The Tour de France second week features a brutal shift in terrain, headlined by the 14 July stage with 3,800 meters of climbing and the extreme gradients of the Salève and Plateau de Solaison.
The July 14 Fireworks: Pogačar’s Offensive Strategy
The stage on July 14 isn’t a transition day. It is a tactical battleground. With 3,800 meters of elevation gain, the route forces the peloton over the Puy Mary-Pas de Peyrol (7.8 km at 6%) and the explosive Col de Pertus (4.4 km at 8.5%).
The final hurdle is the Col de Font-de-Cère, located less than three kilometers from the finish in Le Lioran. Consultant Axel Merckx noted after Stage 9 that Pogačar intends to leave his rivals no respite. This terrain is specifically tailored for Pogačar, making it the likely spark for the race’s first major fireworks.
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Sprint Stages Under Threat in Nevers and Chalon-sur-Saône
While Wednesday and Thursday look like sprinter’s days on paper, the elevation tells a different story. The arrivals in Nevers and Chalon-sur-Saône feature 1,400 and 1,800 meters of climbing respectively.
These aren’t flat runs. Sprinters and their lead-out trains must survive these climbs to avoid being beaten by “baroudeurs” (breakaway specialists). Success for fast men depends entirely on their ability to maintain pace through these undulating sections.
The War of Attrition: Dole to Belfort
Friday’s stage is the longest of the week, covering 205.8 kilometers. While the first half is manageable, the finale shifts gears at the Col des Croix and the Ballon d’Alsace.
The Ballon d’Alsace (8.8 km at 6.9%) peaks 29.9 kilometers before the finish in Belfort. While the descent might prevent a total collapse of the bunch, the climb serves as an “aperitif” to wear down the riders’ organisms before the massive weekend peaks.
The Decisive Col du Haag and Markstein Finish
Saturday delivers a short but violent 155.3-kilometer route with 3,800 meters of climbing. After ascending the Grand Ballon and Col du Page, the peloton faces the inédit (new) Col du Haag.
This climb is a climber’s dream: 11.2 kilometers at 7.3%. It is narrow and irregular, dropping riders just 5.9 kilometers before the finish at Markstein. According to the course profile, this is the “judge of peace” where GC contenders can no longer hide behind teammates.
Pro Tip: When watching the Col du Haag, look for the “irregularity” of the slope. Narrow roads and changing gradients often create gaps that are impossible to close on the final descent.
The Final Peak: Salève and Plateau de Solaison
Sunday pushes the difficulty to its absolute limit. The stage features 183.9 kilometers and a massive 3,950 meters of elevation. The first shock comes 48 kilometers from the finish at the Salève, which hits a brutal 11.2% gradient over 4.7 kilometers.
The climax is the Plateau de Solaison. This “hors catégorie” (beyond category) climb stretches 11.3 kilometers at 9%. Because it requires a sustained effort of roughly 40 minutes without relief, analysts expect the time gaps here to be measured in minutes rather than seconds.
Comparison: The Week’s Most Brutal Climbs
| Climb | Length | Gradient | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salève | 4.7 km | 11.2% | Explodes the domestiques |
| Col du Haag | 11.2 km | 7.3% | Isolates the leaders |
| Plateau de Solaison | 11.3 km | 9% | Creates minute-long gaps |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which stage is the hardest in the second week?
Sunday’s stage is the most difficult, featuring 3,950 meters of elevation and the 11.2% slopes of the Salève.
Is the Col du Haag a known climb?
No, it is described as “inédit” (new/unprecedented) for this route, adding an element of unpredictability for the riders.
Can sprinters win in Nevers and Chalon-sur-Saône?
Yes, but they must survive 1,400 to 1,800 meters of climbing, which increases the risk of breakaway victories.
Who do you think will crack first on the Plateau de Solaison? Let us know in the comments or subscribe to our newsletter for real-time GC updates.
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