Date: Sunday, July 27
Distance: 110km
Start location: Brest
Finish location: Quimper
Start time: 12:10 CEST
Finish time: 15:04 CEST (approx.)
The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift continues in the heart of Brittany for its second stage, where the peloton departs from Brest, a dynamic port city known for its maritime heritage, rugged coastline, and strong Breton identity, before heading southeast into the rolling countryside toward Quimper, the region’s cultural and spiritual hub. Quimper is famous for its centuries-old faïence pottery, first produced in the 17th century. The city also hosts the annual Festival de Cornouaille, a vibrant week-long celebration of Breton music, dance, and culture.
Once the race rolls out of Brest, the terrain features a series of punchy climbs that continuously sap speed and test resolve. At around 50 km, the peloton tackles the Menez Quelerc’h, a 3km ascent averaging 6.2%, followed shortly by the steep Côte de Locronan (800m at 8.9%). Both climbs offer excellent springboards for early breakaways. As the riders head into the Quimper circuit, they face the Côte du Chemin de Troheir twice — a 1.1km climb at 5.7% — with its second ascent coming just before the finish line, setting the stage for a thrilling finale on an uphill run-in to the line.
Stage two rewards punchy climbers and opportunists. However, unlike stage one, which finished on a climb, a versatile sprinter could survive to the finish. However, they will have to have teammates around them to bring back any late solo attacks. With only about 500m of flat to the line after the final ramp, a small group could get away and seize the win, and possibly shake up the general classification for a second day in a row.
Contenders
Stage two promises a fierce battle with punchy climbs to Quimper likely to split the bunch. While the general classification contenders will be mindful of staying safe and not losing time, the punchier riders and strong sprinters with climbing legs will see this as a golden opportunity to claim the stage
Although it's another punchy stage, sprinter Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) has continually proven herself capable on these short, explosive climbs, and if she can hold position over the final rise, she’ll be a major threat in a reduced sprint.
Despite not looking to be on top form on stage one, Wiebes’ teammate Lotte Kopecky remains one of the most dangerous riders in the peloton on terrain like this — boasting a devastating mix of power, resilience, and tactical smarts. She has won back-to-back World Championship road titles, and will be hoping to regain that kind of form to add another Tour stage win to her palmarès.
Yellow jersey and stage one winner Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike) will also relish another punchy finale. As will her teammate Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, who was an impressive third on the first stage.
Kim Le Court (AG Insurance-Soudal Team) was flying high on stage one, chasing down Ferrand-Prévot only to be pipped by Vos.
One of the breakout stars of 2025, Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck), is another serious threat. Her explosive victory at Flèche Wallonne proved her credentials on Classics-style races, and she’ll be hunting for her first ever Tour de France Femmes stage win.
Lianne Lippert (Movistar) had a difficult start to her Tour, after a crash but will be hoping to put things right, especially after her GC leader Marlen Reusser dropped out. What about Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ) who lost 0:52 today and could be allowed more leeaway to go for the stage?
Other strong contenders include Chloe Dygert (Canyon-SRAM-Zondacrypto), Karlijn Swinkels (UAE Team ADQ), and Mischa Bredewold (SD Worx-Protime), each of whom has shown form on similar terrain.
And of course, even on a stage not designed for major GC shake-ups, the big names will be lurking. Demi Vollering (FDJ-Suez) and Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon-SRAM-Zondacrypto) could make their mark on the stage.
Prediction
We think Kim Le Court will take the win after her strong second place on stage one.
