Stage 7 of the Critérium du Dauphine 2025 at a glance
- Route length: 131.6 kilometres
- Altitude metres: 4800
- Start: Grand-Algueblanche
- Destination: Valmeinier 1800
- TV: 14:35-16:30 Eurosport 2
- Live stream: Discovery Plus (fee required)
- The 7th stage in the live ticker
- All stages of the Critérium du Dauphiné 2025 at a glance
The 7th stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné 2025 promises to play a decisive role in the battle for overall victory. Over just 131.6 kilometres, the riders have to conquer 4800 metres in altitude. The route leads from Grand-Aigueblanche to Valmeinier 1800 and includes three climbs of the highest category with the Col de la Madeleine, the Col de la Croix de Fer and the final climb to Valmeinier.
Col de la Madeleine as the first endurance test
After just 25.8 kilometres, the Col de la Madeleine is the first major climb of the day. The road leads over 24.6 kilometres with an average gradient of 6.2 percent up to an altitude of 2000 metres. The last few kilometres are particularly tough, with the gradient reaching over 10 per cent in places. The technically demanding descent is followed by a short flat section before the next climb begins.
Col de la Croix de Fer as the second summit
At 2067 metres, the Col de la Croix de Fer is the highest point of the stage. The climb stretches over 22.4 kilometres and has an average gradient of 6.9 percent. In the second half in particular, it becomes significantly steeper with sections of over 10 per cent. The following long descent and a flat section in the valley offer the riders the opportunity to recover before the final climb.
Decision on the final climb to Valmeinier 1800
The final climb to Valmeinier 1800 stretches over 16.5 kilometres and has an average gradient of 6.7 per cent. The last 5 kilometres are a real challenge with gradients of over 7 per cent. The favourites will give their all here to gain valuable seconds for the overall standings.
The climbs of stage 7 at a glance
- Col de la Madeleine: - Length: 24.6 kilometres - Average gradient: 6.2% - Maximum gradient: over 10% - Category: HC
- Col de la Croix de Fer: - Length: 22.4 kilometres - Average gradient: 6.9% - Maximum gradient: over 10% - Category: HC
- Montée de Valmeinier 1800: - Length: 16.5 kilometres - Average gradient: 6.7% - Maximum gradient: over 8% - Category: HC
