TOULOUSE, France (16 July 2025) – In the pink-brick embrace of Toulouse, where the Garonne winds through France’s rose-colored city, Jonas Abrahamsen wrote the most compelling chapter yet of his redemption story. The Norwegian’s maiden Tour de France victory on Stage 11 culminated a day of tactical brilliance and raw determination, yet the celebration was overshadowed by a pro-Palestinian protest that saw a demonstrator breach security during the final sprint, highlighting the political tensions that have followed the Israel-Premier Tech team throughout this year’s race.
The dramatic finish saw Abrahamsen edge Mauro Schmid (Jayco AlUla) in a photo finish, but their final sprint was accompanied by a man running alongside who wore a T-shirt saying “Israel out of the Tour,” and who waved a keffiyeh, the black-and-white checkered headscarf that has become a potent symbol of the Palestinian cause. A security guard ran out to apprehend the man, but not before the demonstrator’s message had been broadcast to millions of viewers worldwide.
The incident cast a shadow over what should have been a moment of pure sporting triumph for Abrahamsen and his Uno-X Mobility team. The Israel-Premier Tech team is racing at this year’s Tour with eight team members from other countries, and team members previously faced protests because of the team’s association with Israel, reflecting the broader geopolitical tensions that have occasionally intruded upon the world’s greatest bike race.
Yet amid the controversy, Abrahamsen’s victory stood as a testament to the transformative power of cycling’s most unforgiving arena. Just four weeks earlier, the 28-year-old from Lillehammer had lain in a hospital bed, tears streaming down his face as he contemplated a broken collarbone that threatened to end his Tour de France dreams before they had begun.
The Architecture of Audacity
The 156.8-kilometer circuit around Toulouse promised nothing if not drama. With 1,750 meters of elevation gain packed into a punchy parcours that would test every facet of racing craft, the stage represented the last opportunity for the breakaway specialists before the race’s inevitable descent into the crucible of the Pyrenees.
From the very moment the peloton rolled through kilometer zero, Abrahamsen’s intentions were crystal clear. The Norwegian’s attack was not the tentative probe of a rider testing the waters, but the full-blooded assault of a man who understood that opportunity rarely knocks twice at cycling’s highest level.
“This morning, I had the feeling maybe I can win this,” Abrahamsen would later reflect. “From the beginning, I invested myself 100% to make the break. I know I have a pretty good sprint and we had been out for a long time, sprinting from km 0.”
Mauro Schmid (Jayco AlUla) and Davide Ballerini (XDS Astana) were quick to recognize the quality of Abrahamsen’s move, bridging across to form an initial triumvirate. But behind them, the peloton seethed with ambition. The first rest day had recharged batteries and sharpened appetites, creating a combustible atmosphere that would define the opening two hours of racing.
The aggressive intentions of the field manifested immediately in the form of Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike), whose relentless probing set the tone for a day when seemingly every rider harbored designs on glory. Quinn Simmons (Lidl-Trek) animated the early exchanges with his characteristic aggression, while Kévin Vauquelin (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) and Quentin Pacher (Groupama-FDJ) added their own contributions to the opening salvos.
The pace was nothing short of brutal. In the first hour alone, the three leaders covered 51.7 kilometers – a testament to the relentless pressure being applied from behind. Fred Wright (Bahrain Victorious) and Mathieu Burgaudeau (Total Energies) eventually bridged across at kilometer 74, bringing the lead group to five riders, but the gap remained frustratingly narrow at just one minute.
A Yellow Jersey’s Courageous Calculation
The race’s tactical complexion shifted dramatically with 65 kilometers remaining when Ben Healy (EF Education-EasyPost) unleashed an attack that sent shockwaves through the peloton. The yellow jersey’s move was audacious in its timing and devastating in its implications, forcing an immediate response from Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) and drawing Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) into the tactical labyrinth.
“At some point, Tadej missed a split and the opportunity arose for me to attack along with Jonas,” Healy explained. “I did so because I felt like putting the hammer down. The final was very tough, too, making for a pretty hard day.”
