MÛR-DE-BRETAGNE GUERLÉDAN, France (11 July 2025) — On cycling’s most storied climbs, legends are forged through suffering and tactical brilliance. Stage 7 of the 2025 Tour de France delivered both in abundance as Tadej Pogačar orchestrated a masterful performance to claim his second stage victory of this year’s race, reasserting his dominance with a display that left rivals gasping in his wake on the brutal 15% gradients that have defined careers and destroyed dreams.

The 179-rider peloton departed Saint-Malo under scorching conditions, with temperatures and aggressive racing creating a cauldron of intensity befitting the iconic Breton finale. From the opening kilometers, the tempo was blistering—an early indicator of the tactical chess match that would unfold on the legendary slopes where Bernard Hinault once ruled supreme.

The Early Skirmishes

The day’s narrative began with characteristic aggression as Wout van Aert, sensing an opportunity to add to his palmarès, launched an immediate sortie alongside Mauro Schmid. The Belgian’s powerful diesel engine and Schmid’s climbing pedigree seemed a formidable combination, but the peloton’s collective intelligence quickly recognized the threat. After just 20 kilometers of freedom, the duo found themselves swallowed by a pack unwilling to grant easy passage to riders of their caliber.

What followed was a masterclass in controlled aggression, with UAE Team Emirates-XRG dictating terms while allowing just enough rope for a select group to establish themselves. The early pace was nothing short of ferocious—commissaires noted that after one hour, the peloton had already covered 53.7 kilometers, a blistering average that would ultimately favor the strongest climbers when the road tilted skyward.

Neilson Powless, the American climbing specialist, and Valentin Madouas, riding with the weight of French expectations, repeatedly probed the peloton’s defenses. Their attacks, while ultimately unsuccessful, served to fracture the field and elevate the heart rates of riders who would need every ounce of energy for the finale.

The Breakaway Ballet

The eventual breakaway quintet—featuring the experienced Geraint Thomas alongside Alex Baudin, Marco Haller, Ewen Costiou, and Iván García Cortina—represented a carefully curated selection of climbing talent and tactical nous. Thomas, the former Tour winner, brought gravitas and experience; Baudin offered American grit; Haller provided Austrian precision; while García Cortina added Spanish flair to the mix.

Yet UAE’s tactical discipline kept the race firmly under control, never allowing the gap to exceed 1’40”. Marc Soler and his teammates rode with the methodical precision of a Swiss timepiece, their tempo calculated to maintain contact while allowing the breakaway riders their moment in the spotlight.

“The peloton didn’t give us much leeway, but we managed our effort well and accelerated when we had to,” reflected one of the escapees later, acknowledging the delicate balance between hope and reality that defines breakaway racing.

Breton Hero’s Moment

As the race approached its climactic finale, the landscape transformed from the rolling countryside of Brittany to the unforgiving slopes that would separate contenders from pretenders. Local hero Ewen Costiou, riding for Arkéa-B&B Hotels, provided the day’s emotional crescendo as he distanced his breakaway companions on the first ascent of Mûr-de-Bretagne.

The sight of Costiou, one of seven Breton riders in the race, powering clear on home soil stirred the thousands of spectators lining the climb. His solo effort, stretching across the summit and into the descent, represented everything beautiful about cycling—a local rider seizing his moment on the sport’s biggest stage.

“Nothing better could have happened to me,” Costiou reflected afterward, his voice thick with emotion. “It was an incredible climb, especially in front of my family, my girlfriend and my friends. I’ll definitely remember it for the rest of my life. I climbed Mûr-de-Bretagne a few years ago with some other young riders at the start of the stage, and now I’ve ridden it at the front of the race!”

The Breton’s advantage proved short-lived—caught with 12 kilometers remaining—but his effort had served its purpose, softening the field and setting the stage for the climactic battle that would follow.

The Crash That Changed Everything

With tension building toward the inevitable explosion, disaster struck with brutal timing. A crash involving João Almeida and Santiago Buitrago with six kilometers remaining sent shockwaves through the peloton, disrupting UAE’s perfect setup and forcing an immediate tactical recalibration.

Almeida, riding in exceptional form and positioned as Pogačar’s key lieutenant for the finale, found himself sprawled on the tarmac, his race potentially over. The Portuguese climber’s absence left a gaping hole in UAE’s strategy, forcing Tim Wellens to assume road captain duties in the most critical phase of the stage.

“Of course, it’s beautiful to be in yellow and win the stage but like Tim just told me, it was a luxury to have João so close in GC,” Pogačar acknowledged later. “It was a good opportunity for him as well. He’s in great shape so I really hope it’s nothing broken and he can continue.”

The crash served as a stark reminder of racing’s cruel unpredictability—one moment of inattention capable of destroying months of preparation and dreams of glory.

The Final Ascent: Tactical Perfection

The decisive moment arrived with devastating simplicity. Despite the disruption caused by Almeida’s crash, UAE’s tactical depth proved decisive. Wellens, the Belgian veteran, seamlessly assumed leadership duties, delivering Pogačar to the base of the final climb with surgical precision.

The atmosphere was electric as the reduced peloton—now just 35 riders—approached the base of the legendary ascent. Visma-lease a Bike had taken control, their distinctive yellow and black jerseys setting a pace designed to splinter the field before their leader, Jonas Vingegaard, could launch his own assault.

“Tim led me out to the bottom of the final climb,” Pogačar explained with characteristic precision. “Normally, João should have been there but I could follow Remco’s slipstream. And then Narváez did a superb job to keep things under control until the sprint.”

The climb itself—2 kilometers at 6.9% average gradient with ramps reaching 15%—represented cycling’s purest form of suffering. As the gradient bit hardest, the pretenders fell away one by one, leaving only the sport’s elite to contest the stage victory.

Pogačar’s acceleration was both predictable and unstoppable. The Slovenian’s rainbow jersey, earned through his world championship triumph, seemed to glow in the afternoon sun as he unleashed his finishing kick. Nine riders remained in contention as the steepest sections approached, but when Pogačar shifted into his highest gear, the outcome was never in doubt.

Vingegaard, the defending champion, managed to match the initial acceleration but couldn’t sustain Pogačar’s relentless pace. Oscar Onley, the young Briton riding for Picnic PostNL, rounded out the podium with a performance that announced his arrival among cycling’s elite.

Evenepoel’s Honest Assessment

Remco Evenepoel’s performance, finishing sixth on the stage but maintaining second place overall, came with characteristic analytical precision. The Belgian’s tactical intelligence and physical gifts were evident, but the final kilometer exposed the cruel mathematics of elite climbing.

“I wouldn’t say my performance was disappointing, but I would have liked to have fresher legs in the final kilometer—I wish the race had finished under the flamme rouge!” Evenepoel admitted with typical honesty. “It was a great effort by UAE Team Emirates to set up the climb and Tadej’s attack. Just Jonas and I were able to cope with his pace, and that’s one of the many positives to take from today: that I was able to stay with the two best climbers in the world on a very steep hill.”

The Belgian’s pragmatic outlook reflected the tactical patience required in three-week racing. “Afterwards, once we entered the final kilometer, I could feel my legs were full of lactic acid. I lost 12 seconds, bonus included, to Tadej today—yet I don’t care, because next week gaps will be measured in minutes. I’m happy with how things are going.”

Evenepoel’s assessment of the broader tactical picture proved equally insightful. “It’s pretty bad to lose Mattia Cattaneo, because he is my number one bodyguard both in the flat and in the mountains. He made the right call by quitting the race, because he had crashed hard and was feeling some headache. Losing him is yet another reason for us to just follow the super teams, without taking matters in our own hands. Visma and UAE are the ones that decide how the race unfolds. If they want to create chaos, they do. If they want to bring the break back, they can do too. They are just super powerful.”

Van der Poel’s Struggles

Notably absent from the finale was Mathieu van der Poel, the Dutch superstar who had entered the stage in second place overall. The Alpecin-Deceuninck leader, typically explosive on short, punchy climbs, found himself distanced on the steepest sections, eventually finishing 22nd and dropping to fifth overall.

Pogačar’s post-race analysis was telling: “Mathieu and I both know this finish very well, with some nice memories. We wanted the same thing, to win on that iconic climb but I think maybe he left too much energy on the road yesterday to be up there today.”

The observation highlighted cycling’s unforgiving nature—a moment’s tactical misjudgment or physical overreach can cost dearly in the sport’s biggest races.

The Bigger Picture

Pogačar’s victory marked his 19th Tour de France stage win and his 42nd day in the maillot jaune, equaling Jacques Anquetil’s historic tally and placing him fifth in the all-time rankings. More significantly, it demonstrated the Slovenian’s ability to deliver when the race reaches its critical junctures.

“The day went like we planned,” Pogačar noted with characteristic understatement. “We did an amazing job, all the teammates were perfect. It was a hot day, super fast… We spent a lot of energy but we had a plan, we stuck to it, and we won. I can be confident in my sprint, especially with a teammate to set me up.”

The stage also highlighted the ongoing tactical battle between the race’s superpowers. Pogačar’s pointed observation about his rivals proved particularly revealing: “The last two days, it was some strange racing from Visma. Let’s see their approach in the next days. The weekend will be easier and then stage 10 will be a proper hard day of suffering with hot temperatures and lots of climbs all day. There can be some movements but we’ll see then.”

Looking Forward

As the race prepares for the upcoming challenges, Pogačar’s commanding performance at Mûr-de-Bretagne sends an unmistakable message. The rainbow jersey bearer remains the man to beat, combining tactical acumen with an explosive finishing kick that continues to define Tour de France racing at its highest level.

The psychological impact of his victory cannot be understated. By regaining the yellow jersey on the eve of a stage to Laval—where he first claimed the overall lead in 2021—Pogačar has established a narrative of dominance that will weigh heavily on his rivals’ minds in the crucial stages ahead.

By the Numbers

13: POGAČAR 10-3 VINGEGAARD
For the 13th time, Pogačar and Vingegaard finished 1-2 in a Tour stage (in either order). They extend their all-time record. The Slovenian has won 10 of these 13 stages.

19: POGAČAR EQUALS FABER
Tadej Pogačar raises his arms for the 19th time on the Tour. He equals Luxembourg’s François Faber with the 7th most victories. One more and he will move up to 6th place alongside Nicolas Frantz, another Luxembourger and a 20-time winner.

2: KEEP AN EYE ON(LEY)
At just 22 years, 8 months and 28 days, Oscar Onley is the 2nd-youngest British rider to finish in the top-3 of a Tour stage. Only Tom Simpson did it earlier, being 3rd in Malo-les-Bains in 1960 at 22 years, 6 months and 28 days. Tom Pidcock is the youngest British winner at 22 years, 11 months and 14 days (stage 12 of the Tour 2020 in Alpe d’Huez). Onley will beat him if he wins by the end of this edition.

5: A NEW WINNER IN BRITTANY
The 5th finish and 5th different winner at Mûr-de-Bretagne Guerlédan, while the previous winner (Mathieu Van der Poel) was racing. Tadej Pogačar succeeds Cadel Evans (2011), Alexis Vuillermoz (2015), Dan Martin (2018), and Van der Poel (2021). Of these five, only the Australian has gone on to win the Tour after raising his arms here.

2: YOUNGSTERS SHOW THEIR GRIT
After Lenny Martinez in Rouen, Ewen Costiou is the 2nd U23 rider to win the Combative award in this first week of the Tour. The two French youngsters follow the likes of Romain Grégoire (stage 17 in 2024), Quinn Simmons (stage 19 in 2022) and Marc Hirschi (stages 9, 12 and 18, and Super Combative of the Tour 2020) to already make the 2020s the decade where U23 riders have been the most combative. In the 1980s, Philippe Chevallier, Paulo Ferreira, Miguel Indurain, Soren Lilholt and Christophe Lavainne won one combative award each before their 23rd birthday.

