A mountain stage is an assemblage of several categorised ascents, often including many Hors Catégorie ascents. These stages are designed to put climbing skills, stamina, and team tactics to the extreme test across several hundred kilometres.
Mountain stages traditionally determine the overall standings due to the time differences they generate. The riders must manage their pace on extended uphill climbs, downhill rides, and flat sections in between. The support riders assist the leaders by maintaining a consistent pace, fetching supplies, and shielding them from the wind. Mountain stages enable climbers to move forward and gain time, while sprinters can manage challenging time limits.