The yellow jersey’s aggression served as a catalyst for a new wave of attacks. Simmons, sensing opportunity, put the hammer down with Van Aert on his wheel, while Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck), Axel Laurance (Ineos Grenadiers), and Arnaud De Lie (Lotto) formed a dangerous quintet of chasers. The race was fragmenting into multiple groups, each driven by different motivations and tactical imperatives.
The sight of Healy attacking while wearing the yellow jersey was unprecedented in its boldness. Most maillot jaune wearers adopt a conservative approach, content to mark their rivals and defend their advantage. But the Irishman’s deficit to the pure climbers in the overall classification meant that passivity was not an option. His attack was both a tactical masterstroke and a declaration of intent: he would not surrender the yellow jersey without a fight.
Where Legends Are Forged
As the race entered its final 50 kilometers, the day’s true climbing challenges began to separate the contenders from the pretenders. The Côte de Vieille-Toulouse, with its summit at kilometer 142.5, provided the stage for Schmid’s decisive move. The Swiss rider’s attack was perfectly timed, coming at the moment when the lead group’s cohesion was beginning to fracture under the relentless pressure.
Abrahamsen’s response was immediate and decisive. The Norwegian’s bridge to Schmid demonstrated the tactical intelligence that had carried him through eight years of professional racing. Rather than panic at being dropped, he calculated his effort precisely, joining the Swiss rider at the front while conserving enough energy for the battles ahead.
Behind them, Simmons set off in lone pursuit, his aggressive style perfectly suited to the punchy terrain. But the gap was already beginning to stretch, and the specter of Van der Poel’s pursuit group loomed large in the tactical calculations.
The mighty Côte de Pech David (800 meters at 12.4%) served as the day’s decisive selection point. The gradient was severe enough to expose any weakness, yet short enough to reward pure explosive power. Schmid and Abrahamsen crested with a 20-second advantage over their nearest pursuers, while Van der Poel led the chase group at 30 seconds.
The Dutchman’s presence in the chase group added a new dimension to the tactical equation. Van der Poel’s pursuit was relentless, his trademark combination of power and tactical acumen gradually reducing the gap. The former world champion’s effort was nothing short of heroic, clawing back precious seconds with each pedal stroke in a display that epitomized the never-say-die spirit of professional cycling.
Crashes and Sportsmanship
Even as the leaders battled for stage victory, drama was unfolding in the general classification group. Pogačar’s crash with six kilometers remaining sent shockwaves through the peloton, but the incident also provided a moment of sporting grace that reminded viewers why cycling commands such passionate devotion.
The sight of Pogačar’s rivals – including Healy, Vingegaard, and Remco Evenepoel – waiting for the race leader to remount demonstrated the unwritten codes of conduct that govern professional cycling. In an era often characterized by marginal gains and tactical ruthlessness, their gesture of sportsmanship provided a welcome reminder of cycling’s more noble traditions.
“Tadej crashed, but he quickly got back up and finished in the same time as his GC rivals,” the race report noted, but the bare facts could not capture the emotional weight of the moment. For Pogačar, the crash was a reminder of cycling’s cruel randomness; for his rivals, it was an opportunity to demonstrate that victory achieved through misfortune carries no lasting satisfaction.
The Final Sprint: Redemption Realized
As the race entered its final kilometers, Van der Poel’s pursuit reached its crescendo. The Dutchman’s effort was extraordinary, reducing the gap to just seven seconds at the line – a margin that seemed both tantalizingly close and definitively insufficient. His performance would have been worthy of victory on most days, but this stage belonged to the men who had dared to dream from kilometer zero.
The sprint between Abrahamsen and Schmid was a masterclass in tactical patience meeting raw determination. Both riders had invested everything in reaching this point, emptying themselves across 156 kilometers of aggressive racing. The Norwegian’s victory was decided by the narrowest of margins, but the significance of the moment transcended mere measurements.