2/6: POGAČAR, HIGHER AND HIGHER
Tadej Pogačar is only the third rider to win at least two stages in each of his first six Tours. The other two are Nicolas Frantz (1924-1929) and Eddy Merckx (1969-1975, except in 1973 when he was absent). The Slovenian is also the first reigning road World Champion to win more than one stage since Peter Sagan in 2018 (stages 2, 5, and 13).

4: VINGEGAARD OUT OF THE PODIUM
Jonas Vingegaard sits 4th in the general classification, 1’17” behind Tadej Pogačar, an unusual position after 7 stages. This had only happened to him once before, 4 years ago, in 2021, during his first Tour. The Dane was 11th. His other rankings after 7 stages were 2nd in 2022, leader in 2023, and 3rd last year.

22: COSTIOU SHINES
At 22 years, 8 months and 1 day, Ewen Costiou is the youngest rider to be leading at the summit of the Mûr-de-Bretagne, which he achieved on the first of the day’s two passes, before being caught by the peloton. He beat Laurent Desbiens’ record, who did so at 23 years, 9 months and 20 days (stage 3 in 1993).

7: CHASING VICTORY
Since his last success at Le Lioran on July 10, 2024, Jonas Vingegaard has finished on a stage podium 7 times, without ever raising his arms as the winner! The riders who have won these 7 stages are Tadej Pogačar (6) and Mathieu Van der Poel (1). The Dane has now secured his 21st podium finish in the Tour (4 wins, 11 second-place finishes, and 6 third-place finishes).

62: A SLOVENE RECORD EQUALLED
Primož Roglič has worn the leader’s jersey 62 times in a Grand Tour (11 times in the Tour de France, 9 times in the Giro d’Italia, and 42 times in the Vuelta a España), making him the record holder for Slovenia. A statistic now equaled by his compatriot Tadej Pogačar: 42 times Tour Yellow Jersey, 20 times Giro pink jersey. The absolute record belongs to Eddy Merckx with 200.

53.7: FULL SPEED
The first hour of racing out of Saint-Malo was completed at 53.7 km/h. The highest average speed during the beginning of a stage since the start of this Tour!

Stage 7 Results – Saint-Malo > Mûr-de-Bretagne Guerlédan (178.5km)

1. 1. Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) – 4h 05′ 39”
   2. Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma-lease a Bike) – s.t.
   3. Oscar Onley (Picnic PostNL) – +2”
   4. Florian Gall (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale) – +2”
   5. Matteo Jorgenson (Team Visma-lease a Bike) – +2”
   6. Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) – +2”
   7. Kévin Vauquelin (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) – +2”
   8. Jhonatan Narváez (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) – +7”
   9. Aurélien Laurance (Ineos Grenadiers) – +15”
   10. Tobias Johannessen (Uno-X Mobility) – +21”

General Classification After Stage 7

1. 1. Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) – 25h 58′ 04”
   2. Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) – +54”
   3. Kévin Vauquelin (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) – +1’11”
   4. Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma-lease a Bike) – +1’17”
   5. Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) – +1’29”
   6. Matteo Jorgenson (Team Visma-lease a Bike) – +1’34”
   7. Oscar Onley (Picnic PostNL) – +2’49”
   8. Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe) – +3’02”
   9. Primož Roglič (Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe) – +3’06”
   10. Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) – +3’43”

Jersey Holders After Stage 7

• • Maillot Jaune (Overall Leader): Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) – 25h 58′ 04”
  • Maillot Vert (Points Classification): Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) – 156 pts
  • Maillot à Pois (King of the Mountains): Tim Wellens (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) – 8 pts
  • Maillot Blanc (Best Young Rider): Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) – 25h 58′ 58”

VIRE NORMANDIE, France (10 July 2025) — In a stage that director Christian Prudhomme had ominously dubbed “the most leg-breaking flat stage in the recent history of the Tour,” Ben Healy delivered the performance of his career, soloing to victory across the rolling hills of Normandy while behind him, the yellow jersey changed hands by the slimmest of margins.

The EF Education-EasyPost rider’s audacious 42-kilometer solo breakaway not only secured Ireland’s first Tour stage win since Sam Bennett’s Champs-Élysées triumph in 2020, but also inadvertently orchestrated a tactical masterpiece that saw Mathieu van der Poel reclaim the maillot jaune from Tadej Pogačar by a mere second.

The Perfect Storm

Stage 6’s 201.5-kilometer route from Bayeux to Vire Normandie, with its 3,550 meters of elevation gain spread across countless rises and dips, had been circled on many calendars as an opportunity for long-range attackers. Healy, ever the opportunist, had identified this stage from the race’s inception.

“Today’s stage really suited me, I had circled this day from the start,” Healy explained after his emotional victory. “And to do it on the first opportunity is really really amazing. I just switched on from the start. Maybe I spent a bit too much trying to get into the break but that’s just the way I do it.”

The day’s narrative began to unfold at the early intermediate sprint in Villers-Bocage, where Jonathan Milan of Lidl-Trek demonstrated his sprint credentials by edging van der Poel, while Healy and Quinn Simmons positioned themselves strategically for the coming battle.

The Breakaway Ballet

What followed was a masterclass in breakaway formation under the most extreme conditions. The pace was nothing short of brutal—49.5 kilometers covered in the opening hour—nullifying early attempts from Pablo Castrillo and Wout van Aert. The relentless tempo whittled the peloton down to just 20 or 30 riders at various points, illustrating the ferocity of the racing.

Healy and Simmons’ persistence eventually paid dividends when they joined a five-man move at kilometer 57, accompanied by van der Poel, Harold Tejada, and Will Barta. The group’s composition was tactically perfect—strong enough to sustain the effort, yet without any serious GC threats beyond van der Poel’s time-based calculations.

The addition of Eddie Dunbar, Simon Yates, and Michael Storer created an eight-man breakaway with the perfect blend of climbing ability and tactical nous. Crucially, UAE Team Emirates-XRG appeared comfortable with the composition, calculating that van der Poel’s 1:26 deficit would be insufficient to threaten Pogačar’s overall lead.

The Moment of Truth

With 42.5 kilometers remaining, Healy made his race-defining move at the base of the category-3 Côte de Saint-Michel-de-Montjoie. It was textbook timing—late enough to be decisive, early enough to build an unassailable advantage.

“I knew I needed to get away from the group,” Healy reflected. “I picked my moment, I think I timed it well and I caught them by surprise a little bit. Then I knew what I had to do: just put my head down and do my best ride to the finish.”

The Irishman’s acceleration was devastating. Within 15 kilometers, he had opened a 47-second gap, extending it to 45 seconds over the climb’s summit with Simmons and Storer leading the chase. Van der Poel, perhaps feeling the effects of his aggressive racing style, couldn’t match the pace and found himself fighting a losing battle.

The Yellow Jersey Calculation

Behind the breakaway drama, a more subtle but equally significant battle was unfolding. UAE Team Emirates-XRG, despite controlling the pace, seemed to miscalculate the time gaps. Tim Wellens, Pogačar’s teammate, later admitted the handover was “on the limit, and not calculated!”

The margins were razor-thin: Healy’s winning time of 4:24:10 put him nearly four minutes ahead of van der Poel, who crossed the line 3:58 back. When Pogačar led the GC group home 5:27 behind Healy, it meant van der Poel had gained exactly enough time to reclaim yellow by one second.

“I don’t know why [UAE Team Emirates-XRG] pulled behind me,” van der Poel mused post-stage. “They’re not afraid of me but maybe they wanted to control somebody else. It’s their right to pull, they do their own tactics and it’s up to us to ride faster if we want the jersey. I would have loved to have a bit more than one second but I’m happy to have it again for one day tomorrow.”

Tactical Implications

The stage’s outcome reveals several tactical undercurrents heading into the first weekend. UAE’s decision to relinquish yellow, while publicly unintentional, follows sound Grand Tour strategy. With the fearsome Mûr-de-Bretagne finish awaiting on Stage 7, having van der Poel in yellow removes the pressure of controlling the race while positioning Pogačar to attack from a position of strength.

“It is a good move to let the Yellow Jersey go,” Wellens confirmed. “The Tour de France can be very long, and there are so many tough stages to come. Tadej was feeling really good today, but it was not the day to create any time gaps on the GC.”

For van der Poel, the return to yellow carries both opportunity and burden. The Mûr-de-Bretagne holds special significance—it’s where he claimed his first Tour stage wins in 2021. However, with Pogačar lurking just one second behind and Jonas Vingegaard showing improved form, the Dutchman faces an immediate test of his stage racing credentials.

“It’s really nice to be in yellow to go to Mûr-de-Bretagne, a special place for me,” van der Poel said. “But when you see how Tadej [Pogačar] is riding, if he attacks tomorrow, or Jonas [Vingegaard] as well, it will be very difficult not only for me but for the whole bunch to follow on this climb.”

The Broader Picture

Remco Evenepoel’s steady progress continues to fly under the radar, with the Belgian positioned perfectly in third at 43 seconds. His measured approach suggests a rider finding his rhythm: “I felt good today, I recovered well from yesterday’s time trial and I was happy with my legs. I’m improving day by day.”

The sprint classification battle is also heating up, with Jonathan Milan making a strong statement by winning the intermediate sprint. His assessment of the competition is telling: “In my opinion, my main rival in the sprints will be Tim Merlier. As for the points classifications, there are many others like Tadej Pogačar or Mathieu Van der Poel who have a different skillset compared to mine.”

Looking Ahead

By the Numbers

CAEN, France (9 July 2025) — The cobblestones of Normandy gave way to the smooth tarmac of Caen’s time trial circuit on Wednesday, where the 33-kilometer individual test against the clock delivered the first true reckoning of the 2025 Tour de France. In a masterclass of sustained power and tactical precision, Remco Evenepoel claimed his second career Tour stage victory while Tadej Pogačar seized the yellow jersey with a performance that signaled his championship ambitions.

The race of truth around the historic Norman capital unfolded exactly as many had predicted, yet with nuances that will reverberate through the remaining two weeks of racing. Evenepoel, the reigning world time trial champion, demonstrated why he remains the sport’s premier chronoman, posting a time of 36 minutes and 42 seconds at an average speed of 54.0 kilometers per hour. His victory margin of 16 seconds over Pogačar was significant enough to showcase his superiority against the clock, yet narrow enough to highlight the Slovenian’s remarkable improvement in the discipline.

The Morning Establishes the Benchmark

For Pogačar, the day represented a calculated gamble that paid dividends. While conceding the stage to Evenepoel, he gained crucial time on virtually every other general classification contender, vaulting from joint leadership to the race lead with a 42-second advantage over the Belgian. The UAE Team Emirates-XRG leader now holds three of the four Tour jerseys, adding yellow to his existing green and polka dot collections—a feat that underscores his versatility and current form.

The morning’s early starters set a competitive tone that would persist throughout the day. Kazakhstan’s Yegueniy Fedorov briefly held the hot seat before Pablo Castrillo improved the benchmark. The young Spaniard’s time stood until his Movistar teammate Ivan Romeo, the U23 world time trial champion, demonstrated why he’s considered one of cycling’s brightest prospects.

The technical demands of the Caen circuit suited pure time trialists, with its mix of flat sections and rolling terrain requiring both sustained power and tactical pacing. The relatively short distance meant that every second would be magnified, placing premium on riders’ ability to maintain threshold power while managing the metabolic demands of an all-out effort.

Luke Plapp appeared destined for the early lead, posting the fastest times at each intermediate checkpoint, but the Australian champion’s effort unraveled in the final kilometers. The tactical demands of time trial pacing became evident as several riders, including Plapp, pushed too hard in the opening sections only to fade when precision was most needed.

