2025 Tour de France Stage 19 , 20 & 21 - No Real Surprises in the Big Picture, but Good Racing

This will be a shorter round up and cover the last three stages as by now am sure most have already checked everything out.  Friday I was driving to the Dust Bowl 100 gravel race in Indiana and then Saturday was the race and a drive home.  But the fun did not stop there as had to wash clothes and get things ready to pack on Sunday to head out to So Cal for a business trip.  I only go two watch Stage 21 as I was packing so this will be brief as just from what I heard mostly on some podcasts and the short highlights

STAGE 19

Stage 19 - Albertville to La Plagne - 129.9K - Mountain (4550m Vert) 

So the stage got shortened by a couple climbs and became 23 miles shorter so was now only about 58 miles.  There were still two HC climbs and it still finishes up La Plagne.  That said at 58 miles it could have been a slugfest or it could go have gone the other way and Jonas realizes not enough time to make up the difference and this goes to a break - not what I see though.  I still think Tadej wants to win so there is that and being shorter UAE does not need to worry as much as can get more riders to push the pace.  The sprinters are probably a little happy - I say little as still not easy.  The start will be much the same with the early sprint but the sprinters can hang on a little longer and have less climbs to lose time.

All that said it was a little anticlimactic as Arensman went up the road on the last climb and never really had a big lead if Tadej and Jonas wanted to get him.  I think Tadej wanted to win this stage but also did not want to take chances and maybe give Jonas a chance to sprint around him.  I think Tadj was hoping Jonas in trying to gain time would really push the pace but it never happened.  Even Tadej push did not get rid of Jonas so it ended up that Jonas finally went mourned Tadej but Arensman got the win and Jonas got a 2 second bonus.  I think is this we see a tired Tadej riding really smart knowing he did not have to do anything and a 2 second bonus was nothing.  We also saw, I think, a tired Jonas who said he was willing to lose 2nd to try and win but he did not show that - probably more about that he could not get away even even he wanted to.  So they readied for a lumpy Stage 20 and Arensman got his second win.  Sort of ironic a guy from the Netherlands where is is pan flat wins two mountain stages.

Stage 19 Highlights:

STAGE 20

Stage 20 - Nantua to Pobntarlier - Hilly (2900m Vert)

This would be an interesting one as seemed set up for a break-away but took some time and then when it did it seemed like it was going to be a sprint among the 13 guys in the break - one of which was sprinter Caden Groves from Alpecin.  Well that is what was thought but when there was 20k to go Romeo and Gregoire crashed hard and Groves, Jake Stewart and Van den Broek.  From there it was interesting as Stewart was sort of a sprinter but Goves was the man to likely win so when he jumped away at 17k Van den Broek left the chase to Stewart who did not or could not go and Caden Groves soloed it in - that was three wins in the TdF for one of the smaller budget teams including having MVDP in the yellow for a few days.  Pretty much sure everyone was surprised - not that he won by how he won - in a break.

Everyone else in the race was just working to stay upright it seemed as the word was the road was like ice from the rain and surface oil.  Thankfully none of the GC went down and look like al those who did were able to do the last stage.

Stage 20 Highlights

STAGE 21

Stage 21 - Mantes-La-Ville to Paris Champs-Elysees

The controversy on this stage was the route which instead of the procession into Paris then 6 or 8 laps of the Champs-Elysees not had the ride into Paris and then a few trips on the Champs but then went off for three loops up a short cobbled climb that was used in the 2024 Paris Olympics.  This made it unlikely it would be sprinters race with the short but punchy climb and 3 times.  Not sure if they would have done this if it was not going to rain but due to the rain the design was to take the GC time before the circuits so no matter what happened after that the GC would not change.  So it was as they all came in together and the GC was set and only the winner of the last stage was to be decided.

It was rumored that Tadej wanted to win and early on the first time up it was clear he wanted to win as he pushed the pace and there was a break - that also included Mateo Jorgenson and Wout Van Wert.  The break slowly opened a gap and the chasers never got that close - when down to one lap to go it was clear they backed off with the slippy pavement - and missing was Jonas - did not matter GC wise but with nothing at stake it was clear he wanted to cruise in and not risk anything for no real gains.

