% gradient just before the finish. These features make Stage 2 a day for puncheurs—riders who thrive on explosive efforts over rolling terrain.
The route is expected to be aggressive from the start, with breakaway specialists and opportunists eyeing the early points and mountain classifications. The final run into Boulogne-sur-Mer is technical and could see late attacks, especially if crosswinds or crashes disrupt the peloton.
Who Are the Favorites for Stage 2 of the Tour de France 2025?
With its lumpy profile and uphill finish, Stage 2 is tailor-made for riders like Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin–Deceuninck) and Wout van Aert (Visma–Lease a Bike), both known for their finishing punch. Jasper Philipsen, who claimed victory and the yellow jersey in Stage 1, will be motivated to defend his lead, while Biniam Girmay (Intermarché–Wanty) and Søren Wærenskjold (Uno-X Mobility) are also in top form after strong performances on the opening day.
General classification contenders such as Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates), Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step), and Jonas Vingegaard (Visma–Lease a Bike) may also seize the opportunity to gain precious seconds, especially with time bonuses on offer for the top three finishers.
Potential Stage 2 Scenarios
- A reduced bunch sprint if the peloton controls the breakaways.
- A late solo attack from a puncheur on the final climb.
- GC riders testing each other in the closing kilometers to gain an early advantage.
Stage 2 Points and Bonuses
The stage offers points for both the green jersey (sprinters) and polka-dot jersey (climbers), with additional time bonuses of 10, 6, and 4 seconds for the first three across the line. These incentives ensure aggressive racing throughout the day, as every second and point counts in the battle for the overall lead.
How to Watch Stage 2 of the Tour de France 2025
Fans in Canada can catch live coverage starting at 6:05 a.m. Eastern, with the broadcast expected to wrap up by 12:10 p.m. EDT. In the United States, the Tour de France airs on the NBC family of networks, with daily streaming on Peacock and select stages on local NBC affiliates and the USA Network. Highlights, replays, and interviews will be available online and through official Tour de France platforms.
What’s Next After Stage 2?
After the grueling second stage, riders will face a flatter profile on Stage 3 from Valenciennes to Dunkerque. However, the outcome of Stage 2 could set the tone for the coming days, especially if the general classification sees early shake-ups or if a surprise contender emerges.
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