Into this void stepped Edoardo Affini, the European time trial champion, who delivered a stunning performance that would stand as the reference time for hours. The Italian’s effort, 30 seconds clear of Romeo and posted at an average speed of 53.2 kilometers per hour, demonstrated the level of excellence required to contend on such a demanding circuit.

The French Challenge and Rising Stakes

The French national time trial champion Bruno Armirail came tantalizingly close to unseating Affini, falling just two seconds short despite a powerful finish. The Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale rider’s effort exemplified the depth of talent in the modern peloton, where national champions routinely deliver performances that would have won stages in previous eras.

As the afternoon heat intensified and the general classification contenders began their efforts, the tactical complexity of the stage became apparent. Team cars positioned themselves strategically around the circuit, providing split times that would prove crucial for pacing decisions. The pressure mounted as each successive rider faced the daunting task of not just beating Affini’s time, but doing so while managing the expectations of overall victory.

The Contenders’ Hour

Florian Lipowitz provided the first serious challenge to Affini’s time, the German’s effort highlighting the depth of talent within the Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe squad. His performance also overshadowed that of team leader Primož Roglič, whose struggles against the clock continued to hamper his overall ambitions. The Slovenian veteran’s time deficit of over two minutes to the eventual winner underscored the challenges faced by pure climbers in modern Grand Tour racing.

The psychological warfare of time trial racing became evident as intermediate times filtered through the race organization. Riders starting later had the advantage of knowing exactly what was required, but also faced the pressure of meeting specific targets. This dynamic would prove crucial as the day’s protagonists took to the course.

The Championship Clash

Then came Evenepoel, and with him, a reminder of why he stands alone among the sport’s time trialists. The Belgian’s ride was a study in sustained power and tactical precision, his 54.0 kilometers per hour average speed relegating Affini to second place by 33 seconds. The world champion’s effort showcased the technical mastery that separates elite time trialists from the merely excellent.

Evenepoel’s pacing strategy revealed the meticulous preparation that goes into championship-level time trial performance. His ability to maintain consistent power output while navigating the circuit’s technical challenges demonstrated why he has dominated the discipline at the highest level. The precision of his cornering and his aerodynamic position reflected years of refinement in pursuit of marginal gains.

More significantly, his performance established a benchmark that would test even Pogačar’s renowned finishing ability. The psychological pressure on the Slovenian was immense—not only did he need to deliver a career-best time trial performance, but he had to do so knowing that anything less than perfection would likely cost him the yellow jersey.

Pogačar’s Defining Moment

The Slovenian’s response was immediate and emphatic. While unable to match Evenepoel’s raw speed, Pogačar’s deficit of just 16 seconds represented a quantum leap forward in his time trialing capabilities. His average speed of 53.7 kilometers per hour, combined with the time gaps he opened on key rivals, transformed the race’s general classification landscape.

The technical analysis of Pogačar’s effort revealed significant improvements in his aerodynamic position and pacing strategy. His ability to maintain consistent power output throughout the circuit, rather than relying on explosive bursts, demonstrated the evolution of his time trial technique. The marginal gains accumulated through equipment optimization and position refinement were evident in his sector times.

Perhaps most importantly, Pogačar’s performance sent a clear message to his rivals about his current form and tactical approach. His willingness to prioritize overall time gains over stage victory showed the maturity that has defined his championship campaigns. The calculated risk of conceding 16 seconds to Evenepoel while gaining significantly more on other contenders exemplified championship-level tactical thinking.

The Casualties and Revelations

The day’s biggest casualty was Jonas Vingegaard, the Danish star whose time trial struggles have become increasingly pronounced. The Visma-Lease a Bike leader’s 13th-place finish, leaving him 1 minute and 13 seconds adrift of Pogačar, raised serious questions about his ability to challenge for overall victory. His performance suggested either a concerning lack of form or tactical miscalculation in his preparation.

The defending champion’s struggles were particularly surprising given his team’s resources and his previous time trial performances. His deficit to Pogačar now appears potentially insurmountable, especially considering the climbing stages that await. The psychological impact of such a significant time loss in a discipline where he was expected to remain competitive cannot be understated.

Equally concerning for those harboring overall ambitions was the performance of Mathieu van der Poel, who surrendered the yellow jersey after three days of inspired leadership. The Dutch champion’s time trial limitations were exposed, dropping him to sixth overall and 1 minute and 28 seconds behind Pogačar. His post-stage demeanor suggested he had expected this outcome, focusing instead on future stage opportunities.

The Surprise Contender

The surprise package of the day was Kévin Vauquelin, the Arkéa-B&B Hotels rider who leveraged home support and superior time trial technique to claim third place overall. The Norman’s performance, just 59 seconds behind Pogačar, positions him as an unexpected podium contender and provides his team with a legitimate general classification threat.

Vauquelin’s rise represents one of the most compelling narratives of the early Tour. His ability to maintain position through the opening stages while others faltered, combined with his strong time trial performance, suggests a maturity beyond his years. The French rider’s technical proficiency against the clock was evident in his sector times, which remained consistent throughout the effort.

The tactical implications of Vauquelin’s performance extend beyond individual achievement. His positioning creates an interesting dynamic for the mountain stages, where his team’s aggressive racing style could prove decisive in shaping the overall battle. The presence of a genuine French contender also adds significant emotional weight to the race narrative.

Champions’ Perspectives

In the post-stage interviews, both protagonists displayed the measured confidence of champions who understand the magnitude of their performances. Pogačar, speaking from the yellow jersey presentation podium, acknowledged the challenge ahead while expressing satisfaction with his tactical execution.

“I’m super happy with how the race turned out today,” Pogačar said. “We had some strong competition out there. To finish just 16 seconds behind the best time triallist in the world, both Olympic and World Champion, is great. I put some time on most of my GC rivals – just lost some to Remco [Evenepoel]. I’m happy this day is over and we can start focusing on the remainder of the Tour de France… and keep the ball rolling.”

The three-time Tour champion also revealed his tactical philosophy for the remainder of the race, emphasizing long-term strategy over short-term jersey defense. “It’s going to be a hard Tour de France. We have raced five stages already, and they have been quite fast. This year’s course is super hectic. We have to watch out the whole time, because every stage is nervous. I’m super happy to have the Yellow Jersey, yet we are aware the race can feel very long from now until Paris. As of now, our priority is going to be keeping our advantage on our GC rivals, and not necessarily the jersey.”

His comments revealed the strategic thinking that has defined his championship campaigns—a willingness to sacrifice short-term gains for long-term positioning. This tactical maturity, combined with his demonstrated versatility, makes him the most complete rider in the current peloton.

Evenepoel, meanwhile, displayed the satisfaction of a rider who had executed his plan to perfection while maintaining realistic expectations about his overall ambitions. “I knew I had a good chance to win but the legs had to be there. I didn’t feel like I could go any faster so it was a good plan. I kind of pushed pretty steadily, a bit harder on the uphills than the downhills of course. And I gained positions at every checkpoint. The pacing was perfect and everything was on point, I’m super happy.”

The Belgian’s technical analysis of his performance revealed the meticulous preparation that goes into championship-level time trial racing. His ability to maintain consistent power output while adjusting for the circuit’s topographical demands demonstrated the tactical sophistication that separates elite performers from the merely talented.

“Now, the two guys from the team that came for stage wins have done it, with Tim [Merlier] and I. We can be relieved and focus on the podium in Paris. Of course, there are regrets after our rookie mistake on day 1. But we can’t change the past and it actually motivated me even more! It’s getting better every day so let’s hope it keeps going like that.”

His assessment of Pogačar’s performance was equally revealing, acknowledging both the improvement and the implications for the overall battle. “Tadej [Pogačar] did a very strong time trial as well, losing about half a second per kilometre. If you compare with the Critérium du Dauphiné, he made a big step forward and he shows he’s in big form.”

Looking Toward the Mountains

The stage also saw the withdrawal of Emilien Jeannière (TotalEnergies) and Jasper De Buyst (Lotto Dstny), reducing the peloton to 179 riders as the race approaches its first serious mountain test. These departures, while not unexpected given the demands of Grand Tour racing, serve as reminders of the physical toll that three weeks of competition extracts from even the most prepared athletes.

As the Tour de France 2025 prepares to leave Normandy behind, the time trial has provided the clarity that was missing from the opening stages. Pogačar’s emergence as the race leader, combined with Evenepoel’s continued excellence against the clock, sets up a fascinating battle for the remaining two weeks. The mathematical precision of time trial racing has eliminated much of the uncertainty that characterized the opening sprint stages.

The real test, however, begins next week when the mountains of the Massif Central loom. There, the time gained and lost on the flat roads of Caen will be put into proper perspective, and the 2025 Tour de France will reveal its true character. The tactical implications of today’s result extend far beyond the immediate time gaps, establishing psychological momentum and strategic positioning that will influence decision-making throughout the race’s decisive mountain stages.

With Vingegaard seemingly struggling and van der Poel’s limitations exposed, the path to Paris appears increasingly to run through the Pogačar-Evenepoel rivalry. Their mutual respect, evident in post-stage interviews, masks an intense competitive dynamic that promises to define the remainder of the 2025 Tour de France. The stage’s outcome has fundamentally altered the race’s tactical landscape, setting up what promises to be one of the most compelling battles for cycling’s greatest prize in recent memory.

By the Numbers

2: EVENEPOEL’S TOUR STAGE WINS
Remco Evenepoel claims his second Tour de France stage victory, following his maiden triumph in Gevrey-Chambertin in 2024. He becomes the third rider to win individual time trials in different editions of the Tour while holding the world championship rainbow jersey. This is his 64th professional victory, his 5th of the year.

54.0: KILOMETERS PER HOUR AVERAGE
Evenepoel’s winning speed of 54.0 km/h on the 33-kilometer circuit demonstrates the exceptional level of time trial performance in the modern peloton. His power output sustainability over the technical Caen circuit showcased championship-level preparation.

42: POGAČAR’S ADVANTAGE IN SECONDS
Tadej Pogačar’s 42-second lead over Evenepoel represents the largest time gap between the top two riders in the 2025 Tour de France. His deficit of just 16 seconds to the stage winner highlights his remarkable improvement in time trial disciplines.

1:13: VINGEGAARD’S DEFICIT
Jonas Vingegaard’s time loss of 1 minute and 13 seconds to the new race leader represents the biggest surprise of the stage, potentially ending his championship ambitions before the mountain stages have even begun.

179: REMAINING RIDERS
The withdrawals of Emilien Jeannière and Jasper De Buyst reduce the peloton size as the race approaches its first serious mountain challenges, with attrition expected to continue as the Tour intensifies.

1: THE CHAMPIONS IN ACTION
Reigning road World Champion Tadej Pogačar won yesterday; time trial World Champion Remco Evenepoel did the same today. Two different World Champions winning in two days, it never happened before!

1: FIRST GREEN JERSEY FOR POGAČAR
Tadej Pogačar succeeds Jasper Philipsen (stages 1-2) and Jonathan Milan (stages 3-4) to lead the points classification (green jersey). This is a first in the Slovenian’s career, as he has never led the points classification! He has now been the holder of all the Tour’s distinctive jerseys: the Yellow Jersey (41 times), the polka dot jersey (18 times), the white jersey (75 times), and the green jersey once.

3/5: THE BELGIANS SHINE
After Jasper Philipsen (stage 1) and Tim Merlier (stage 3), Remco Evenepoel gives Belgium a 3rd victory in the first five stages. It hasn’t happened since 1981: Freddy Maertens won twice in Nice and Narbonne, plus a victory for Lucian Van Impe at Pla d’Adet.