When Wout went on the last lap Tadej stayed there for a bit but near the top you saw Tadej concede.  He did keep the pace for a bit but it became clear Wout was going to get this.  Funny the announcers - unless I missed as was packing - referred to this as the first time Tadej could not respond but hey Wout did not ride hard for 20 days.  Taking nothing from Wout as he was easily the strongest but that Tadej was even there said much about the best rider in the race.  Also, that Jonas did not go with radio was smart on his part if he was not feeling it as started his rest for the Vuelta in month.  Speaking of the Vuelta Tadey did not commit but could we have the Tadej-Jonas show again.

So that it is.  A great race if not somewhat predictable for first and second after Jonas lost time on the two stages.  Good to see some young guys coming up - Lipowitz and Onley - and hope they pan out as we have seen young guys get near or even on the podium before but going for number one is a whole different thing - but hope they can do so.  Also, Ben Healy got the most Combative/Aggressive Rider for the Tour - he was for sure up there but for me Quinn was the guy for that.  They did give the best Domestique to Quinn, which he was for sure and Milan owes him for his jersey, so both of them got up there on the podium

Stage 21 Highlights:

Final Jerseys

• Yellow Jersey - Tadej Pogacar
• Green Jersey - Jonathan Milan
• Polkadot Jersey - Tadej Pogacar
• While Jersey - Florian Lipowitz

GC w/Time Gaps - Keep in mind most all the peloton got the same time on the last stage

1) Tadej Pogacar

2) Jonas Vengegaard - +04:24

3) Florian Lipowitz - +11:00

4) Oscar Onley - +12:12

5) Felix Gall - +17:12

6) Tobias Johannessen - +20:14

7) Kevin Vauquelin - +22:35

8) Primoz Roglic - +25:30

9) Ben Healy - +28:02

10) Jordan Jegat - +32:42

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2025 Tour de France Stage 18 Thoughts - No Show of Weakness by Tadej

Stage 18 - Vic to Courchevel Col de La Loze - Mountain (5450m Vert)

With the Intermediate Sprint at 23.7 and slightly up hill it was expected that Lidel-Trek was going to keep it quick enough to discourage a break but keep Milan up there for the win - and so it was.  With 5K to the sprint they just were ramping it up and stretching out the pack - Ok for the sprinter since once the sprint was past they were going to drop back and work to just finish within the time limit.  So the sprint went as expected and even with Girmay on Milan's wheel he could not get by and looked to not really try.

Then it was time for attacks after the sprint and right after were was a small group that kept moving with Quinn, Wellens, WVA but the peloton did not let them go.  That said Wellens kept going  with 4 more chasing to catch on with a small break before the first climb to make a group of 5 but would not last with the climb of the Glandon (21.7K climb at 5.1%) coming up.  There then formed a larger group of 13 up ahead of the peloton that included Roglic but at the top the gap to the Tadej/Jonas group of 23 riders was only 1:48 back and a long descent to go before the next climb which was the Col de Madeline (19.2K at 7.9%).  At the front on the descent was UAE and then Visma to get down safe.  Also, of note as heard that Quinn was sent back with the other Trek guys to help pull Milan to the finish as if not would be along day and with 2 more long climbs to come he could miss the cut-off if not careful and if he did not have any help.  Unlike the Pyrenees the climbs in the Alps are long and you can lose a lot of time.

At the bottom of the Madeline the Yellow jersey group was 3:00 behind Arensman and Jorgenson so with this long climb and the last climb of the Col de La Loze being 26.4K at 6.5% there was a long way to go.  Jorgenson up front would be there to help Jonas later if needed.  Roglic was not letting the 2 get too far ahead as his group of 6 was still right there just behind early on the climb and would tag on.  Let alone with 7 miles still to climb the Tadej/Jonas group was chipping into the lead and was down to only 2:30 behind.  As I watched the climb you can just see that the Tadej/Jonas group is so much faster and with 5.5K to the top the gap was only 53 seconds and Sep Kuss went to the front and suddenly it was Kuss, Jonas, Tadej and just hanging on Lipowitz - barely hangin on.  This is what Jonas had to do as even with a long way to go he had to pressure Tadej for the long haul and not just in the last K's.

