Live recap: Tour de France 2025 - Stage 2 - Van der Poel takes it!
Stage 2 of the 2025 Tour de France is a 218km stage from Lauwin-Planque, finishing in the coastal town of Boulogne-sur-mer. The stage is a punchy affair with the likes of Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar likely to be up there competing for the stage victory and the yellow jersey, with just under 2000 metres of elevation on the stage, with the majority coming in the fast finale. The stage will start at 12:50 CET and finish at approximately 17:35 CET.
At 212 kilometres, stage 2 is the longest day in the 2025 Tour de France. The route winds through the rolling landscapes of Artois and the Pays Boulonnais, featuring four categorised climbs. The final two ascents - both packed into the last 10 kilometres before the finish in Boulogne-sur-Mer — are expected to be decisive. For an in-depth breakdown of the course and key tactical points, read our full preview.
Given the challenging profile, a change in the general classification lead seems likely, with the yellow jersey potentially set to swap riders.
As for the favourites, Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogačar and Wout van Aert headline the contenders. Outsiders to keep an eye on include Thibau Nys, Ben Healy and Romain Grégoire.
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