From an elevation of 1,500 meters, a sweeping 360-degree panorama unfolds, revealing Lake Léman, Lake Annecy, Mont Blanc, and the Rhone Valley. A watchtower enhances the view, offering a clear vantage point for visitors.
Since its first climb featured in the 2012 Tour de France, the Jura massif has also become a benchmark for assessing the peloton’s shape. The ramps demand effort, and the scenery is unforgettable, making the ascent both demanding and stunning.
Two weeks after the race began in Bilbao, a fierce rivalry between Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark and Tadej Pogačar of Slovenia was undeniable. When the terrain invited conflict, the two leaders pressed their advantages, trading moves whenever possible.
Victory for Ion Izagirre at the Tour de France and the celebration that followed
Exhibitions by Lopez-Egea highlighted the drama on the road.
Yet the clash kept them 17 seconds apart in favor of the Dane, with Pogačar showing lingering ankle discomfort after losing time on the opening Pyrenean stage. He then struck back in the following two stages, exposing weaknesses in the Danish challenger.
What is the current strength of each rider as the race heads toward the Alps? The so-called Bugey pyramid stands as a gauge of power, a local landmark that doubles as a thermometer for the climb ahead.
Within a decade, the Grand Colombier has established itself as a staple on the route, its solitary silhouette resembling a lighthouse guiding the field toward a grand finish on fast stages. The Tour marks the peloton’s sixth summit climb, and it is only the second time a rider has conquered it since Pogačar’s 2020 victory.
The stage begins in Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne, a town that erupts like a festival in celebration of France’s national day, with organizers working tirelessly to craft a dramatic battlefield for the riders.
Designed for a day of spectacular fireworks, the route covers a tight 137.8 kilometers, largely flat and with few climbs until the finish. All energy is reserved for a superb ascent, a test for every rider’s stamina and willpower.
Grand Colombier promises a brutal contest. As Pogačar demonstrated three years ago, each rider must push to the limit, as the only stage ever completed at this peak was a testament to peak performance and timing.
The Slovenian has moved ahead of yellow-jersey rival Primoz Roglič, a move that helped him challenge the overall leader and impact the race’s dynamics. That ascent proved instrumental in shaking up the standings and altering the balance of power in the GC fight.
longest slope
On this edition, the organizers chose the longest grade, a 17.4-kilometer ascent beginning at Culoz, averaging 7.1%. The steepest ramps appear early and in the middle, with even tougher segments extending toward the end.
The chosen route offers riders and spectators a chain of bends that unfold within a few kilometers, while the presence of the climb becomes a vivid reminder of the rider’s tempo and precision.
“I can’t wait to go back,” Pogačar remarked, recalling his fond memories of Grand Colombier and hoping to unleash his explosiveness again to test Vingegaard’s resilience.
The Dane, looking calm, acknowledged the challenge without showing fear. He spoke of being in good condition and carrying confidence into the rest of the race, ready for what lies ahead on longer, tougher stages that may favor Slovenia’s riders.
Vingegaard faces the Alps with anticipation, aware that endurance and sustained power can tilt the balance against quicker, shorter attacks, where Slovenia may hold an edge.
Results in Grand Colombier could define the mountain days to come in the Tour, given the recent trend toward ever more demanding climbs.
There are two high-altitude days on the horizon. Three premieres are scheduled on Saturday before the Joux Plane, a summit in a special category just 12 kilometers from Morzine’s finish. Sunday’s finish takes the race to Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc, a classic endpoint that promises dramatic outcomes.
After a day of rest, a challenging time trial awaits, followed by the queen stages that push the field to its limits, culminating with the ascent of the Col de la Loze on a Wednesday.
Stage 13: Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne – Grand Colombier, 137.8 km
Exit: 13:55 (11:55 GMT)
Expected arrival: 17:21 (15:21 GMT)
Mountain: Grand Colombier (Private), 7.1% to 17.4 km at the finish line.