There is a long stretch through the volcanic heart of the Auvergne as the race pushes forward after a short break. The stage unfolds with a sense of tension among riders who know a decisive move can happen at any moment, especially where the landscape shifts from rugged lava plains to the first rolling hills that set up the day’s challenges. The route between Vulcania, the famous amusement park, and Issoire rides through a region shaped by ancient eruptions, where heat and altitude combine to test endurance and strategy alike.
The distance covers 167.2 kilometers. The field faces a demanding profile featuring four third-category climbs and one second-category climb, with the final climb coming in a descent that leads away from the finish, offering a rare chance for a late sprint if the lead group downs the slopes together. This setup invites opportunistic riders to consider an audacious break that could endure to the finish or pull back a regrouping peloton during the long descent that follows the last climb. The day’s tempo is likely to be set by the teams that want to control the wind, protect their leaders, and still keep the decisive moves within reach for the finish in Issoire.
Forecasts point to hot conditions that could influence both pacing and positioning. The heat tends to favor riders with strong cooling strategies and careful hydration plans, while also increasing the likelihood of cramps and mechanical issues if riders misjudge their effort. In such conditions, a well-timed escape could stay away as the road trends downhill toward the lower elevations, giving a platform for a dramatic showdown in the final kilometers.
Stage 10 of the Tour de France: Vulcania – Issoire, 167.2 km
Departure: 13:20 (11:20 GMT)
Estimated arrival: 17:31 (15:31 GMT)
Mountain stages and climbs
Col de la Moreno (3rd category), 4.8 km at 4.7%, 160.2 km from the finish
Col de Guéry (3rd category), 7.8 km at 5%, 139.9 km from the finish
Col de la Croix Saint Robert (2nd category), 6 km at 6.3%, 100.6 km from the finish
Saint Victor la Riviere climb (3rd category), 3 km at 5.9%, 82.9 km from the finish
Chapelle Marcousse climb (3rd category), 6.5 km at 5.6%, 28.6 km from the finish
Riders will need to manage each ascent with precision, reading the road as it winds through the countryside and keeping alert for shifts in the peloton as teams position surge units toward the final sprint line at Issoire. The combination of climbs and descending sections shapes a day where the strong climbers can gain time, while the fastest sprinters must survive the last uphill stretch to contest a sprint finish on the town’s outskirts. Observers expect a stage that rewards smart risk-taking by breakaway specialists and disciplined teamwork from teams protecting their GC contenders. This analysis follows data compiled from the race organizers and race observers monitoring pace, elevation changes, and wind patterns throughout the day. (citation: Stage profile and timings from official Tour de France communications)