With 4.6 K Jonas put in a move and only Tadej could stay on as they worked ever closer to the front and up there Jonas had a helper in Jorgenson.  They caught the front with 4K to go to he bottom of he next limb so was going to be interesting how Mateo played into this as saw Jonas move a little and then sit back in behind Mateo.  Not sure this bothered Tadej as no need to chase Mateo and can just hang on as needed and watch Jonas as Mateo a long way back in GC.  The race was getting interesting.  While most were probably having a hard time breathing you could see Tadej talking to his DS:). The wild card in this was Roglic as if Lipowitz dropped more then Roglic could move up and also Roglic could just work to hang on and not appear to be attacking his teammate.

Mateo was railing the descent of the Madaline to the effect that Lipowitz, who is not a slouch descending, was losing time.  Even Tadej radioed Mateo was going full on going down.  That said they did not lose the rest of the lead group as it was still 7 riders.  As a note as the main group gets close the bottom of the descent the Green Jersey group was not to the top yet of the Madeline and was 24 minutes down - that gap would close some as the lead riders start to climb and the Trek led Green Jersey group will be going downhill.

Once at the bottom but still not officially on the climb there were some attacks to get a small lead with a few others but the fireworks were going to start once the real climb starts but with 4K to the start of the climb the 3 riders off the front only had 2 minutes but it has been seen already that this was not enough with a 26+K climb to come.

Once on the climb with 19.5k to go there were the 2 ahead, 2 more 1:22 back then 14 riders in the Yellow Jersey group 3:12 back.  Now it was a matter of Visma was pulling and just waiting on the final push of Jonas as he has to do something to gain some time as do not want to wait till the last climbing day tomorrow.  Joans dis have Mateo about 1:40 ahead in the 2nd group of 2.  Seemed clear Tadej was playing this smart knowing he had to do nothing and it was all on Jonas.  Did not mean he would not go closer to the finish but there was no need for a risky, especially if he was fighting a cold as had been intimated, long attack.

5K to go for O'Connor and a 3:00 lead so the question while watching was if it was enough.  Jonas and the other Visma guys were still not pushing so the longer they wait the better for O'Connor. Between them was Rubio who was 1:46 behind O'Connor so there was still a race no matter what Jonas and Tadej did.  All that said if the big two wanted to go they could close 3 minutes in 5K.

With about 1.5K to go Jonas went and Tadej had no issues and even Onley hung on.  Seemed clear Jonas did not have it to push - maybe holding off till tomorrow but then that also gives Tadej only having to deal with tomorrow.  Onley had been dropped caught back on then hung with Jonas and Tadej.  They were not going to get O'Connor but would they get Rubio and get more bonus seconds.  Well Tadej, like clockwork went with maybe 500K to go and left Jonas - who did maintain to not loose to much and even save 2 seconds by getting the third place bonus seconds as both Tadej and Jonas caught Rubio.  But was clear they are the strongest with Tadej just doing that is needed.  Will be interesting tomorrow as will he go for it with it being the last mountain stage and with 5 climbs and a 19.1K climb at an avg of 7.2% to finsoh it off there is no rest.  As for the sprinters with the Milan, Girmay and Merlier all finishing 42:37 back there was another day like this one ahead with a short 8K to the intermediate sprint then the gruppetto to the finish to be inside the time cut.

Race Highlights:

• Winner - Ben O'Connor
• Yellow Jersey - Tadej Pogacar
• Green Jersey - Jonathan Milan
• Polkadot Jersey - Tadej Pogacar
• While Jersey - Florian Lipowitz

GC W/Time Gaps

1) Tadej Pogacar

2) Jonas Vengegaard - +04:26

3) Florian Lipowitz - +11:01

4) Oscar Onley - +11:23

5) Primoz Roglic - +12:49

6) Felix Gall - +15:36

7) Kevin Vauquelin - +16:15

8) Tobias Johannessen - +18:31

9) Ben Healy - +25:41

10) Ben O'Connor - +29:19

Stage 17 Recap

Next, Stage 19 - Albertville to La Plagne - 129.9K - Mountain (4550m Vert) - 

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2025 Tour de France Stage 17 Thoughts - Pretty Standard Sprint Day - Likely Last Sprinter Day

