Stage 8 could be another day for the sprinters with no major climbs in the second half of the stage. But with 2,400 metres of elevation coming from constant short climbs and descents over 183.4km route from Semur-en-Auxois to Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, nothing is guaranteed.
The first two-thirds of stage 8 will feature five categorised climbs, Côte de Vitteaux (category 3), Côte de Villy-en-Auxois (cat. 4), Côte de Verrey-sous-Salmaise (cat. 3), Côte de Santenoge and Côte de Giey-sur-Aujon, both category 4.
The relentless ups and downs may put a strain on the legs at the point when the sprinters’ teammates are starting to think about setting up a bunch finish. But the last three kilometres of the final straight, which rise slightly but steadily, could be the ideal place to bring the peloton back together.
Race leader Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) called the stage and the following day's gravel adventure 'boring' and said he expected it to be stressful. After pouring all of their physical efforts into the first individual time trial on stage 7, won by Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quickstep), stage 8 will be an exercise in concentration.
There are pitfalls galore that could take a Tour de France GC favourite out of contention. The forecast calls for rain in the morning, with road spray making it harder to see obstacles and making turns slippery. There is also a possibility for crosswinds along the south-north route so teams will have to keep their leaders in a good position.
One moment's inattention can make even the dullest stage more exciting than anyone wants. Find out how to watch stage 8 of the Tour de France.
Stage 8 Sprints
- Intermediate sprint, km 59
Stage 8 Mountains
- Côte de Vitteaux (24.1km at 7.3%), cat. 3, km 24.1
- Côte de Villy-en-Auxois (2.4km at 5.5%), cat. 4, km 32.5
- Côte de Verrey-sous-Salmaise (2.9km at 6%), cat. 3, km 38.8
- Côte de Santenoge (1.1km at 8.1%), cat. 4, km 96.7
- Côte de Giey-sur-Aujon (1.2km at 8.4%), cat. 4, km 122.4
-
Christmas gifts for cyclists in 2025: Present ideas they'll actually want
Check out our list of Christmas gift ideas for cyclists, it's full of top ideas and inspiration for your cycling friends and family -
'We're not even going to think about the idea' – RCS firmly against Tadej Pogačar's suggestion to switch Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España dates
Italian race organiser only open to a one week move into June to benefit from better weather and Italian national holiday -
A climber-friendly course that could get in the way of Elisa Longo Borghini's third title – Analysing the Giro d'Italia Women route
A lowkey start builds to a big crescendo with the Colle delle Finestre, a tough stage in the Dolomites, and a challenging uphill TT -
'The main sporting goal is in April, that's clear' – Wout van Aert's cyclocross campaign is all about spring Classics preparation
'We see plenty of room for improvement to rediscover the best version of Wout' says Visma-Lease a Bike head of performance
