Stage 2 of the Tour de France takes place today, July 6, 2025, marking a crucial moment in the 112th edition of cycling’s most prestigious race. The peloton tackles the longest stage of the 2025 Tour de France at 209.1km in length, with riders setting off from Lauwin-Planque and heading for a punchy finale in Boulogne-sur-Mer. This hilly stage promises to deliver drama as riders face challenging terrain that could see the yellow jersey change hands.
Following yesterday’s stage 1 victory by Jasper Philipsen, who currently leads the general classification, today’s stage presents a completely different challenge. The Belgian sprinter will need to navigate challenging climbs if he wants to maintain his yellow jersey lead heading into the third stage.
Stage 2 Tour de France Route Details
Stage 2 on Sunday is a little bit of everything – distance, as it’s the longest stage of the 2025 race, some hills, elevation, a few categorized climbs. The 209.1-kilometer journey from Lauwin-Planque to Boulogne-sur-Mer represents the most demanding stage in terms of pure distance that riders will face throughout the entire three-week race.
The coastal finish in Boulogne-sur-Mer adds another layer of complexity, as wind conditions could play a significant role in determining the stage outcome. Northern France’s unpredictable weather patterns make this stage particularly challenging for the peloton, especially after yesterday’s crosswind chaos that affected several general classification contenders.
Key Stage 2 Details:
- Distance: 209.1 kilometers
- Start: Lauwin-Planque
- Finish: Boulogne-sur-Mer
- Profile: Hilly with categorized climbs
- Potential: Yellow jersey change
Live Coverage and Current Race Situation
Multiple cycling news outlets are providing live coverage as stage 2 of the 2025 Tour de France unfolds, with some punchy climbs late on. The race dynamics could shift dramatically during the final kilometers, where the combination of hills and coastal winds might create opportunities for bold attacks.
Yesterday’s windy conditions split the peloton but Pogačar, Vingegaard made the front group, suggesting that the main general classification contenders remain well-positioned heading into today’s stage. However, the challenging terrain of stage 2 could provide new opportunities for riders who lost time in yesterday’s crosswind chaos.
Tour de France Stage 2 Predictions and Contenders
The hilly profile of when stage 2 of the Tour de France unfolds makes it suitable for various types of riders. Punchy climbers who can handle the distance will likely feature prominently in the finale, while pure sprinters may struggle with the categorized climbs scattered throughout the route.
The stage preview indicates this is a hilly day that could see the yellow jersey change hands, making it one of the most anticipated stages of the opening week. Riders capable of handling both the distance and elevation will have the best chance of success.
The coastal finish in Boulogne-sur-Mer adds tactical complexity, as teams must balance controlling the race pace with positioning their leaders for the final climbs. Weather conditions will play a crucial role in determining whether this becomes a reduced bunch sprint or a more selective finish.
Impact on General Classification
The yellow jersey could well be at stake during today’s stage, making it a pivotal moment in the early race narrative. With the combination of distance, elevation, and potentially difficult weather conditions, gaps could emerge between the main general classification contenders.
The 209.1-kilometer distance alone presents a significant challenge, but the addition of categorized climbs and the coastal finish location creates multiple opportunities for the race to fragment. Riders who struggled in yesterday’s crosswinds will be looking to make amends, while those who gained time will aim to consolidate their positions.
Key Points Summary
- Stage 2 of the Tour de France occurs on July 6, 2025
- Longest stage of the 2025 race at 209.1 kilometers
- Hilly profile with potential for yellow jersey changes
- Route from Lauwin-Planque to Boulogne-sur-Mer
- Challenging terrain could favor punchy climbers
- Multiple categorized climbs throughout the stage
- Coastal finish adds weather complexity
Racing Schedule and What’s Next
Following today’s stage 2, the Tour de France continues with stage 3 on Monday, July 7, as the race progresses through its 112th edition that started in Lille on July 5 and will finish at Champs-Élysées, Paris, on July 27. The opening week’s challenging stages set the tone for what promises to be an exciting three-week battle.
The total elevation gain for this edition will be 52,500 metres, with the route including seven flat stages, six medium mountain stages, six mountain stages, and two individual time trials. Today’s stage represents just the beginning of the elevation challenges that await the peloton.
The combination of distance, terrain, and tactical complexity makes when stage 2 of the Tour de France happens a defining moment in the race’s early narrative. Whether Jasper Philipsen retains his yellow jersey or a new leader emerges will depend on how the peloton handles the demanding 209.1-kilometer journey to Boulogne-sur-Mer.
Riders and teams are acutely aware that today’s stage could reshape the general classification standings, making every kilometer crucial as the Tour de France’s 112th edition continues to unfold across the roads of northern France.