Return to the Castle of Vianden & new Bonus Sprint
# Škoda Tour de Luxembourg 2025: A Historic Return with Exciting Innovations
The **85th edition of the Škoda Tour de Luxembourg**, scheduled for September 17–21, 2025, is shaping up to be an extraordinary event in the cycling calendar. This year marks a memorable return of the race to the stunning **castle of Vianden**, where the finish line is nestled within the castle’s medieval courtyard, promising to deliver breathtaking visuals and unforgettable memories.
Among the noteworthy updates for this edition is the introduction of the **Spuerkeess Bonus Sprint**. Positioned approximately 60 kilometers before the end of each stage (excluding the individual time trial), this intermediate sprint offers riders the chance to secure valuable time bonuses (3-2-1) for the overall classification, coupled with a cash prize. This addition is anticipated to introduce a new layer of strategy to an already competitive race.
The route for the Tour covers a challenging **694.4 kilometers across five stages**, with a critical **26.3 km individual time trial** set for the fourth day.
### Stage Breakdown
– **17.09.2025 – Stage 1: Luxembourg-Knuedler → Luxembourg-Fëschmaart (152.8 km)**
A challenging start featuring climbs at Putscheid, Bourscheid, and Eschdorf, with the Bonus Sprint taking place 51 km from the finish line, culminating in a thrilling finale at the Montée de Clausen in the capital.
– **18.09.2025 – Stage 2: Remich → Mamer (168.4 km)**
Following the Côte de Wintrange and Côte de Remerschen, the stage leads to Mamer, ending near the residence of Nicolas Frantz, a two-time Tour de France champion—a perfect opportunity for sprinters.
– **19.09.2025 – Stage 3: Mertert → Vianden (170.5 km)**
Dubbed the queen stage, this segment includes climbs at Beaufort and Munshausen, passing through Hosingen and featuring three ascents of Niklosbierg in the last 50 km, leading to the iconic finish at Vianden Castle.
– **20.09.2025 – Stage 4: ITT Niederanven (26.3 km)**
A critical individual time trial where every second counts for contenders aiming for the overall victory.
– **21.09.2025 – Stage 5: Mersch → Luxembourg-Limpertsberg (176.4 km)**
The traditional conclusion includes tough climbs at Nommern, Gralingen, Kautenbach, and three steep ascents of Pabeierbierg, demanding full effort until the final climb.
> *“With its historic castle finish, innovative Bonus Sprint, and selective route, the **Škoda Tour de Luxembourg 2025** stands out as a must-see highlight of the international calendar—intense, prestigious, and full of emotion.”*
### A Competitive Field
This year, the **Škoda Tour de Luxembourg** will feature an impressive lineup of talent with **20 teams**, including **8 UCI WorldTeams**, among them:
– Alpecin-Deceuninck
– Arkéa-B&B Hôtels
– Decathlon Ag2r La Mondiale Team
– EF Education-Easypost
– Groupama-FDJ
– Lidl-Trek
– Soudal Quick-Step
– UAE Team Emirates
In addition to these elite teams, **7 UCI ProTeams** and **4 UCI Continental Teams** will also showcase their strengths, along with 1 national team representing Luxembourg.
The excitement builds as the world eagerly awaits what promises to be a memorable cycle race set against the stunning backdrop of Luxembourg.