5: POGAČAR HAS (ALMOST) EVERYTHING
Tadej Pogačar becomes the 5th rider in history to lead the general classification, points classification, and mountains classification simultaneously! The previous four were Bernard Hinault (stage 2 in 1979; prologue in 1985), Acacio da Silva (stages 1-2 in 1989), Richard Virenque (stage 2 in 1992), and Philippe Gilbert (stage 1 in 2011). It’s the first time this has happened so late (stage 5). Eddy Merckx won all three classifications in 1969, but the polka dot jersey didn’t exist – it was created in 1975.

41: POGAČAR BACK IN YELLOW
Tadej Pogačar dethrones Mathieu Van der Poel and takes the 41st Yellow Jersey of his career. As many as Sylvère Maes, making him the 6th best-ever performer in this classification.

9: AN ITALIAN ON THE PODIUM
Third on the day, Edoardo Affini is the first Italian to finish on the podium in an individual time trial since Fabio Aru, 3rd in Megève in 2016, 9 years ago. However, the route included climbs. For a flat time trial, this is an unprecedented performance in the 21st century!

2001: TWO FRENCHMEN IN THE TOP 5
Two Frenchmen, Bruno Armirail (4th) and Kévin Vauquelin (5th), finished in the top 5 today. It hasn’t happened in an individual time trial since July 7, 2001, 24 years ago. Christophe Moreau won the 8.2 km prologue in Dunkerque, while Florent Brard finished 5th.

3: VAUQUELIN IMPRESSES
Kévin Vauquelin is now 3rd in the general classification, becoming the first Frenchman on the podium since Romain Bardet after stage 1 in 2024. To find a Frenchman on the podium after stage 5, you have to go back to Julian Alaphilippe in Colmar in 2019. The rider from Normandie is now 24 years, 2 months and 13 days old. The last Frenchman this young to be in the top 5 of an individual time trial was Armand de las Cuevas in 1992! He finished 2nd of the time trial in Luxembourg, at 24 years and 17 days old.

21: ROMEO, YOUNG AND (ALREADY) FAST
The youngest rider in the peloton, Ivan Romeo, finished 7th today. At 21 years, 10 months and 23 days, the Spaniard is the youngest rider to finish in the top 10 in an individual time trial since Dmitriy Ignatyev, 3rd in Annecy in 2009 at the age of 21 years and 26 days. Tadej Pogacar won the time trial at La Planche des Belles Filles in 2020, but he was slightly older than Romeo (21 years, 11 months and 29 days).

18: POGAČAR EQUALS CLAVEYROLAT
With no points awarded in Caen, Tadej Pogačar retains his polka dot jersey, the 18th of his career. He equals Thierry Claveyrolat as the 8th cyclist with the most polka dot jerseys. Next up is Bernard Vallet, who has worn the jersey 20 times.

21: EVENEPOEL BACK IN WHITE
Today’s winner, Remco Evenepoel, took the lead in the young rider classification and collected his 21st white jersey. Since his Tour debut last year, he has consistently led this ranking, excepting stage 1 in 2024 and stages 1 to 4 this year. That’s 21 of the 26 stages contested so far!

Stage 5 Results (Caen > Caen, 33km ITT):

1. 1. Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) 36:42
   2. Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) +16″
   3. Edoardo Affini (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) +33″
   4. Bruno Armirail (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team) +35″
   5. Kévin Vauquelin (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) +49″
   6. Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull – Bora – Hansgrohe) +58″
   7. Ivan Romeo Abad (Movistar Team) +1:02″
   8. João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) +1:14″
   9. Luke Plapp (Team Jayco AlUla) +1:17″
   10. Pablo Castrillo Zapater (Movistar Team) +1:18″

General Classification after Stage 5:

• • Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) 17:22:58
  • Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) +42″
  • Kévin Vauquelin (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) +59″
  • Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) +1:13″
  • Matteo Jorgenson (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) +1:22″
  • Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) +1:28″
  • João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) +1:53″
  • Primož Roglič (Red Bull – Bora – Hansgrohe) +2:30″
  • Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull – Bora – Hansgrohe) +2:31″
  • Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) +2:32″

Current Jersey Holders after Stage 5:

• • Yellow Jersey (Overall Leader): Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)
  • Green Jersey (Points Classification): Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)
  • Polka Dot Jersey (King of the Mountains): Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)
  • White Jersey (Best Young Rider): Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) 

ROUEN, France (8 July 2025) — In the shadow of Rouen’s gothic cathedral, Tadej Pogačar delivered a masterclass in tactical racing that announced his arrival as the dominant force of the 2025 Tour de France. The Slovenian world champion’s perfectly timed attack on the Rampe Saint-Hilaire not only secured his 100th professional victory but also served notice that his rivalry with Mathieu van der Poel has reached a new level of intensity.

 
The 174.2-kilometer stage from Amiens Métropole to Rouen was always going to be a day of reckoning, with its punchy finale featuring five categorized climbs packed into the final 50 kilometers. What unfolded was a chess match between two of cycling’s most explosive talents, with Pogačar ultimately proving that his rainbow jersey carries the weight of championship form.

The Tactical Buildup

The stage began with familiar patterns as Lenny Martinez (Bahrain Victorious) launched an early attack immediately after kilometer zero, clearly motivated to salvage something from what had been a difficult opening to his Tour. Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility) was quick to respond, with Thomas Gachignard (Total Energies) joining at kilometer five and Kasper Asgreen (EF Education-EasyPost) completing the quartet at kilometer 19.

Behind, the yellow jersey’s Alpecin-Deceuninck team, led by the tireless Silvan Dillier, maintained a controlled tempo that kept the break on a tight leash. The tailwind in the opening two hours pushed the escapees to an impressive 46.2 km/h average, but their maximum advantage never exceeded 2’10” – a clear indication that the peloton had no intention of allowing a breakaway victory.

Martinez’s pursuit of King of the Mountains points added an intriguing subplot to the stage. The Spaniard, clearly sensing an opportunity to add to his polka-dot jersey aspirations, dropped his companions on the Côte de Belbeuf to claim maximum points. His solo effort represented the kind of calculated risk-taking that defines Grand Tour racing, though his fate was sealed when Tim Wellens (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) led the peloton’s relentless chase on the Côte de Bonsecours.

The Decisive Moment

The real drama began as Visma-Lease a Bike took control heading into the final sequence of climbs. The Dutch team’s positioning of Jonas Vingegaard spoke volumes about their tactical awareness – they understood that the Rampe Saint-Hilaire, with its punishing gradients exceeding 10%, would be where the stage was won or lost.

UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s response was swift and brutal. João Almeida, serving as the perfect lead-out man, set a blistering pace that immediately shattered the peloton. Then, with 5.5 kilometers remaining and just 300 meters from the summit, Pogačar made his move – a calculated explosion of power that only Vingegaard could initially match.

The technical precision of the attack was striking. Pogačar had clearly studied the gradient profiles meticulously, timing his acceleration to coincide with the steepest section where pure power would be the determining factor. Van der Poel, despite his reputation for explosive finishes, found himself momentarily caught off guard by the sheer intensity of the acceleration.

“I didn’t know exactly how long it would be so maybe I could have put in a little bit more towards the top but I think Jonas [Vingegaard] would have been with me anyway, I expected him to follow,” Pogačar explained post-stage. “In a way, it was perfect, because everyone’s legs were tired and the next attacks were not as strong as they would have been.”

The Sprint to History

The regrouping on the descent to the uphill finish created a fascinating dynamic. Eight riders had managed to reconnect with the Pogačar-Vingegaard duo, setting up a reduced sprint that would test different skill sets. Van der Poel, true to his reputation, opened the sprint early, but this time his explosive power wasn’t enough to hold off the world champion’s finishing kick.

The moment captured the essence of what makes Pogačar so formidable – his ability to deliver maximum power when it matters most, regardless of the circumstances. His 18th Tour stage victory and 100th professional win represented more than just statistical milestones; they demonstrated his evolution into a complete rider capable of winning in multiple scenarios.

“I couldn’t dream for a better finish than today’s,” Pogačar reflected. “To beat one of the best of the world in road cycling, especially in this kind of finishes, and to reach 100 victories, in the Tour de France, with the rainbow jersey, it’s incredible.”

Van der Poel’s post-stage assessment was telling: “On the last climb, he attacked and put me in the red. I could feel my legs burning. We managed to come back, but I was a bit exhausted coming into the finale. I did try to sprint, but I was on my limit and Tadej was simply stronger than everyone.”

Time Trial Implications

The stage result creates a fascinating scenario heading into tomorrow’s individual time trial. While Pogačar and Van der Poel are level on time, the Dutchman retains the yellow jersey due to his superior placings in the opening stages (54 points versus Pogačar’s 92 under the Tour’s placement-based tiebreaker system).

This mathematical quirk adds psychological intrigue to tomorrow’s race against the clock. Van der Poel, realistic about his time trial capabilities against Pogačar, acknowledged the likelihood of losing the yellow jersey: “If I am realistic, I know that I will probably lose it in tomorrow’s ITT, yet it will be a pleasure to ride a time trial in yellow as I did in 2021.”

The tactical implications extend beyond the yellow jersey battle. Pogačar’s demonstration of current form sends a clear message to his rivals that he’s peaking at the right moment. His ability to follow attacks, control the finale, and deliver a decisive sprint suggests a level of completeness that will be difficult to counter in the mountains ahead.

Vingegaard’s third-place finish, eight seconds behind the leading duo, positions him perfectly for the time trial. The Danish champion’s time trial capabilities are well-documented, and his current deficit suggests he could emerge from tomorrow’s test as a genuine contender for the overall victory.

Supporting Cast Delivers

The stage also highlighted the importance of tactical support in modern Grand Tour racing. Almeida’s lead-out work for Pogačar was exemplary, demonstrating the Portuguese climber’s willingness to sacrifice personal ambitions for team success. Similarly, the work of Wellens in the chase phase showed how UAE Team Emirates-XRG has built a support structure capable of controlling races at the highest level.

Jonathan Milan’s intermediate sprint victory and retention of the green jersey provided another tactical subplot. The Italian’s pragmatic approach – “Our goal today was to score as many points as possible in the Intermediate Sprint in order to keep the green jersey, as we knew that the final was a bit too hard for me” – exemplified professional racing’s blend of ambition and realism.

The revelation that Kévin Vauquelin retained the white jersey added a home crowd element to the proceedings. The young Frenchman’s emotional response – “It’s just a dream” – reminded observers that the Tour de France remains cycling’s most emotionally charged competition.

Looking Forward

Tomorrow’s time trial will provide the first major GC shake-up of the 2025 Tour. Pogačar’s current form suggests he’s likely to assume the yellow jersey, but the margins remain tight enough that tactical miscalculations could prove costly. Van der Poel’s acknowledgment that he’ll “try to win again at Mûr-de-Bretagne on Friday” indicates that the battle for stage victories will continue regardless of GC positioning.

The stage served as a reminder that the modern Tour de France rewards versatility above all else. Pogačar’s ability to win in multiple scenarios – from bunch sprints to mountain stages to time trials – makes him the most complete rider in the current peloton. His 100th victory, achieved in the rainbow jersey on French soil, represents a symbolic passing of the torch to a new generation of cycling excellence.

As the peloton prepares for tomorrow’s individual test, the tactical landscape of the 2025 Tour has been fundamentally altered. Pogačar’s calculated strike in Rouen has set up what promises to be a compelling battle for cycling’s greatest prize.

By the Numbers

18: POGAČAR, THE AGE OF MAJORITY
Tadej Pogačar wins his 18th Tour de France stage. He overtakes Jean Alavoine (17) to become the 8th most successful rider. Just ahead of him are Luxembourg’s François Faber (7th, 19 wins) and Nicolas Frantz (6th, 20 wins).

