The 2025 Tour de France concluded on July 27 as a historic showcase of dominance, drama, and emerging talent. Over 21 grueling stages and 3,300 kilometers, the 112th edition of the Grande Boucle confirmed that the world of cycling belongs to Tadej Pogačar.
The Return of the Tadej
Slovenian sensation Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) secured his fourth yellow jersey in a masterful display, finishing 4 minutes and 24 seconds ahead of his primary rival, Jonas Vingegaard (Visma–Lease a Bike). Pogačar’s campaign was defined by versatility; he claimed four stage wins across hilly terrain, high-mountain summits like Hautacam, and a decisive mountain time trial at Peyragudes.
Dramatic Peaks and Unexpected Turns
- Mont Ventoux (Stage 16): France celebrated a historic home victory as Valentin Paret-Peintre outshone the GC favorites to win atop the “Giant of Provence.”
- The Alpine Battle: Ben O’Connor claimed a stunning solo win on the “Queen Stage” (Stage 18), conquering the brutal Col de la Loze.
- Parisian Finale: In a departure from tradition, the final stage included the cobblestones of Montmartre. Amid heavy rain, Wout van Aert seized a prestigious victory on the Champs-Élysées, though the yellow jersey’s time was neutralized early for safety.
Jersey Winners & Final Standings – 2025 Tour de France
- Yellow Jersey (Overall): Tadej Pogačar
- Green Jersey (Points): Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek), following a dominant sprinting performance.
- Polka-Dot Jersey (Mountains): Tadej Pogačar (who also swept the mountains classification).
- White Jersey (Best Young Rider): Florian Lipowitz, who impressed the world by finishing 3rd overall in the general classification.
The 2025 Tour was not without its casualties. Early favorites like Remco Evenepoel and Mathieu van der Poel were forced to abandon, while Ben Healy earned the Super-Combativity award for his relentless attacking style.
As the dust settles, the cycling world turns its eyes to 2026, where Pogačar will look to join the elite club of five-time winners.
Emerging Stars & Future Icons
Here are some up and coming riders to watch out for in the next few seasons:
Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe): The undisputed breakout star of 2025. On his debut, the 24-year-old former biathlete claimed 3rd place overall and the White Jersey for best young rider. His performance was so dominant that he is already being tipped as a future yellow jersey contender.
Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates): Although 2025 was his “learning year” where he focused on the Giro d’Italia (finishing 2nd overall), he is the name everyone is watching for 2026. After winning 18 races in 2025, the Mexican sensation is expected to debut at the Tour next year as Pogačar’s elite mountain lieutenant.
Paul Magnier (Soudal–QuickStep): The “fast and fun” 21-year-old Frenchman became the second-most winning rider of 2025, trailing only Pogačar. While he didn’t ride the Tour in 2025, his 19 victories last season have earned him comparisons to legend Tom Boonen.
Oscar Onley (Team dsm-firmenich PostNL): The British climber finished impressively in the top 10 of the GC, battling Lipowitz in the high mountains throughout the final week.