Stage 17 - Bollene to Valence - 160.4K - Flat

The question of the day was if this would be a take it easy day - well looks like not, at least at the start.  The team of Milan - Lidl-Trek - wanted to keep Milan in it but that was going to be tough as unlike other green jersey winners he has a hard time on the hills - even small ones.   With one climb gone and 86K to go he was 1:23 off the front group and a minute off the main yellow jersey peloton.  They did get back on but this would seem like it would be a repeated process on the last small climb but there was time to get back on if they allow them to.

With 1K to the top of the last small climb WVA worked to bridge across and no one went with him.  That said at the top The leaders had 0:25 on WVA and 0:44 on the peloton with everyone still in it.  Looked like Milan was doing better and with the route now mostly all downhill and flat it would seem the peloton, if they time it right should catch the front - say should as strange things happen.

Quinn was at the front of the group working to keep the pace such that no one jumps away - well but WVA - but good enough not to lose Milan - and he did a great job of that.  With 40k to go it was now a timing event so that they did not catch the leaders too soon as then more would try and jump.  Ideally, as they did with MVDP earlier in the tour they catch in the last 1K in the lead out.  As the road got down the last climb it was clear WVA was not going to catch the front and the peloton was keeping them at about a minute with 30K to go.  With rain on the roads it was to make the finish a little touchy.

After all that it ended up coming down to a sprint and well the best sprinter won, Milan, even if he can at times be painful to watch sprint.  Milan did look better than he had on other days over the hills but that may have been his last chance as even the final day is unsure with a new course with a few climbs in it near the end and not simply riding up and down the Champs Elysees.  The Green Jersey is still up for grabs  - well to be grabbed by Tadej if he wants it.  The intermediate sprints the next two days are early so Milan may get those but the way points go Tadej could get a bunch up front.  Then on the Saturday there are some climbs before the intermediate sprint so Milan is not likely to get those.  The killer is that the last stage course this year goes up a 1.1K - 5.9% climb 3 times and tops out the last time only 6 K from the line so will be hard for Milan and other sprinters to be the main show as is usally the case on the last day.

Race Highlights:

• Winner - Jonathan Milan
• Yellow Jersey - Tadej Pogacar
• Green Jersey - Jonathan Milan
• Polkadot Jersey - Tadej Pogacar
• While Jersey - Florian Lipowitz

GC W/Time Gaps

1) Tadej Pogacar

2) Jonas Vengegaard - +04:15

3) Florian Lipowitz - +09:03

4) Oscar Onley - +11:04

5) Primoz Roglic - +11:42

6) Kevin Vauquelin - +13:20

7) Felix Gall - +14:50

8) Tobias Johannessen - +17:01

9) Ben Healy - +17:52

10) Carlos Rodriquez - +20:45

Stage 16 Recap 

Next, Stage 18 - Vic to Courchevel Col de La Loze - Mountain (5450m Vert) 

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2025 Tour de France Stage 16 Thoughts - When a 6:00 Lead is Barely Enough

Stage 16 - Montpellier to Mont Ventoux - 171.5K (2950M Vert) - Mountain

The news at the start of the race was that MVDP was out with pneumonia that he had been suffering a cold and just got worse - the TdF is not good for colds - and it seems to have turned to pneumonia.  Bummer as he was sneaking up on the Green Jersey but no longer.  Does show the affect the Tour can have as a number in the Tour have spoken of various degrees of colds - even Tadej - and while some get over it others, as with MVDP do not.

Today's stage was setting up to be a good one with a flat stage tomorrow before two more Mountain stages with Mountain finishes.  Let alone winning on Venotoux has to be a goal of any rider that can win it.  I would not be surprised if Jonas does not push this as he has over 4:00  to make up and it needs to start here.  He did mention in a post I saw that he knew he needed to risk 2nd to get 1st and while that is often said and he does nto really need another 2nd seeing it take place is another thing.  But, that is what he needs to do as if he just wanted to protect second he could just hang on and wait to see if Tadej has a bad day - but to go for the win he has to work to make, if possible, Tadej have a bad day and risk it all.