6: ALWAYS A WINNER SINCE 2020
This is the 6th consecutive Tour de France with at least one victory for Tadej Pogačar: three in 2020, 2021, and 2022, two in 2023, six in 2024, and one in 2025. The Slovenian has won in each of his first six Tours. Something previously achieved by André Leducq, Bernard Hinault, Walter Godefroot, Nicolas Frantz, André Greipel, and Eddy Merckx.

100: THE CENTENARY OF POGAČAR
Tadej Pogačar claims his 100th professional victory in Rouen. He is the most victorious rider of the 2025 Tour peloton, ahead of Arnaud Démare (97), Primož Roglič (91), Dylan Groenewegen (77), and Remco Evenepoel (63).

1: FIRST PRIZE FOR MARTINEZ
Present in the breakaway, Lenny Martinez won the combativity award for the first time in his young career. This is his first individual award in the Tour. The Bahrain Victorious team hadn’t won this award since stage 19 of the 2021 edition, with Matej Mohorič.
Lenny Martinez finished first in the Côte de Belbeuf (1.3 km / 9.1%) with an average speed of 22.7 km/h.

9: VAN DER POEL STILL IN YELLOW
Mathieu Van der Poel wins his 9th Yellow Jersey and is 62nd in the standings, along with Jean Majerus, Fiorenzo Magni, and Herman Van Springel, among others. It is also the 84th Yellow Jersey for the Netherlands, the same number as Germany.

2/3: THE GOLDEN TRIO
This is the second time in three days that Tadej Pogačar, Mathieu Van der Poel, and Jonas Vingegaard have finished in the top-3 of a stage, something that had never happened before 2025. Today is the first time that Van der Poel has finished on the podium of a stage without winning it! The two previous times, he won in Mûr-de-Bretagne (2021) and Boulogne-sur-Mer (2025).

18: (ALMOST) ALWAYS TOGETHER
Jonas Vingegaard finishes on the podium of a stage for the 20th time. Guess who was also in that top-3 with him, 18 times? His rival Tadej Pogačar!

17: THE POLKA DOT JERSEY FOR POGAČAR
Tadej Pogačar reclaims the polka dot jersey, which he lost yesterday to his teammate Tim Wellens. This is the 17th time he has won the jersey, making him the 9th best historical performer, along with Peter de Clercq, Laurent Jalabert, and Chris Froome.

24: POGAČAR FOR SLOVENIA
Slovenia records its 24th Tour de France victory. The 12th most victorious country of the race owes this statistic to Tadej Pogačar (18), Matej Mohorič (3), and Primož Roglič (3), who took the first one in 2017.

4: FROM ALAPHILIPPE TO POGAČAR
Tadej Pogačar is the first reigning road race World Champion to win a stage of the Tour de France since Julian Alaphilippe in 2021, four years ago. The Frenchman won the first stage between Brest and Landerneau, his most recent success.

Stage 4 Results (Amiens Métropole > Rouen, 174.2km):

1. 1. Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)
   2. Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) 
   3. Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) 
   4. Oscar Onley (Team Picnic PostNL)
   5. Romain Grégoire (Groupama-FDJ)
   6. João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)
   7. Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) +3″
   8. Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a bike) +3″
   9. Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) +7″
   10. Kévan Vauquelin (Arkea – B&B Hotels) +10″

General Classification after Stage 4:

1. 1. Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck)
   2. Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) +0″ (2nd on countback)
   3. Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) +8″
   4. Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike) +19″
   5. Kévan Vauquelin (Arkéa -B&B Hotels) +26″
   6. Enric Mas (Movistar Team) +48″
   7. Oscar Onley (Team Picnic PostNL) +55″
   8. João Almeida (UEA Team Emirates-XRG) s.t.
   9. Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) +58″
   10. Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) +1:02″

Current Jersey Holders after Stage 4:

• • Yellow Jersey (Overall Leader): Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck)
  • Green Jersey (Points Classification): Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek)
  • Polka Dot Jersey (King of the Mountains): Lenny Martinez (Bahrain Victorious)
  • White Jersey (Best Young Rider): Kévin Vauquelin (Arkéa-B&B Hotels)

DUNKIRK, France (7 July 2025) — In a thrilling finish that epitomized the chaotic beauty of Tour de France sprinting, Tim Merlier delivered a masterclass in tactical patience and raw speed Monday, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat to claim his second Tour de France stage win while drama and heartbreak unfolded across the windswept roads of northern France.

The Belgian speedster from Soudal Quick-Step appeared beaten with 500 meters to go, boxed in behind the Lidl-Trek train as Jonathan Milan prepared to unleash his devastating kick. But in a moment of pure racing instinct, Merlier found daylight and exploded past the Italian powerhouse in the final 50 meters, throwing his bike at the line to secure victory by mere centimeters in Dunkirk.

 
“I’m very happy, it’s my second victory in the Tour and I’ve only sprinted twice in the Tour!” Merlier gasped after his triumph. “In the last five kilometres, it was really difficult to stay in the slipstream. I had to try several times to find my position. It was only in the last 500 metres that I was able to get back into the slipstream. It cost me a lot of energy, but once I was in position, I was confident in my sprint.”

Disaster Strikes at the Intermediate Sprint

The stage’s defining moment came not at the finish line but 88 kilometers earlier, when disaster struck the peloton at the intermediate sprint in Isbergues. As the riders hit maximum velocity, contesting crucial green jersey points, Jasper Philipsen—Stage 1 winner and the Tour’s most dominant sprinter—made contact with Bryan Coquard (Cofidis) and crashed heavily onto the tarmac at terrifying speed.

The sickening thud of carbon fiber and flesh meeting asphalt silenced the roadside crowds as Philipsen lay motionless before eventually climbing into the race doctor’s car, his Tour de France dreams shattered in an instant. The Belgian star’s abandonment sent shockwaves through the peloton and left his Alpecin-Deceuninck squad reeling.

 
“All our thoughts are for sure with Jasper. It’s pretty sad to see him go like this. There is a good chance he has broken something,” said race leader Mathieu Van der Poel, Philipsen’s teammate, his voice heavy with emotion. “We had a pretty nice goal in winning the green jersey with him again. It’s not a happy day today.”

Early Breaks Fizzle in the Flanders Wind

The stage began with the familiar Tour de France ballet of breakaway attempts, but the flat, wind-exposed terrain of northern France offered little incentive for adventurous riders. Jonas Rickaert (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Matej Mohoric (Bahrain-Victorious) made a perfunctory effort, but their hearts weren’t in it—they surrendered after less than 10 kilometers of token resistance.

Similarly, Nils Politt and Tim Wellens (UAE Emirates XRG) gave it a go before capitulating at kilometer 21, leaving the peloton to settle into the hypnotic rhythm of a controlled stage. Van der Poel’s teammates took command at the front, maintaining just enough pace to discourage further attacks while preserving energy for the inevitable sprint finale.

Wellens Chases the Polka Dots

The day’s only moment of genuine racing came when Tim Wellens launched a calculated attack before Mont Cassel, the stage’s lone categorized climb. The Belgian national champion knew exactly what he was doing—targeting the King of the Mountains points that would earn him the coveted polka-dot jersey.

“Last night, Tadej Pogacar and I talked about the possibility of me taking the polka dot jersey. He told me he was happy to have it, but as he’s a generous person, he doesn’t mind sharing,” Wellens revealed after securing the climbing prize.

His solo effort stretched the gap to 1’45” over the summit, but the mathematical certainty of the sprint finish meant his freedom was always temporary. The peloton reeled him in with 27 kilometers remaining, setting up the high-speed chess match that would define the stage.

Chaos in the Coastal Headwinds

As the race entered Dunkirk’s windswept approaches, the atmosphere transformed from controlled procession to barely contained chaos. The coastal headwinds turned positioning into a life-or-death struggle, with teams fighting desperately for the coveted spots in the top 20 positions.

Lidl-Trek appeared to have executed the perfect strategy, delivering Milan to the front of the peloton with surgical precision. The Italian looked unbeatable as he prepared to unleash his sprint, but Merlier’s experience and tactical nous proved decisive.

“I cannot be super happy with a 2nd place,” Milan admitted, his disappointment evident. “I had my eyes set on the stage win, and thus I can only feel partially happy. It has been a chaotic final. I tried my best in the sprint. Maybe I should have waited a bit more, given the headwind… But in the end, it went like it went and I can only congratulate Tim [Merlier] on his victory.”

Van der Poel Adapts to New Reality

With Philipsen’s departure forcing a complete strategic recalibration, Van der Poel confirmed that Kaden Groves would inherit the team’s sprint leadership. “I think Kaden Groves will become the sprinter of the team. He has shown in previous years that he is able to win big races. It was difficult to refocus today, but in the coming days we will fight for victories with him.”

Young French sensation Kévin Vauquelin, resplendent in the white jersey, hinted at bigger ambitions looming. “Tomorrow there’s a chance to make a move. It’s a course that suits me,” he said with quiet confidence. “Of course, the Maillot Jaune is on my mind. I don’t know if I’ll be marked, but they know I’m not aiming for the overall classification. However, it would be great to wear it for the stage in Caen.”

The victory marks Merlier’s second Tour de France stage win, following his 2021 triumph in Pontivy. In a remarkable coincidence, both victories came on Stage 3, the day after Van der Poel won a stage—though the riders were teammates in 2021 at Alpecin-Fenix, making this latest chapter in their intertwined careers all the more poignant.

By the Numbers

2 – 1470: MERLIER FOLLOWING VAN DER POEL
The day after Mathieu Van der Poel’s 2nd Tour victory, 1,470 days after his first one, Tim Merlier achieved exactly the same performance! The Belgian won the 3rd stage of the Tour 2021 in Pontivy. At the time, he was the teammate of Van der Poel and Philipsen. Merlier is now competing in his second Tour, but for Soudal Quick-Step.

13: SOUDAL QUICK-STEP UNSTOPPABLE
This is the 13th consecutive edition that the Soudal Quick-Step team (and its various names) won at least one stage, since 2013. The last time was Remco Evenepoel’s victory in the time trial between Gevrey and Chambertin, last year. This is the team’s 53rd Tour de France victory.

2/3: BELGIUM LIKE IN 2005
Belgium won two of the first three stages thanks to Jasper Philipsen (stage 1) and Tim Merlier (stage 3). This hadn’t happened since 2005, 20 years ago, when Tom Boonen won stages 2 and 3.

8: VAN DER POEL EQUALS KNETEMANN
Mathieu Van der Poel retains his Yellow Jersey. This is his 8th Yellow Jersey, the same number as his compatriot Gerrie Knetemann. It makes him the third-highest-ranked Dutchman in this ranking, behind Joop Zoetemelk (22 times) and Wout Wagtmans (12 times).

1: MILAN, HAPPINESS IN GREEN
Jonathan Milan took the green jersey for the first time in his career. It’s also the first time he finished in the top three of a Tour stage (2nd today). At 24 years, 9 months and 6 days, Milan is the youngest Italian rider to lead the points classification since Francesco Moser in 1975 (24 years and 8 days).

16: WELLENS BACK WITH THE POLKA DOT JERSEY
Tim Wellens took the polka dot jersey on stage 3 in 2019, before losing it on stage 18. First rider in the Côte de Cassel, he took the jersey for the 16th time. One more day, and he’ll enter the top 10 riders who have worn the jersey the most times, alongside Peter de Clercq, Laurent Jalabert, and Chris Froome (17 times).

8: PHILIPSEN OUT OF THE RACE
Having crashed during the intermediate sprint in Isbergues, Jasper Philipsen is the 8th green jersey to retire from the race while leading the points classification. The previous seven were Cyrille Guimard (1972), Jan Raas (1980), Mario Cipollini (1993), Jaan Kirsipuu (1999), Alessandro Petacchi (2003), Tom Boonen (2005), and Marcel Kittel (2017).