“I gave it my all in the sprint, it was so difficult to pass [Mauro Schmid] but I was thinking: I have to win this stage of the Tour de France, I have to win!” Abrahamsen reflected. “I believed all day and I actually got the win, that’s incredible.”
The Comeback Chronicles
The true magnitude of Abrahamsen’s triumph could only be understood through the lens of his recent struggles. The collarbone fracture suffered just four weeks earlier had threatened to derail not only his Tour de France participation but potentially his entire season. The physical rehabilitation was only part of the challenge; the mental fortitude required to return to peak performance in such a short timeframe was perhaps even more demanding.
“I broke my collarbone 4 weeks ago. I was crying in the hospital, thinking I wouldn’t ride the Tour de France,” Abrahamsen revealed. “But on the day after, I was on the home trainer. I did everything to come back. I came to the Tour with the ambition to help the team as much as possible. And now to be here, as a stage winner, it’s just amazing.”
The Norwegian’s journey from hospital bed to Tour stage winner represented more than personal redemption; it embodied the very essence of professional cycling’s unforgiving demands. In a sport where careers can be derailed by a single moment of misfortune, Abrahamsen’s recovery demonstrated the mental resilience that separates the great from the merely good.
For Uno-X Mobility, the victory represented a milestone moment in the team’s evolution. The Norwegian squad had long punched above its weight in the sport’s biggest races, but a Tour de France stage victory had remained elusive. Abrahamsen’s triumph not only vindicated the team’s development strategy but also provided inspiration for the next generation of Norwegian cyclists.
Politics and Sport
The finish line protest, while brief, served as a stark reminder of the broader political tensions that have occasionally intruded upon the Tour de France. The Israel-Premier Tech team acquired the right to enter the Tour de France in 2020 when Israel Start-Up National took over Katusha’s WorldTour license and has since claimed three stage victories, though none yet in this year’s race.
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The demonstration highlighted the complex relationship between sport and politics in an increasingly polarized world. Team members previously faced protests because of the team’s association with Israel, which has killed more than 58,000 Palestinians in 21 months of war, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The war was sparked by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that killed some 1,200 people on Oct. 7, 2023. Since the start of the war, Israel has also launched attacks on Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iran.
For race organizers, the incident represented a security challenge that extends beyond the immediate concerns of athlete safety. The Tour de France’s global audience of millions makes it an attractive platform for political messaging, creating an ongoing tension between the race’s sporting mission and its inadvertent role as a stage for broader geopolitical conflicts.
Milan’s Ongoing Quest
While Abrahamsen claimed the stage victory, the ongoing battle for the green jersey provided its own subplot to the day’s racing. Jonathan Milan’s quest to secure the points classification had transformed from a distant ambition into a daily reality, with each stage bringing new challenges and opportunities.
“The fight for the green jersey adds some pressure, because you can’t take an easy day and have to stay focused and in contention in every stage,” Milan acknowledged. “It’s completely different, and I like it. The mountains tomorrow don’t scare me. I just have to ride my own tempo, and luckily I will have teammates to support me. I’m 100% sure I will make it to the finish line inside the time cut.”
The Italian sprinter’s comments highlighted the unique demands of the points classification, where consistency often matters more than individual brilliance. Unlike the general classification, where a single bad day can effectively end a rider’s chances, the green jersey battle rewards those who can perform across cycling’s diverse disciplines.
Looking Toward the Pyrenees: The Real Race Begins
As the dust settled in Toulouse, attention quickly shifted to the looming Pyrenean stages that would likely determine the race’s ultimate outcome. Healy’s continued presence in the yellow jersey, despite the day’s aggressive racing, had set up a fascinating dynamic for the mountain stages ahead.
“It’s pretty ambitious to try and keep the Yellow Jersey atop Hautacam with guys like Tadej and Jonas in contention, yet I’m optimistic and will give it a go tomorrow,” Healy stated. “I’m enjoying this Yellow Jersey so much… It’s being crazy at home, and it’s incredible to wear it in the race.”
The Irishman’s realistic assessment of his chances reflected the pragmatic approach that had carried him to this point. His 29-second advantage over Pogačar was significant but not insurmountable, while the presence of Vingegaard and Evenepoel in the top four ensured that the mountain stages would be fiercely contested.
For Pogačar, the crash and subsequent chase had provided an unwelcome reminder of cycling’s unpredictable nature. Yet the Slovenian’s quick recovery and composure under pressure demonstrated the mental strength that had carried him to multiple Grand Tour victories. The real test would come in the mountains, where tactical nuance would give way to pure climbing ability.
Lessons in Breakaway Artistry
Abrahamsen’s victory provided a masterclass in the art of breakaway racing, demonstrating the complex interplay of timing, tactics, and raw determination that characterizes successful long-distance attacks. His decision to attack from kilometer zero was not impulsive but calculated, recognizing that the day’s profile favored those bold enough to commit fully from the start.
The Norwegian’s ability to maintain his intensity throughout the 156-kilometer stage while conserving enough energy for the final sprint exemplified the tactical intelligence that separates successful breakaway specialists from those who merely participate in the early moves. His collaboration with Schmid in the final kilometers demonstrated the psychological complexity of breakaway racing, where temporary allies must eventually become adversaries.
Van der Poel’s pursuit provided the perfect counterpoint to the leaders’ tactics, showcasing the different skill set required for chase groups. The Dutchman’s ability to coordinate the chase while maintaining his own sprint finish demonstrated why he remains one of cycling’s most feared competitors across multiple disciplines.
From Despair to Triumph
The broader narrative of Stage 11 encapsulated everything that makes the Tour de France cycling’s most compelling sporting spectacle. From Abrahamsen’s hospital bed tears to his victory salute, from political protest to sporting sportsmanship, the day’s events ran the full gamut of human emotion and experience.
The stage also highlighted the Tour’s unique ability to transform individual stories into collective mythology. Abrahamsen’s victory would be remembered not just as a tactical triumph but as a symbol of resilience and determination. The protest, while controversial, reflected the race’s position as a global platform that transcends mere sport.
As the race prepared to enter the Pyrenees, Stage 11 served as a reminder that the Tour de France’s greatest strength lies not in its predictability but in its capacity for surprise. In a sport increasingly dominated by data and marginal gains, Abrahamsen’s victory demonstrated that courage and calculation remain the essential ingredients for success.
The road to Toulouse had provided drama, controversy, and redemption in equal measure. But as the sun set over the pink-brick city, one truth remained constant: the Tour de France’s greatest stories are written not by those who play it safe, but by those who dare to dream and possess the courage to pursue those dreams across the unforgiving roads of France.
By The Numbers
1: ABRAHAMSEN NEW WINNER
Jonas Abrahamsen raises his arms for the first time in his third Tour, having already competed in 2023 and 2024. He previously had two podium finishes: 3rd in Bourg-en-Bresse in 2023 (stage 18), 2nd in Bologna in 2024 (stage 2). It comes 409 days after his first professional victory, achieved at the 2024 Brussels Cycling Classic.
53: UNO-X MOBILITY FOR THE FIRST TIME
Jonas Abrahamsen gives Uno-X Mobility its first Tour victory. The Norwegian team had previously achieved six podium finishes with Abrahamsen (2), Alexander Kristoff (2), Tobias Johannessen (1), and Søren Wærenskjold (1). Today was its 53rd stage, just like Abrahamsen, who made his Tour debut with the team. The Tudor team, participating for the first time, is now the only of the 2025 peloton without a win.
156: FROM START TO FINISH
Jonas Abrahamsen attacked from the start of the stage, completing the 156.8 kilometers of the day at the front. This is the first victory by a rider who started a breakaway at kilometer zero since Kasper Asgreen in Bourg-en-Bresse in 2023 (stage 18). The same day, Abrahamsen finished 3rd, securing his first Tour podium (and even top-10).
2: SWITZERLAND, SO CLOSE
Second, Mauro Schmid is the first Swiss rider on a stage podium since Stefan Küng’s 2nd place in the Laval time trial in 2021, four years ago. For a road stage, the last podium finish was five years ago: Sébastien Reichenbach 3rd in Villard-de-Lans (Tour 2020, stage 16). 2020 is also the year of the last Swiss victory, achieved by Marc Hirschi in Sarran.
8: DE LIE STILL SEARCHING HIS FIRST VICTORY
Fourth, Arnaud De Lie finished in the top 5 of a Tour stage for the 8th time. He’s also the best young rider of the day. He is the only rider to have a top 5 finish in three of the last four stages (5th in Laval, 3rd in Châteauroux, 4th in Toulouse).
20: A SUCCESSOR TO KRISTOFF
Jonas Abrahamsen claimes Norway’s 20th Tour victory, the first since Alexander Kristoff in Nice in 2020 (stage 1). He’s the 6th Norwegian rider to win after Thor Hushovd (10 times), Kristoff (8), Edvald Boasson Hagen (3), Kurt-Asle Arvesen (1), and Dag-Otto Lauritzen (1). Lauritzen opened the road by winning the 14th stage of the Tour 1987 in Luz-Ardiden.
1903: TOULOUSE, PAST AND PRESENT
Toulouse, along with Paris, is the only stage city from the first Tour de France in 1903 to be in the 2025 program. This is the 27th time the “Pink City” has hosted a stage start, and also a stage finish. The last two ended in a bunch sprint – Mark Cavendish in 2008 and Caleb Ewan in 2019. For a victory achieved in a different configuration (like today), you have to go back to Juan Antonio Flecha in 2003.
3: A BRAVE NORWEGIAN
Jonas Abrahamsen won two combativity awards last year, in Bologna (stage 2) and Colombey-les-Deux-Églises (stage 8). Receiving this award for the 3rd time today, he is the Norwegian with the most prizes. The other five have only won it once each (Dag-Otto Lauritzen in 1988, Thor Hushovd in 2009, Vegard Stake Laengen in 2017, Sven Erik Bystrom in 2022, and Tobias Johannessen in 2024).
10: HEALY IN YELLOW BEFORE THE PYRENEES
Ben Healy keeps his Yellow Jersey, his second and Ireland’s 10th. He has one more than his compatriot Sean Kelly, and closes in on Seamus Elliott (4) and Stephen Roche (3), on the eve of a mountain stage where his jersey will be in danger.
Stage 11 Results
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- Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility) – 3:15:56
- Mauro Schmid (Jayco AlUla) – +0:00
- Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) – +0:07
- Arnaud De Lie (Lotto) – +0:53
- Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) – +0:53
- Axel Laurance (Ineos Grenadiers) – +0:53
- Fred Wright (Bahrain Victorious) – +0:53
- Mathieu Burgaudeau (TotalEnergies) – +0:53
- Quinn Simmons (Lidl-Trek) – +0:53
- Davide Ballerini (XDS Astana Team) – +1:11
General Classification after Stage 11
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- Ben Healy (EF Education-EasyPost) – 41:01:13
- Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) – +0:29
- Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) – +1:29
- Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) – +1:46
- Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike) – +2:06
- Kévin Vauquelin (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) – +2:26
- Oscar Onley (Picnic PostNL) – +3:24
- Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) – +3:34
- Primož Roglič (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) – +3:41
- Tobias Johannessen (Uno-X Mobility) – +5:03
Jersey Holders after Stage 11
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- Yellow Jersey (General Classification): Ben Healy (EF Education-EasyPost)
- Green Jersey (Points Classification): Jonathan Milan
- Polka-dot Jersey (King of the Mountains): Lenny Martinez (Bahrain Victorious)
- White Jersey (Best Young Rider): Ben Healy (EF Education-EasyPost)
