A summit finish is when a stage or race ends at the top of a categorized climb. These finishes often determine overall winners due to the large time gaps they create.
In cycling, summit finishes are decisive because the steep gradients break up the peloton and expose weaknesses. Only the strongest climbers typically contend for victory on these days. Summit finishes are key features in grand tours like the Tour de France, where tactics, pacing, and raw climbing ability are tested under extreme fatigue.
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