As the 2025 Tour de France sprints toward its climax, all eyes are on Tadej Pogacar, who is poised to claim his fourth career victory in the world’s most prestigious cycling race. The event has delivered its signature mix of tactical battles, unexpected weather twists, and dramatic climbs—culminating in a Parisian finale that has both the peloton and fans buzzing with anticipation.
Key Points Summary
- Tadej Pogacar leads the general classification by over four minutes after a decisive mountain stage.
- Thymen Arensman secured a heroic win on Stage 19 atop La Plagne.
- The final stage on July 27 will feature a bold new Parisian route, with multiple ascents of Montmartre—departing from tradition and raising the stakes for the closing kilometers.
- Flatter stages remain, but major contenders will focus on defending podium positions.
- The race’s final outcome hinges on Sunday’s historic finish.
Pogacar Dominates in the Alps
The latest developments in the Tour de France have seen Tadej Pogacar defending his yellow jersey with remarkable composure. In Stage 19, Dutch rider Thymen Arensman conquered the steep slopes of La Plagne, edging Jonas Vingegaard by two seconds. Pogacar, finishing alongside Vingegaard, tightened his grip on the yellow jersey. By the end of the stage, his lead over Vingegaard stood at 4 minutes 24 seconds—a near-insurmountable margin with only two flatter stages to come.
A significant alteration to Stage 19’s route was made when a herd of infected cattle forced organizers to shorten the stage from 130km to 95km. Even with fewer categorized climbs, the race retained its grueling character, culminating in two hors catégorie climbs and a monumental finish at La Plagne.
A New, Thrilling Paris Finale
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Tour de France finishing on the Champs-Élysées, and organizers have introduced a big change: instead of the traditional ceremonial ride and flat sprint, riders will face three ascents of Rue Lepic, also known as Côte de la Butte Montmartre. The final summit comes just 6km from the finish, promising late drama and a potential shakeup in the standings before the classic dash to the Champs.
Not all riders are thrilled. Former Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel and two-time Tour winner Jonas Vingegaard expressed concerns about the stress and unpredictability this new finale brings. The narrow, cobbled climb creates the risk of chaos as over 150 riders vie for position, a sharp contrast to the typically controlled sprint finish.
| Top 5 General Classification (after Stage 19) | Time behind Leader |
|---|---|
| Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) | 0:00 (Leader) |
| Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) | +4:24 |
| Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe) | +11:09 |
| Oscar Onley (Team Picnic PostNL) | +12:12 |
| Félix Gall (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale) | +17:12 |
Remaining Stages and What’s at Stake
With the final mountain tests behind them, the remaining stages are primed for the sprinters, but the revamped Paris finish means the race isn’t over until the last pedal stroke. Pogacar needs only to avoid disaster on the flat to join cycling legends as a four-time champion. Vingegaard and Lipowitz hope for a last-minute opportunity, but time is running out.
Fans can expect a spectacle in Paris—where steep gradients, cobbles, and crowd energy promise one of the most exciting conclusions in Tour de France history. Who will seize the moment in Montmartre? Will the final kilometers see a surprise attack or a determined defense by the yellow jersey?
As the countdown to the Champs-Élysées begins, cycling enthusiasts worldwide are invited to witness a finale unlike any before. Share your thoughts below on who you think will make history, or recount your favorite moment from this unforgettable edition!