The second stage unfolds entirely in the Basque Country, spanning 210km from Vitoria Gasteiz to San Sebastián. This leg of the Tour de France promises more than just distance; it delivers drama that can tilt the general classification and spark unpredictable moves from teams watching the clock and each other. Early adrenaline gives way to sustained effort as the route threads through rolling terrain, fierce climbs, and the ever-present Basque passion for cycling. Expect a stage that tests legs, nerve, and strategy in equal measure.
The lineup of climbs forms a demanding menu. It begins with Alto de Udana, a 3rd category ascent of 4.5 kilometers at an average grade of 5.1 percent. This opening test is short but sharp enough to wake teams and riders alike, especially as they settle into the daily rhythm of a grand tour. After Udana, the peloton edges toward Cota de Aztiria, another 4th category climb covering 2.7 kilometers with an average gradient around 5.3 percent. These early ramps set the tone, rewarding those who can keep momentum without burning too many matches in the first severe section of the day. [Source: Tour de France]
As the kilometers accumulate, the race enters a critical stretch around the 140-kilometer mark. Alto de Alkiza appears next as a 3rd category ascent spanning 4.2 kilometers with a consistent climb around 5.7 percent. This proves to be a pivotal point, where teams begin to organize the climb into a controlled tempo or a decisive acceleration, depending on how the legs respond and how the wind threads through the valleys. Following Alkiza, riders confront Cota de Gurutze, a 4th category climb of 2.6 kilometers at roughly 4.7 percent. The sequence tightens the distance between contenders and the hopefuls who dream of a late surge. [Source: Tour de France]
Then comes the most iconic challenge on the day: the ascent to Jaizkibel. Classified as a 2nd category climb, Jaizkibel stretches 8.1 kilometers with an average incline of 5.3 percent. Its reputation as a potential stage master lies in the combination of length, steady gradients, and the emotional weight carried by the Basque crowds. A well-timed attack here can fracture the group, forcing rivals to respond on a slope that invites both tactical brilliance and raw power. The stage thus hinges on a final, explosive push that could redefine the day’s narrative and, in turn, the general standings. [Source: Tour de France]
The stage profile is designed to reward those who endure the early accelerations yet save a spark for the late climbs. The approach through the Basque country brings not only physical hurdles but also a unique atmosphere. Homesick for their own roads, local fans fill the hillsides with chants, drums, and banners, creating a chorus that lifts riders and forces rivals to measure every heartbeat against the clock. The terrain alternates between swift descents and grinding ascents, a rhythm that tests bike handling almost as much as pedal power. In this environment, teamwork matters: lead-out trains, protective positioning, and the ability to read the wind become as critical as the climb grades themselves. [Source: Tour de France]
Stage timing is closely watched. Departures typically begin in the late morning, with Vitoria Gasteiz serving as the friendly starting point. The race schedule places the start at 12:25, while the finish line in San Sebastián is often anticipated between 17:00 and 17:30 local time. For spectators in North America and other markets, this timing means a daylight frame that suits live viewing across time zones, allowing fans to experience the drama in real time or catch the decisive moments in the evening. The logistical cadence of a 210-kilometer journey through a region famed for its culinary and cultural richness adds an element of travel-savvy storytelling to the day’s pursuit. [Source: Tour de France]
The second stage, with its compact but demanding ascent sequence, invites a blend of strategy and endurance. Early accelerations can thin the peloton, paving the way for a concentrated battle on the neck of Jaizkibel. In this scenario, the climbers who conserve energy for the final grind may seize a rare opportunity to gain time or reclaim position after a tactical misstep. The day’s result often depends on how swiftly the riders interpret the map of gradients, how well they synchronize with teammates, and how effectively they manage the mental pressure when the road narrows toward the hillside. This is Basque racing at its most intense and rewarding. [Source: Tour de France]
In sum, the Basque Country leg stands as a quintessential stage, where distance blends with elevation, where community energy amplifies the stakes, and where the general classification can be dramatically reshaped by a well-timed move on Jaizkibel. Fans watching from the stands or following along on screens will witness a ride that balances pure power with tactical nuance, delivering emotion from the first pedal stroke to the final kilometer. The stage remains a showcase of resilience, teamwork, and the unyielding spirit that defines the Tour de France at its most compelling. [Source: Tour de France]
Departure will be picked up from Vitoria at 12.25 and arrival is scheduled between 17 and 17.30.