5: BAUHAUS STILL CLOSE
This is the 5th time Phil Bauhaus has finished on the podium in a Tour de France stage, but the German has yet to win! He has finished second two times (Bayonne 2023, Nimes 2024), and third three times (Nogaro 2023, Moulins 2023, Dunkerque 2025). The record for podium finishes without a Tour victory? 10, for Jan Mertens, Gilbert Desmet, and Andreas Kloden.

108: THE LONG ITALIAN WAIT
It has been 108 stages and 2,171 days since Italy last won at the Tour – its last victory was on stage 20 of the 2019 edition, won by Vincenzo Nibali. This is the longest current wait for a country that has already won here. Second in Dunkerque, Jonathan Milan aims to end this drought this year.

Stage 3 Results (Valenciennes > Dunkirk, 183.4km)

1. 1. Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick‑Step) – 4h 16’ 55″
   2. Jonathan Milan (Lidl‑Trek) – same time
   3. Phil Bauhaus (Bahrain Victorious) – same time
   4. Søren Wærenskjold (Uno‑X Mobility) – same time
   5. Pavel Bittner (Picnic PostNL) – same time
   6. Biniam Girmay (Intermarché‑Wanty) – same time
   7. Kaden Groves (Alpecin‑Deceuninck) – same time
   8. Pascal Ackermann (IPT) – same time
   9. Amaury Capiot (Arkéa‑B&B Hotels) – same time
   10. Alberto Dainese (Tudor Pro Cycling) – same time

General Classification Top 10 After Stage 3:

1. 1. Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin–Deceuninck) – 12h 55’ 37″
   2. Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates–XRG) – +4″
   3. Jonas Vingegaard (Visma–Lease a Bike) – +6″
   4. Kévin Vauquelin (Arkéa–B&B Hotels) – +10″
   5. Matteo Jorgenson (Visma–Lease a Bike) – +10″
   6. Enric Mas (Movistar) – +10″
   7. Joseph Blackmore (Israel–Premier Tech) – +41″
   8. Tobias Halland Johannessen (Uno‑X Mobility) – +41″
   9. Ben O’Connor (Jayco AlUla) – +41″
   10. Emanuel Buchmann (Cofidis) – +49″

Current Jersey Holders

• • Yellow Jersey (General Classification Leader): Mathieu van der Poel
  • Green Jersey (Points Leader): Jonathan Milan – 81 pts
  • Polka-Dot Jersey (King of the Mountains): Tim Wellens –  3 pts
  • White Jersey (Best Young Rider): Kévin Vauquelin 

How Mathieu van der Poel orchestrated a perfect stage finale to claim his second Tour de France stage victory and the maillot jaune

BOULOGNE-SUR-MER, France (6 July 2025) — The rain fell steadily on Lauwin-Planque as 182 riders rolled out for stage 2 of the 2025 Tour de France, but nothing could dampen the spirits of the Alpecin-Deceuninck squad. Fresh off Jasper Philipsen’s commanding victory the day before, the Belgian team was riding a wave of confidence that would carry them to even greater heights by the time the peloton reached the windswept coast of Boulogne-sur-Mer.

What unfolded over the subsequent 185 kilometers was a masterclass in tactical racing, explosive power, and the kind of opportunistic brilliance that defines cycling’s greatest champions. At the center of it all was Mathieu van der Poel, the Flying Dutchman whose versatility and raw speed continue to confound the sport’s conventional wisdom about specialization.

The Early Break: Calculated Risks in Treacherous Conditions

The day began with the familiar rhythm of breakaway formation, as Yevgeniy Fedorov of XDS-Astana surged clear in the opening kilometer. He was quickly joined by Andreas Leknessund (Uno-X), Brent Van Moer (Lotto), and Bruno Armirail (Decathlon-AG2R), forming a quartet that would define the narrative of the stage’s first half.

 
For Armirail, the opportunity to showcase his team’s colors at the front held special significance beyond mere publicity. “It’s nice to show the jersey at the front since the team is half from the north,” he explained afterward. “And above all, I preferred to get through this stage in the breakaway because it started raining and that’s always a way to avoid crashes. But we still need to turn this into a result, going all the way and winning a stage or taking the polka dot jersey.”

The French rider’s tactical reasoning reveals the calculated nature of early breakaway participation. In wet conditions, positioning at the front offers a significant safety advantage, reducing the risk of being caught behind crashes that inevitably occur when nervous pelotons navigate slick roads. The quartet’s early aggression paid immediate dividends as they avoided the pile-up at kilometer 44 that brought down both the Norwegian and Kazakh national champions.

Despite this momentary disruption, the breakaway reformed efficiently, building their advantage to 3’05” by kilometer 45. This gap represented the sweet spot for breakaway success—large enough to discourage immediate pursuit, yet small enough to avoid triggering panic in the peloton. The watchful eyes of Intermarché-Wanty and Alpecin-Deceuninck directeurs sportifs, however, ensured this freedom would be temporary.

The Intermediate Sprint: A Preview of Explosive Power

As the race progressed toward the Category 4 Côte de Cavon-Saint-Martin, Leknessund’s victory in the KOM sprint demonstrated the Norwegian’s climbing pedigree. But it was the intermediate sprint that provided the first real glimpse of the explosive power that would define the stage’s conclusion.

Jonathan Milan’s remarkable display of speed—hitting 80 km/h to narrowly edge Tim Merlier, Biniam Girmay, and Jasper Philipsen in the bunch sprint—served as both a technical marvel and a tactical statement. While Fedorov collected the 20 points available at the front, Milan’s acceleration revealed the kind of raw power that the peloton’s top sprinters possessed, foreshadowing the intensity that would characterize the finale.

The tactical significance of this moment cannot be overstated. By kilometer 133, with 52 kilometers remaining, the breakaway was absorbed. The peloton’s acceleration in the final 90 kilometers had systematically eroded the gap, demonstrating the collective power of teams committed to a bunch finish. This timing was crucial—early enough to allow for tactical positioning, late enough to prevent further breakaway attempts.

The Finale: Tactical Chess at High Speed

The approach to the final climbs transformed the stage from a controlled pursuit into a tactical chess match played at 50 km/h. Wout van Aert’s pace-setting at the bottom of the Côte du Haut Pichot was textbook positioning—aggressive enough to string out the peloton, controlled enough to keep his team leader, Jonas Vingegaard, in contention.

When Tim Wellens unleashed his acceleration, the peloton’s immediate explosion revealed the razor-thin margins that separate the Tour’s elite from the rest. This wasn’t gradual selection—it was surgical precision, instantly creating the small group that would contest the stage victory.

The Côte d’Outreau provided the stage’s most tactically complex sequence. Jhonatan Narváez’s pace-setting for UAE Team Emirates-XRG served multiple purposes: positioning Pogačar optimally, increasing the tempo to discourage attacks, and forcing other teams to commit their resources early. When Kevin Vauquelin attacked at the summit, he triggered a sequence of moves that would define the stage’s conclusion.

“On the first hill in the finale, I had to move up in the peloton, and that’s when I realised that my legs were feeling good and that I had a chance to make my move,” Vauquelin explained. “So then I thought that there might be some marking between the favourites and that I would take advantage of that. I attacked several times, I tried hard and maybe a little too hard. When I was with Matteo Jorgenson, I really thought there was a chance because he’s very strong, but he didn’t cooperate, he played his team tactics.”

Vauquelin’s tactical analysis reveals the complexity of modern Tour racing. His recognition that the favorites might mark each other rather than pursue immediately demonstrates sophisticated race reading. His frustration with Jorgenson’s non-cooperation illustrates the collision between individual ambition and team tactics that defines professional cycling.

“I have a few regrets because I would have liked to cross the line first, but it means that my legs are good. I’m feeling upbeat every day and I enjoy every moment. With these legs and the positioning I had today, I can be hopeful, for example on the Rouen stage. The white jersey isn’t exactly a goal, I mainly want to try and win a stage, but if I can ride on the roads of my region [Normandy] in this jersey, that would be exceptional. The important thing for me is to manage to stay in this form for the first ten days.”

Van der Poel’s Masterclass: Patience and Explosive Power

Throughout the chaos of the finale, one rider remained conspicuously calm: Mathieu van der Poel. The Dutch champion’s tactical approach represented evolution in his racing philosophy—the controlled aggression of a mature champion rather than the explosive unpredictability of his younger self.

Van der Poel’s positioning throughout the final climbs was textbook tactical racing. He covered the dangerous moves without expending unnecessary energy, remained patient when others panicked, and positioned himself perfectly for the sprint that his experience told him was inevitable. When the moment arrived, his acceleration was devastating in its simplicity—no elaborate lead-out, no tactical complexity, just pure explosive power that left even Tadej Pogačar struggling to respond.

The victory marked a remarkable parallel to 2021, when van der Poel won stage 2 at Mûr-de-Bretagne to claim his first yellow jersey. This repetition wasn’t coincidence—it reflected the Dutchman’s ability to peak for specific objectives and execute under pressure.

Van der Poel’s Elation: “It Was About Time!”

The emotional weight of the victory was evident in van der Poel’s post-race reflections. “It was super difficult, the finale was harder than I thought. But I was really motivated. Finally, four years after my first win, it was about time I took a second one! It’s also the second time I’m rewarded with the yellow jersey as well so I guess it was worth the wait!”

His tactical preparation had been meticulous, revealing the professional approach that has elevated his Tour performances. “The team told me to study the last 500 metres. We had a video of the finish and I watched it a few times. I already had in mind what I wanted to do if it came down to a sprint but when you see who comes 2nd [Tadej Pogačar] and 3rd [Jonas Vingegaard], that says enough about how hard it was.”

The Dutchman’s respect for his competition was palpable in his assessment of the finale’s difficulty. “Of course, people put me as a favourite but when you see which riders were at the front on the climbs, I think I did a really good job… I didn’t dare to raise my hands before the finish line but it’s an incredible moment.”

Van der Poel’s tactical analysis revealed how the stage had evolved differently than expected. “They predicted headwind on the final climb so I thought Jasper would have a chance but the climbs were harder than we expected and the pace was super hard. At the top of the second last climb, we were only 8 riders at the front.”

The victory’s significance extended beyond personal achievement to team success. “It’s a dream for the team. Everything else that comes now is just a bonus. I hope I can keep the jersey until the time trial, then it will be very hard to keep it. Just winning a stage was the goal for me and I’m very very happy to have achieved it.”

Pogačar’s Honest Assessment: Learning from the Best

For Pogačar, the runner-up finish represented both satisfaction and a valuable learning experience. His post-race analysis revealed the respect van der Poel commands even among cycling’s elite.

“I’d say it was a good day out. It was a hard, long stage. It had a bit of everything – rain, stress, short kicks… I felt good towards the final, and my team did quite fine as well. I’m very happy I’ve taken a strong 2nd place. Mathieu was stronger in the final sprint, so chapeau to him. It’s hard to beat him in the sprint. To be honest I messed up a little bit, because I got a bit scared to sprint against him and I waited too long on his wheel.”

Pogačar’s admission of tactical error demonstrates remarkable self-awareness. His acknowledgment that he “got a bit scared to sprint against” van der Poel reveals the psychological impact of the Dutchman’s reputation. Even riders of Pogačar’s caliber must recalibrate their approach when facing van der Poel’s unique combination of power and unpredictability.

The Slovenian’s acquisition of the polka dot jersey added an unexpected dimension to his day. “I wasn’t expecting to claim the polka dot jersey, but here I am and I will enjoy the day in this jersey tomorrow. I’ve won the Tour de France KOM classification twice in my career, but I have only worn it once over the five Tours I’ve done. It’s going to be my second day ever in the polka dot jersey, and it will be a special feeling.”

His comments about Vingegaard’s performance added another layer of tactical insight: “We could expect Jonas [Vingegaard] to attack after what we saw in the Critérium du Dauphiné, and it’s nice to see him do it. He made us suffer.”

Philipsen’s Generous Perspective: Team Success Over Individual Glory

The stage’s result meant that Jasper Philipsen, despite finishing 31 seconds behind van der Poel, could hand over the yellow jersey to his teammate with genuine satisfaction. His post-race comments revealed the collaborative spirit that has become Alpecin-Deceuninck’s greatest asset.

“I wasn’t too far away from keeping the Yellow Jersey. I gave it a try, but the last few climbs turned out to be harder than I expected. Anyway, it isn’t bad at all to lose the jersey to Mathieu [Van der Poel]. I’m super happy for him. We at Alpecin-Deceuninck are having a super good start. My teammates are doing an amazing job to support Mathieu and myself. We have already had two amazing days, and we are looking forward to keeping it going. Tomorrow’s stage is a very good chance for another win indeed.”

Philipsen’s generous perspective reflects sophisticated team dynamics. Rather than viewing van der Poel’s success as a threat to his own ambitions, he recognized it as part of a broader narrative of collective success. This collaborative approach, rare in the intensely individual world of professional cycling, positioned the team perfectly for the challenges ahead.

Tactical Analysis: The Perfect Storm

Van der Poel’s victory resulted from the convergence of several tactical factors. First, the timing of the breakaway’s capture left insufficient distance for further attacks but enough for tactical positioning. Second, the sequence of climbs provided natural selection points without being severe enough to eliminate the pure sprinters entirely. Third, the weather conditions favored riders comfortable with technical descents and wet road surfaces.

Most crucially, van der Poel’s tactical patience allowed him to conserve energy while others exhausted themselves in ultimately futile attacks. His positioning throughout the finale—always present but never leading—demonstrated the kind of tactical maturity that distinguishes champions from contenders.

The stage’s conclusion also revealed the evolution of modern Tour tactics. Rather than the traditional pattern of early breakaway, gradual pursuit, and bunch sprint, stage 2 featured multiple micro-selections that created a finale contested by a small group of elite riders. This pattern reflects the increasing sophistication of modern racing, where tactical positioning and explosive power matter more than pure sustained speed.

Looking Forward: Momentum and Expectations

As the Tour de France continues its journey through northern France, van der Poel’s victory serves as a reminder of cycling’s enduring capacity for surprise. In an era increasingly dominated by scientific training methods and marginal gains, the Dutchman’s raw talent and tactical intelligence represent something more elemental—the pure joy of competition and the pursuit of perfection in motion.

For Vauquelin, despite the disappointment of coming so close to victory, the performance offered genuine promise for the stages ahead. His honest assessment of his form and tactical awareness suggests a rider ready to challenge for victories in the Tour’s opening week.

The white jersey currently adorning his shoulders may not be his primary objective, but it serves as a symbol of cycling’s eternal renewal—the emergence of new talents ready to challenge the established order. As the peloton prepares for the flatter roads toward Dunkirk, the stage is set for another chapter in what promises to be a memorable Tour de France.

Van der Poel’s victory in Boulogne-sur-Mer was more than just a stage win; it was a statement of intent, a demonstration of tactical brilliance, and a reminder that in cycling, as in life, the most beautiful victories often come to those who combine patience with the courage to seize the moment when it arrives.

By the Numbers

2: MVDP AND ALPECIN’S MAGIC NUMBER
Mathieu Van der Poel claimed his 2nd Tour victory in this 2nd stage. He had already won on a stage 2, in 2021. It’s also the 2nd consecutive victory for the Alpecin-Deceuninck team, the Dutchman succeeding Jasper Philipsen. The last team to win the first two stages was Quick Step – Alpha Vinyl in 2022 (Yves Lampaert then Fabio Jakobsen).

1,470: VAN DER POEL IS BACK
By winning in Boulogne-sur-Mer, Mathieu Van der Poel ended a 1,470-day victory drought. The Dutchman hadn’t won on the Tour since his first victory, achieved on June 27, 2021, between Perros-Guirec and Mûr-de-Bretagne.

16: POGACAR BOUNCES BACK
Tadej Pogacar was ranked 18th in the general classification yesterday, something that never happened before! The Slovenian had never been worst than 17th (stage 1 in 2020). He gained 16 positions today to move up to second.

2,534: FRANCE WITH THE WHITE JERSEY
Fourth overall, Kévin Vauquelin leads the young rider classification and takes his first white jersey. He is the first Frenchman to do so since Pierre Latour, who won this classification on July 29, 2018, 2,534 days ago!

1: GROUPAMA-FDJ IS LEADING!
Groupama-FDJ takes the lead in the team classification for the first time in its history, after 29 participations! It’s also the first time a French team is leading this classification since AG2R La Mondiale’s victory in 2014.

5: VAN DER POEL VS POGAČAR
This is the 5th 1-2 from Mathieu Van der Poel and Tadej Pogačar, following stage 5 of Tirreno-Adriatico 2021, stage 2 of the Tour de France 2021, the Tour of Flanders 2023 and Paris-Roubaix 2025. It’s also the second time that Van der Poel-Pogačar-Vingegaard secured a podium finish, a month after it happened on stage 1 of the Critérium du Dauphiné 2025.

20: PHILIPSEN STILL IN GREEN
Although he lost his Yellow Jersey, Jasper Philipsen retained the lead in the points classification and won his 20th green jersey as best sprinter. He equaled Wout van Aert, the active rider with the most green jerseys. The record belongs to Peter Sagan with 130.

7: VAN DER POEL KEEPS THE DREAM GOING
Mathieu Van der Poel took the lead in the general classification, earning his 7th yellow jersey. The previous six back to the 2021 edition, where he led from stage 2 to 7.

168: THE NETHERLANDS STILL WINNING
Mathieu Van der Poel claimed the Netherlands’ 168th Tour victory. It’s the fifth consecutive edition with at least one Dutchman winning a stage. MVDP also earned the country’s 82nd Yellow Jersey.

5: A NEW WINNER IN BOULOGNE-SUR-MER
While Lauwin-Planque was a new destination for the Tour de France, Boulogne-sur-Mer was hosting a finish for the 5th time. The first was 76 years ago, in 1949, with Belgian Norbert Callens at the top. A compatriot of Mathieu Van der Poel, Jean-Paul van Poppel, then won in 1994, before the German Erik Zabel (2001) and the Slovak Peter Sagan (2012).

Stage 2 Results (Top 10)

Stage 2: Lauwin-Planque > Boulogne-sur-Mer (209km)

1. 1. Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) – 4:45:41 (B10)
   2. Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates XRG) – 4:45:41 (B6)
   3. Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – 4:45:41 (B4)
   4. Romain Grégoire (Groupama-FDJ) – 4:45:41
   5. Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor Pro Cycling Team) – 4:45:41
   6. Oscar Onley (Team Picnic PostNL) – 4:45:41
   7. Aurélien Paret-Peintre (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team) – 4:45:41
   8. Kévin Vauquelin (Arkea-B&B Hotels) – 4:45:41
   9. Simone Velasco (XDS Astana Team) – 4:45:41
   10. Jarne Berckmoes (Lotto) – 4:45:41

General Classification After Stage 2 (Top 10)

1. 1. Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) – 8:38:42
   2. Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates XRG) – 8:38:46 (+4s)
   3. Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – 8:38:48 (+6s)
   4. Kévin Vauquelin (Arkea-B&B Hotels) – 8:38:52 (+10s)
   5. Matteo Jorgenson (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – 8:38:52 (+10s)
   6. Enric Mas (Movistar Team) – 8:38:52 (+10s)
   7. Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) – 8:39:13 (+31s)
   8. Jake Blackmore (Israel – Premier Tech) – 8:39:23 (+41s)
   9. Tobias Johannessen (Uno-X Mobility) – 8:39:23 (+41s)
   10. Ben O’Connor (Team Jayco AlUla) – 8:39:23 (+41s)

Jersey Holders After Stage 2

• • Yellow Jersey (GC Leader): Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck)
  • Green Jersey (Points): Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck)
  • Polka Dot Jersey (Mountains): Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates XRG)
  • White Jersey (Best Young Rider): Kévin Vauquelin (Arkea-B&B Hotels)

LILLE, France (5 July 2025) – A masterclass in sprint train execution sees Jasper Philipsen add yellow to his palmarès as the wind wreaks havoc on the Tour’s opening day

The cobblestones of northern France have always been treacherous territory for Grand Tour contenders, but few could have predicted just how dramatically the 2025 Tour de France would explode into life on its very first day. What began as a seemingly straightforward sprinter’s stage around Lille Métropole transformed into a tactical masterpiece that saw Jasper Philipsen claim not just his tenth Tour stage victory, but his first-ever yellow jersey, while several General Classification hopefuls found themselves nursing significant time losses before the race had barely begun.

As the peloton rolled out from Vauban’s Citadel for the 184.9-kilometer loop, the mild elevation profile of just 1,150 meters and three categorized climbs suggested a routine day for the sprinters. The reality proved far more complex, with crosswinds and aggressive racing creating a chess match of positioning that would ultimately separate the tactically astute from the caught-out.

The Early Moves

The opening salvos came immediately, as tradition dictates. Mattéo Vercher of Total Energies, clearly relishing his role as the Tour’s first attacker, launched himself clear as soon as the flag dropped in earnest. His bold move attracted quality company in the form of Jonas Rutsch (Intermarché-Wanty), Matis Le Berre (Arkéa-B&B Hotels), Bruno Armirail (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale), and Benjamin Thomas (Cofidis).

The quintet established a maximum advantage of 2 minutes and 25 seconds, enough to contest the day’s opening King of the Mountains points at the Côte de Notre-Dame-de-Lorette. Thomas, the experienced track specialist turned road racer, showed his tactical nous to claim the polka dots—a move that was clearly part of Cofidis’s strategic planning.

“I’m really happy, because that’s what we had decided in the team briefing. I was free to break away,” Thomas would later explain. “Once I took the first point, I needed a second to secure the polka dot jersey, and it all came down to Mont Cassel.”

The writing was already on the wall as Quinn Simmons (Lidl-Trek) and Silvan Dillier (Alpecin-Deceuninck) began the chase behind.

The First Fractures

The peloton’s nervousness was palpable from the early kilometers, and rightfully so. Northern France’s crosswinds are legendary for their ability to split fields, and several teams had clearly marked this stage as potentially decisive. As the pace ramped up past the 50-kilometer mark, the first casualties began to emerge.

Filippo Ganna and Stefan Bissegger, two of the sport’s premier time trialists, found themselves on the wrong end of crashes that would ultimately force both to abandon.

The break was inevitably reeled in before the first intermediate sprint at kilometer 87.5, where Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) demonstrated his growing confidence by taking maximum points ahead of Bryan Coquard (Cofidis), Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty), and Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck). This sprint would prove prophetic, showcasing the key protagonists who would later contest the stage victory.

The Wind Awakens

Vercher’s second attack alongside Thomas briefly rekindled hopes of a successful breakaway, but their crash on the descent of Mont Cassel at kilometer 139.7 epitomized the day’s aggressive nature. The incident, which saw both riders hit the deck hard, demonstrated the fine margins that separate success from disaster in professional cycling.

For Thomas, the crash was particularly significant as it occurred during his bid to secure the polka dot jersey. “It’s a place I know well because we often ride there during the 4 Jours de Dunkerque,” he reflected. “And yet I attacked too early, Matteo came back and we had to sprint. On the cobbles, you always sprint sitting down, but when I threw the bike forward, I lost my balance, my front wheel came off and we fell. I didn’t even know if I had crossed the line first!”

The Cofidis rider was quick to take responsibility for the incident. “It was entirely my fault, so I went to apologise to him and luckily he’s fine. I’m a bit sore and I’ll be aching for two or three days, but nothing too serious.”

“Then there was an incident on Mont Cassel,” Vercher reflected. “I don’t blame him because that’s cycling, he made me fall but it could easily have been the other way round. The most important thing is that we can both start again tomorrow, because we could easily have broken something. In any case, I’m happy to start the Tour in this frame of mind, it will bring positive energy to the team.”

As the duo hit the deck, the peloton was already fracturing behind them under the relentless pressure of crosswinds.

Soudal Quick-Step, masters of Belgian classics racing, were the first to turn the screw with 77 kilometers remaining. Their acceleration immediately put riders on the back foot, with the Yates twins (Adam and Simon) among those initially distanced, though both managed to regain contact. Less fortunate was Lenny Martinez, who would struggle throughout the day, and the already-battered duo of Bissegger and Ganna, whose Tour dreams ended in the team cars.

The situation settled momentarily, but Visma-Lease a Bike had other plans. With Jonas Vingegaard’s tactical nous driving their strategy, the Dutch team delivered the killer blow with 20 kilometers remaining. Their precisely-timed acceleration created the definitive split of the day, one that would prove costly for several marquee names.

The Decisive Split

When Visma-Lease a Bike hit the front with such venom, the peloton exploded like a fragmentation grenade. Remco Evenepoel, the young Belgian sensation from Soudal Quick-Step, found himself on the wrong side of the split alongside Primož Roglič and Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe). Also caught out were Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step), Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek), and surprisingly, Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike).

The 39-second gap that opened would prove insurmountable, despite frantic chasing from the second group. For Biniam Girmay, who found himself in the front group, the tactical awareness that kept him positioned correctly would prove crucial to his stage podium.

“A lot of guys were super nervous about the wind from the beginning of the stage,” Girmay observed. “I was sure the bunch was going to split at some point. I tried to find a good spot for myself in case something happened, and I managed to do it when the real split happened.”

Alpecin’s Masterclass

While chaos reigned behind, Alpecin-Deceuninck were executing their sprint preparation with clinical precision. The Belgian team’s strength in depth showed as they took control of the front group, with Mathieu van der Poel and Kaden Groves forming a formidable lead-out train for their designated finisher.

Van der Poel, the former world champion, demonstrated his tactical intelligence by launching Groves at the perfect moment. The Australian’s acceleration was timed to perfection, creating the platform for Philipsen to unleash his devastating finishing kick.

The Sprint Supreme

As the barriers of Lille approached, Philipsen found himself in the position every sprinter dreams of: clear road ahead, perfect timing, and the legs to deliver. His acceleration was simply devastating, opening a gap that his rivals couldn’t close despite their best efforts.

“It’s really amazing, I will never forget this tenth victory in the Tour,” Philipsen beamed. “It was an incredible team performance. It was nervous all day, we had to be in the front and then it really opened up in the final 15 kilometres. We used our strength and we finished it off. I knew I had really good legs and the fans in the final kilometres gave me goosebumps.”

Biniam Girmay, who had matched Philipsen blow for blow throughout the 2024 Tour, found himself in the familiar position of runner-up. However, the Eritrean’s tactical positioning had been compromised by the earlier echelon splits, leaving him isolated in the crucial final kilometers.

“Unfortunately, I had to do everything by myself and spend a lot of energy because I didn’t have any teammates with me – and I missed them,” Girmay explained. “I’m sort of happy with my second place, but also a bit pissed. It is not nice to miss such a good opportunity to wear the Yellow jersey. The white jersey is a good consolation prize, especially in my last year competing for it – but I have to admit that, in my mind, the best jersey in the Tour de France is the green one.”

Despite the disappointment, Girmay’s second place was nonetheless a statement of intent. “In any case, I’m super happy with my shape as I was able to feel comfortable from start to finish on the stage. I feel tired now, but there is another good chance for me tomorrow. I came here to win stages, and I’ll try to land one as quickly as possible.”

Soren Waerenskjold completed the podium, a result that validated the Norwegian’s growing reputation as a genuine sprint contender at the highest level.

The Yellow Jersey Emotion

For Philipsen, the significance of claiming his first yellow jersey was overwhelming. The Belgian had established himself as one of the Tour’s most consistent stage winners, but the maillot jaune had always eluded him. As he crossed the line with arms raised, the emotion was unmistakable.

“We had a great opportunity today and I’m so glad we took it,” Philipsen reflected. “I’ve dreamed about the Maillot Jaune. I had the green jersey two years ago and now to have the yellow jersey hanging in my house, it’s gonna be amazing. I’m gonna enjoy it with the team because we all deserve it. Mathieu [Van der Poel] got the jersey in 2021 and it’s amazing for the team to repeat this success. Also, it was my first big chance to take the yellow jersey and I’m so happy to have made it.”

The victory marked his tenth Tour stage win, placing him in increasingly exclusive company. More importantly, it demonstrated his evolution from a pure sprinter to a complete cyclist capable of surviving the brutal tactical warfare that defines modern Grand Tour racing.

The team aspect of the victory was not lost on the Belgian champion. “There’s always pressure in the Tour. The competition is really high. We had to be 100% focused. The support from the guys around me, their experience, their composure, it gives me confidence and I’m happy to do the final kilometres with them. It’s a real team effort and I’m glad to finish it off. Everything needs to go well. Now the pressure is off and we’ll try to go for more.”

Thomas Claims the Polka Dots

Despite the crash that marred his day, Benjamin Thomas’s strategic aggression paid dividends as he secured the King of the Mountains jersey—a first in his career. The significance of the achievement wasn’t lost on the Cofidis rider.

“It’s my first climber’s jersey, in any race, so I’m really happy,” Thomas beamed. “And of course, the one in the Tour is legendary. We’ll see tomorrow if it’s worth trying to break away, but I’d like to keep it.”

The crash may have been painful, but Thomas’s tactical execution in the early break demonstrated the kind of opportunistic racing that makes the Tour de France so compelling. His willingness to take responsibility for the incident with Vercher also showcased the sporting values that define professional cycling at its best.

Tactical Ramifications

The day’s events have already reshaped the Tour’s strategic landscape. With Evenepoel, Roglič, and Lipowitz now 39 seconds adrift, their teams face the stark reality of having to claw back time on stages where opportunities may be limited.

For Vingegaard and Pogačar, both of whom navigated the day’s chaos successfully, the early advantage provides a crucial buffer. Their presence in the front group demonstrated the tactical awareness that separates true Grand Tour contenders from mere stage hunters.

The Road Ahead

As the Tour heads south toward more mountainous terrain, the lessons of Lille will reverberate through the entire peloton. The early assertion of dominance by teams like Visma-Lease a Bike and Alpecin-Deceuninck has established a clear hierarchy, while the caught-out riders face the daunting task of recovery.

For Philipsen, the immediate challenge is clear: how long can he hold the yellow jersey? History suggests that pure sprinters rarely retain the overall lead once the mountains arrive, but his tactical maturity and the strength of his team provide genuine hope for an extended stay in yellow.

The 2025 Tour de France has announced itself emphatically, serving notice that this will be a race where tactical awareness and positioning prove just as important as pure physical ability. In the wind-swept roads around Lille, Jasper Philipsen has claimed his crown, but the real battle for supremacy has only just begun.

By the Numbers

10: PHILIPSEN HIGHER IN HISTORY BOOKS
Jasper Philipsen becomes the 36th rider to raise his arms for the 10th time in the Tour de France. He equals the Dutch riders Gerrie Knetemann, Jan Raas and Joop Zoetemelk, the Belgian rider Walter Godefroot, the Luxembourger rider Charly Gaul and the French riders Henri Pelissier, Maurice Archambaud and Antonin Magne.

1771: FINALLY A SPRINTER IN YELLOW
Wearing the Yellow Jersey was “a dream” for Jasper Philipsen. He is the first sprinter to do so since Alexander Kristoff, 1,771 days ago. The Norwegian opened the 2020 Tour de France by winning in Nice. His compatriot Soren Waerenskjold almost succeeded him, finishing third today. Since Kristoff’s last victory on August 29, 2020, Norway has finished nine stages in the top three.

7: BELGIUM, A SAFE BET
Jasper Philipsen extends Belgium’s streak of winning at least one stage since 2019 (7th consecutive edition). This is Belgium’s 491st victory, earning its 457th Yellow Jersey. The last one was Wout Van Aert during the Tour 2022, stage 5. That was already in the Nord department, between Lille Métropole and Arenberg!

90: THOMAS AFTER COSNEFROY
Benjamin Thomas is the first French rider to take the polka dot jersey since Benoit Cosnefroy in 2020, 90 stages ago. France had dominated the mountains classification for most of this Tour, thanks to Fabien Grellier (stage 1) and then Cosnefroy (stages 2 to 16). The Cofidis team had not held the polka dot jersey since Simon Geschke’s performance in 2022 (stages 9 to 17).

2: GIRMAY STILL MAKING HISTORY
Robbie Hunter was the only African rider to wear the white jersey in the Tour, in 2001. The South African is joined in this regard by Biniam Girmay, who leads the young riders’ classification after finishing 2nd today.

75: WAERENSKJOLD THE FASTEST
At 75.69 km/h, Soren Waerenskjold reached the highest speed of the final sprint in Lille. The Norwegian was even faster than Jasper Philipsen (71.46 km/h), without beating him on the finish line!

27: FAST CLIMBERS
Today’s three climbs, each of category 4, were all completed at 27 km/h! Benjamin Thomas climbed the Côte de Notre-Dame-de-Lorette at 27.78 km/h, then the Côte de Cassel at 27.27 km/h. Jonas Vingegaard finished the job in the Mont Noir at 27.23 km/h. It’s the first time the Danish is the first rider in a category 4 climb!

115: BAD LUCK FOR GANNA AND ITALY
Filippo Ganna will not finish his second Tour de France. The six-time Italian time trial champion withdrew after 115 kilometers, suffering a crash at kilometer 52. This is the second time in a row that an Italian opens the list of retirements, after Michele Gazzoli during stage 1 last year.

1: FIRST TIME FOR ALPECIN-DECEUNINCK
This is the first time that the Alpecin-Deceuninck team achieved the combo stage 1 – Yellow Jersey. This has already happened one time in a Grand Tour, during the Giro d’Italia 2022 (Mathieu Van der Poel). The team also achieved its 12th Tour de France victory: 2 with Van der Poel and Merlier in 2021, 10 with Philipsen since 2022.

5449: ALWAYS MORE!
49 of the 184 riders in the peloton this morning were starting their first Tour de France. There are now 5,449 cyclists to have participated in the race since its first edition in July 1903.

3: PHILIPSEN VS GIRMAY
This is the third time that Jasper Philipsen and Biniam Girmay finished 1st and 2nd in a Tour stage. Last year, the Eritrean won ahead of the Belgian in Colombey-les-deux-Églises (stage 8). Philipsen took his revenge by beating Girmay in Saint-Amand-Montrond (stage 10). The two men are also the last two winners of the green jersey, in 2023 for Philipsen and 2024 for Girmay.

Stage 1 Results

Lille Métropole > Lille Métropole (184.9km)

1. 1. Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) 4:24:33
   2. Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty) s.t.
   3. Søren Wærenskjold (Uno-X Mobility) s.t.

Selected finishers:

• • Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) +39″
  • Primož Roglič (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) +39″
  • Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) +39″

General Classification

After Stage 1

1. 1. Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) 4:24:23
   2. Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty) +6″
   3. Søren Wærenskjold (Uno-X Mobility) +10″

Jersey Holders

• • Yellow Jersey (Overall Leader): Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck)
  • Green Jersey (Points Classification): Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck)
  • Polka Dot Jersey (King of the Mountains): Benjamin Thomas (Cofidis)
  • White Jersey (Best Young Rider): Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty)