Stage 6: Binche – Longwy
Length: 219.9 km. This stage stretches across Belgian and French terrain, beginning in Binche and finishing in Longwy. It promises a dynamic ride with long stretches that test the riders and a finish that makes it hard for sprinters to control the outcome.
Riders face a day of uncertainty, with multiple options for shaping the race. About five kilometers from the line, a decisive third-category climb appears, starting a steep 12.3% incline that can become the moment when a bold rider launches a final attack. The route provides several potential launches and counterattacks, allowing teams to craft a late surge or to defend a fragile lead as the field narrows.
Should the stage reach a large group for the last kilometer, the final kilometers climb to an altitude of about 1.6 kilometers with an average slope near 5.8%. This setup offers opportunities for riders who anticipate a late surge and are strong on steep grades. In the past, riders have found clever ways to exploit moments of hesitation or mechanical issues to rejoin or distance rivals, turning twists of fortune into stage-defining outcomes.
Stage 6 overview highlights include the key climbs that punctuate the course and shape the strategy. The first notable ascent is Cota des Mazures, a third-category climb at 7.6% over 2 kilometers, positioned roughly 132.7 kilometers from the finish. This climb tests power and endurance, providing a platform for attackers to gain time as the field reorganizes behind. The next ascent, Cote de Montigny-sur-Chiers, a fourth-category climb of 1.6 kilometers at an average 4.4%, comes 14.9 kilometers from the finish, offering one more chance for riders to make a move or for teams to set up a final sprint in a race that frequently favors opportunistic riding. The Pulventeux altitude, a third-category climb of 800 meters with gradients up to 12.3%, sits a few kilometers later, at roughly 5.3% from the finish, and can be the deciding factor in how attackers respond to the last efforts of the day.
With a course that blends rolling terrain, short ascents, and a demanding finish, Stage 6 rewards tactical riding as much as raw speed. Teams will evaluate whether to protect a favored sprinter, drive a late breakaway, or press for a high-risk attack on one of the decisive climbs. The balance between energy management and timing will determine the composition of the leading group as the riders reach the final kilometers and push toward the finish line in Longwy.