The peloton faces a demanding Saturday on the second mountain stage of the race, a day that tests both legs and strategy. The route covers 152 kilometers with an accumulated roughness that surpasses four thousand meters, delivering a true test for climbers and breakaway specialists alike. The ascent sequence is packed with three premium climbs that will shape the day: Col de Cou (7.4% gradient over 7 kilometers), Col du Feu (7.8% over 5.8 kilometers), and Col de la Ramaz (7.1% across 13.9 kilometers). The finale comes with the formidable Joux Plane, a special category climb spanning 8.5 percent over 11.6 kilometers, before the riders descend into Morzine with roughly 13 kilometers to the finish. This combination promises a dramatic reveal of who can endure, rescue seconds, and launch late attacks as the landscape changes from steady ramps to punishing switchbacks. [Source: Official route description]
This fourteenth stage unfolds after a remarkable performance from a Polish rider who dominated the decisive sections on a challenging 138-kilometer stretch between Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne and the Grand Colombier climb. The victory by Michal Kwiatkowski, riding with INEOS Grenadiers, underscored the power and precision of a rider who can read the race under pressure, time his move with surgical accuracy, and convert effort into a stage win on the day’s toughest terrain. The Italian Alps and Jura mix require not only raw power but also patience, as a well-timed surge can reshape the GC standings in a heartbeat. [Source: Stage recap]
As the race presses toward its climax, the general classification remains tightly contested. Jonas Vingegaard of Jumbo-Visma still leads the overall standings, but the terrain this weekend will test his resolve and the team’s cohesion. A bold assault on the final climb is a familiar tactic for punchy climbers seeking to bridge gaps or pick up precious seconds. Yet the field has shown depth, and the enemy list includes a rider who remains a constant threat as the mountains evolve from long, steady drags to steep, short ramps. Onlookers watch the gaps with growing intensity as the race heads into the critical mountain phase. Tadej Pogacar continues to press for a position near the top, hoping to close the minute gap created by earlier skirmishes and to claw back time on any decisive day. The Spaniard Carlos Rodríguez, another INEOS Grenadiers rider, sits in a steady position just off the podium, ready to pounce should the situation demand an aggressive move. The battle for fourth place remains open, with the clock ticking and every kilometer counting toward the final outcome. [Source: GC updates]