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Tour de France 2025: Stage Seven – Saint-Malo to Mur-de-Bretagne
Table of Contents
Barry Glendenning
Updated: 11 July 2025
Teh Peloton Rolls On: A Brutal Test Awaits in Brittany
The Tour de France 2025 caravan rumbles into Brittany today for what promises to be a pivotal stage. Stage Seven, a demanding 180km journey from the historic port of Saint-Malo to the infamous mur-de-Bretagne, will undoubtedly test the mettle of the peloton and potentially reshape the general classification. We’re in for a classic breton battle, folks, and I, Barry Glendenning, will be here to guide you through every twist and turn.
Saint-Malo: A Picturesque Start
Our day begins in Saint-Malo, a walled port city renowned for its dramatic ramparts and rich maritime history. The riders will roll out under the shadow of these ancient fortifications, a stark contrast to the raw, often unforgiving terrain that awaits them in the heart of Brittany. Expect a lively atmosphere as the crowds gather to send the riders on their way, a familiar and always welcome sight in this passionate cycling region.
the Route: Rolling Hills and Punchy Climbs
The 180km route from Saint-Malo to Mur-de-Bretagne is not for the faint of heart.While not a mountain stage in the traditional sense,it’s a day characterized by relentless rolling terrain,narrow country roads,and a series of short,sharp climbs that will sap the energy of even the strongest riders.
Early Stages: The initial kilometers will likely see a fierce battle for the breakaway, with riders looking to gain an advantage and potentially pick up KOM points on the early categorized climbs.
Mid-Stage Challenges: As the race progresses,the undulating landscape of Brittany will come into play. Expect crosswinds to be a factor, potentially splitting the peloton and creating nervous moments for the GC contenders.
The Finale: The stage culminates with the notorious Mur-de-Bretagne, a brutal 2km climb averaging over 6% gradient. This is where the real action is expected to unfold,with punchy climbers and all-rounders looking to make their mark.
Mur-de-bretagne: The Deciding Factor
The Mur-de-Bretagne, or “Hill of Brittany,” has become a legendary testing ground in the tour de france. Its steep gradients and often exposed nature make it a formidable obstacle, especially after a long day in the saddle.
First Ascent: The peloton will tackle the Mur-de-Bretagne with approximately 15km remaining. This first pass will likely see attacks from riders looking to test their rivals and gain a psychological edge.
The Final Kilometers: The real drama will unfold on the second and final ascent. With the finish line just over 1km after cresting the climb, riders will need to pace their efforts perfectly. A well-timed acceleration here could lead to a stage victory and significant gains in the general classification.
Key contenders and Predictions
This stage is tailor-made for riders with explosive power and excellent climbing ability. We can expect the GC contenders to be well-marked, but opportunities for stage wins will arise for those with the legs to launch decisive attacks on the Mur-de-Bretagne.
GC Leaders: Riders like tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard will be looking to stay safe and conserve energy, but they won’t shy away from marking any dangerous moves.
* Stage Hunters: Expect riders like Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert,