Wout Van Aert wins in Paris as Tadej Pogacar secures yellow jersey

In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 Tour de France, Wout Van Aert of Jumbo-Visma clinched victory on the iconic Champs-Elysées, while Tadej Pogacar celebrated his fourth title despite being denied a sensational final stage win. The day unfolded dramatically on the challenging cobbles of Montmartre, reshaping the traditional finale of cycling’s most prestigious race

Pogacar, who had dominated the Tour with remarkable consistency, aimed to seize a unique opportunity for victory in yellow. The route featured three ascents of Montmartre, transforming the usual procession into a fierce competition. As the rain-soaked riders navigated the treacherous conditions, Van Aert made a decisive move 400 meters from the summit, breaking clear to secure his stage win by 19 seconds over Davide Ballerini.

Despite the neutralization of general classification times due to the hazardous weather, Pogacar’s determination remained evident as he pushed for a fifth stage victory. The 26-year-old Slovenian attacked relentlessly, narrowing the leading group to a select few riders. Ultimately, he opted for caution, ensuring a safe finish to claim the yellow jersey, crossing the line with a final margin of four minutes and 24 seconds ahead of rival Jonas Vingegaard.

“I wanted to take risks today and go for the stage win, but safety came first,” said Pogacar post-race. “Winning in yellow is a dream come true, and I’m proud to add another title to my name.”

Ben Healy, riding for EF Education-EasyPost, concluded his breakthrough Grand Tour with a commendable ninth-place finish in the general classification, just over 28 minutes behind Pogacar. Healy’s impressive performance throughout the Tour earned him the Super Combativity award, highlighting his relentless spirit and determination.

The day marked a significant milestone, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first finish on the Champs-Elysées. Inspired by the vibrant atmosphere during the Olympic Games, race organizers reimagined the final stage, introducing the Montmartre climbs to heighten excitement and competition.

“Today’s race was a testament to the resilience and skill of our riders,” said Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme. “The changes made to the route added an exhilarating twist, showcasing the true spirit of cycling.”

The race saw German Florian Lipowitz finish third overall, while Scottish cyclist Oscar Onley, just 22 years old, made waves with a breakout performance, finishing just over a minute behind Lipowitz.

As the curtains close on this year’s Tour de France, cycling fans around the world eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this storied event. With Pogacar now tied with Chris Froome for four titles, the stage is set for an intriguing battle in the years to come as he chases the record held by legends Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Miguel Indurain, and Jacques Anquetil.