Tour de France 2025 Hits the Highs as Stage 12 Tackles French Alps

The mountains are calling, and so is the drama. Stage 12 of the 2025 Tour de France kicks off Thursday with big climbs, big names, and even bigger implications for the yellow jersey.

The race shifts gears in a serious way as it returns to the punishing terrain of the Alps. With six mountain stages scheduled overall, today marks just the second—and already it’s being called a turning point by many insiders.

A Test of Climbing Legs and Mental Fortitude

Stage 12 sets out from the historic town of Auch, winding its way into the high country with brutal elevation gains, switchbacks that test nerves, and enough categorized climbs to wreck entire team strategies.

It’s the kind of day that breaks legs and dreams.

Several riders have already shown signs of fatigue during Wednesday’s Stage 11, including some GC contenders who got caught off guard during late attacks. Norway’s Jonas Abrahamsen, riding for Uno-X Mobility, stole the spotlight with a surprise win in Stage 11 after a tense sprint to the line against Mauro Schmid of Jayco AlUla.

That momentum shift has sparked excitement heading into the mountain-heavy segment of the race.

Eyes on the GC Battle—But Watch the Outsiders

While Pogačar and Evenepoel have dominated headlines, it’s the riders on the fringe of contention who could shake things up today.

Don’t be surprised if the peloton fractures early. The first Category 1 climb is expected around the halfway point of the 156.8km stage, and it’s there that opportunists often make their move. Some names to keep an eye on:

• Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost): Known for his attacking style in the hills.

• David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ): Desperate to claw back after a poor Stage 9.

• Thymen Arensman (INEOS Grenadiers): Quiet but dangerously consistent so far.

It only takes one well-timed breakaway to shake up the general classification.

Peacock Exclusive: How to Watch and Stream Stage 12

Coverage for Stage 12 begins early on Thursday morning. U.S. fans will need to set alarms, because the broadcast kicks off at 6:30 AM ET.

NBC continues to provide coverage, but Peacock remains the go-to for uninterrupted, start-to-finish streaming. They’ve carried every stage exclusively, including bonus commentary, in-depth recaps, and helicopter cams that make you feel like you’re pedaling along.

Regional restrictions apply, so check your local listings if you’re watching outside the U.S.

Not Just a Race—It’s a Power Shift

More than a scenic slog through the Alps, Stage 12 could redefine who’s really in control of the Tour. Pogačar’s dominance is undeniable, but cracks have started to show in his UAE Team Emirates support crew. The climbs are only getting steeper, and the weather forecast hints at crosswinds in some of the exposed sections.

One misplaced water bottle, one poorly timed attack, one brief lapse—and this Tour could tilt completely.

Momentum is a fragile thing on days like this.

What Makes Stage 12 So Brutal?

Let’s break down why this specific stage is making riders—and fans—so nervous:

• Distance: 156.8 kilometers (97.4 miles) isn’t long, but it’s dense with difficulty.

• Climbs: At least 4 categorized climbs, including one Category 1 and two Category 2s.

• Elevation gain: Over 3,200 meters expected throughout the day.

• Finish terrain: Slight descent to the line after a grueling uphill segment—perfect for late-stage ambushes.

These factors combine to form one of the most tactically sensitive days in the Tour so far.

What We Learned From Stage 11

While Stage 11 didn’t involve massive altitude, it set the tone for what’s to come. A few insights emerged:

Abrahamsen’s win gave Uno-X its first-ever Tour stage victory—an emotional moment for the small team, and possibly the confidence boost they needed ahead of the mountains.