The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift returns for its fourth edition with a route that lives up to the race's growing prestige. Spanning nine days and 1,165 kilometers, this is the longest version to date and includes more than 17,000 meters of cumulative elevation gain. From early breakaway opportunities to relentless high finishes, the 2025 course is designed for uncertainty and courageous cycling. Here we highlight three key stages with the potential to define the overall classification and the narrative of this edition.
Stage 6: Clermont Ferrand - Ambert - 123.7 km
Thursday, July 31
The peloton heads into the Massif Central for a stage full of constant changes in altitude and no real flat sections. The terrain is tough and demanding, with short climbs that follow in quick succession and technical descents that will penalize any distractions.
Key pointThe last 30 kilometers combine narrow roads, explosive climbs and twisty descents. The most aggressive teams are expected to try to break the race, forcing the overall favorites to make important decisions early on.
Best place to watchThe final stretch to Ambert offers great visibility and plenty of chances for action, especially on the final climbs where decisive attacks or short sprints could occur.
Stage 8: Chambéry - Saint François Longchamp - 111,9 km
Saturday, August 2
Stage 8 marks the first major high mountain test of the Tour, with a high finish on the Col de la Madeleine. Although the approach is not very long, the climb is continuous and demanding. The Col de la Madeleine itself is a 19-kilometer climb at an average of 8% and will serve as the big sieve among the yellow jersey contenders.
Key point: With only one stage to go, this is a day where any hesitation could cost the podium. It is expected that the climbers will take control and that the differences in the general classification will widen considerably in the hardest sections.
Best place to watchThe middle and upper part of the Madeleine offers a privileged view of the most decisive section of the climb. For the full mountain experience, the ideal place to be is at the high finish, where the victory will be decided.
Stage 9: Praz sur Arly - Châtel - 124,1 km
Sunday, August 3rd
The final stage is the hardest of the entire race. With the Col de Joux Plane on the route and a high finish in Châtel, this is a classic queen stage, designed to crown the winner. The Joux Plane, with its 11.6 kilometers at an average gradient of 8%, is a brutal test in the final part of the Tour. After the descent, a final climb will decide the final overall classification.
Key pointThis stage has it all: a legendary Alpine pass, a fast descent and a final climb to the finish line. With no time trial on the course, everything will be decided in the mountains.
Best place to watchThe final ramps of the Joux Plane are the ideal place to watch the peloton explode. For those who prefer to watch the final moments of the race, the destination is in Châtel, where the yellow jersey will be awarded.
Tour de France Femmes 2025: A new benchmark
The 2025 edition of the Tour de France Femmes represents a further step in the development of women's cycling. The route is longer and more demanding than ever, with a wide variety of terrain and challenges throughout France. From breakaway opportunities to back-to-back mountain stages, it's a race that will reward endurance, versatility and bold decision making.
For the Fdj cyclist Suez, Demi Vollering, this year's course represents a clear opportunity for redemption. After missing out on the yellow jersey in 2024, she returns as one of the big favorites, with a course perfectly suited to her qualities as a climber. With a strong team around her and a proven track record in stage tours, Vollering is well positioned to fight for another Tour title.
As the race grows in distance and impact, so does her ability to inspire.
The 2025 edition promises not only fierce competition, but also a celebration of the long road travelled by the women's peloton.
