With a mix of demanding hilly stages, sprint finishes, a mythical finale at Vianden Castle and a decisive time trial, the 2025 Škoda Tour de Luxembourg promises a well-balanced and thrilling race. Andy Schleck, president of the event, shares his perspective on the five stages.

Stage 1: Luxembourg-Knuedler – Luxembourg-Fëschmaart (152.8 km)
As last year, we kick off right in the heart of the capital, on the « Knuedler » square – a central spot where fans can easily follow the start of the race. After the official team presentation, the peloton heads into the Oesling, the luxembourgish Ardennes. Three climbs in quick succession – Putscheid, Bourscheid and Eschdorf – will provide an early test. At 51 km from the finish, the first Spuerkeess Bonus Sprint will already play a strategic role for the GC. Remember, two years ago the overall victory was decided by just three seconds! The sprint winner will also take home a €1,000 prize. After the Côte de Stafelter and a fast descent into Luxembourg City, the stage will be decided on an 800 m uphill finish – pure drama until the line.

Stage 2: Remich – Mamer (168.4 km)
This one is for the sprinters – an idea from my brother Fränk. The goal was to design a stage with under 2,000 metres of climbing, not an easy task in Luxembourg. After two early climbs in the Moselle region, the road heads west. A final hill 45 km from the finish should not trouble the sprinters. The concluding 15 km circuit, tackled twice, will give teams plenty of time to organise. The finish is set in front of the house of Nicolas Frantz, double Tour de France winner, at the end of a nearly 1 km slightly uphill finishing straight.

Stage 3: Mertert – Vianden (170.5 km)

The queen stage! Not far away from the lowest point of the Grand-Duchy to the spectacular finish at Vianden Castle. After the climbs of Beaufort and Munshausen, the riders face three ascents of the Niklosbierg – via steep side roads tougher than the main route. The first ascent includes the Spuerkeess Bonus Sprint. The finale will be brutal and unforgettable: a narrow cobbled road with gradients up to 18% leading straight into the medieval castle courtyard. A finish for pure climbers. Spectator space will be limited at the top, but the decisive action will unfold earlier anyway. I expect a thrilling showdown and stunning images – and maybe even a second triumph for Ben Healy. Whoever wins here is a strong favourite for overall victory.

Stage 4: Individual Time Trial Niederanven (26.3 km)
Time trials are not easy to plan: you need a long, fully closed and challenging course. In Niederanven we found the right one. Apart from a slight uphill start, it is a rolling course. I expect the fastest riders to average over 50 km/h. This will be a key stage, where every second matters in the GC battle.

Stage 5: Mersch – Luxembourg-Limpertsberg (176.4 km)
The final stage is always a spectacle – and once again, it can completely shake up the general classification. After tackling the climbs of Nommern, Gralingen, Kautenbach and Misärshaff in the north, the race heads into Luxembourg City for the closing laps. The infamous Pabeierbierg, short but brutally steep, must be climbed three times. The first ascent will feature the last Spuerkeess Bonus Sprint, with its precious seconds possibly proving decisive. Around the Pabeierbierg and in the finish area the atmosphere will be electric: children will race in the ACL Balance Bike Race, Spuerkeess provides a dedicated grandstand for young cycling fans, and the legendary “Tour Devil” Didi Senft will fire up riders and spectators alike. A fitting finale for the 85th edition!