Was interesting that Milan let the main group go and in doing so was not doing himself any favors in the Green Jersey points competition as he was not in it for any points but Tadej who is close behind - and MVDP out - is primed to get that jersey.  Bob Roll spoke of Peter Sagan and was correct in that Sagan did anything he could to get those sprint points even if on mountain stages but Milan not so.

As they got to the bottom of Ventoux the lead group had just over 6:00 and was not expecting that big a gap.  Would seem with Mas, Arensman and Alaphilippe in the front seemed they could hold the lead but we would see.  Then Mas went to go for it.  Pretty sure Jonas and Tadej could catch them if they wanted to but maybe they were just going to race each other so was setting up for another good one.

Jonas was the first to go but Tadej stayed on well - then Jonas went again and could not shake Tadej.  With 4K to go Healy was pushing but could not drop Paret Peintre and had a 2:45 lead on Tadej and Jonas - win seemed to between the two but you never know when Tadej and Jonas get moving.  Then back with the yellow Jonas goes again - give it to him he was trying all he could but Tadej was not giving in.  Finally with 1.2k Tadej went but even though it looked to hurt Jonas he did not let go and got back on Tadej's wheel.  Up front it was Healy and Paret Peintre with the frenchman getting the win - but just.  Back with Tadej and Jonas Tadej went and while not really dropping Jonas he did get 2 seconds on him and they only finished 44 seconds back to show how fast they were going - Well Tadej did get the record for the climb and Jonas just 2 seconds off of that.

It is clear Tadej and Jonas are on another level to the rest - when you see them close over 5 minutes on the final climb up Ventoux. But also saw a great push up front and while Healy did not win he has been off the front a number of times so has not been absent till now.  Maybe all those other days got him a little to allow Paret Peintre squeak by for the stage win on the Ventoux - what a day for him.  Still talk of Tadej not being 100% with some sort of cold and sorta looked like he was doing his best to do as little as possible for this - and, again, still got the climb record and Jonas 2 seconds back.

Now a flat day, well flat for the Tour, tomorrow before two back to back mountain stages with mountain finishes with more than one climb each.  So we have the race up front but still a race for the third step and Roglic is not out of third and is slowly moving up and as was mentioned is likely getting ready for the Vuelta.

Race Highlights:

• Winner - Valentin Paret Peintre
• Yellow Jersey - Tadej Pogacar
• Green Jersey - Jonathan Milan
• Polkadot Jersey - Tadej Pogacar
• While Jersey - Florian Lipowitz

GC W/Time Gaps

1) Tadej Pogacar

2) Jonas Vengegaard - +04:15

3) Florian Lipowitz - +09:03

4) Oscar Onley - +11:04

5) Primoz Roglic - +11:42

6) Kevin Vauquelin - +13:20

7) Felix Gall - +14:50

8) Tobias Johannessen - +17:01

9) Ben Healy - +17:52

10) Carlos Rodriquez - +20:45

Stage 15 Recap 

Next, Stage 17 - Bollene to Valence - 160.4K - Flat

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2025 Tour de France Stage 15 Thoughts - A Rest Day for Some - Well Sort of - Are there really any rest days on the road

Stage 15 - Muret to Carcassonne - 169.3K - Hilly 

As expected the race would be quick to the sprint - unexpected was a crash at 17k that caught Jonas and Lipowitz being.  So as to return the earlier favor UAE works to slow to let them work to get back on.  That said the break that was forming up front kept going and bad for Milan was he was not in the group and MVDP was.  To make it worse there were 15 riders in the group as no sprint points for Milan who with 1k to the sprint line was 00:34 behind.  A controlled distance so once passed the peloton could catch on the first climb and others would have a chance for the win.

MVDP did have a rider in his group but it did not seem to matter as they let him roll over the land first as he moved up closer in points to get the Green Jersey.  So now the question was to be what would happen behind as they were still close.  Did see that Milan was having issues hanging on as the sprint was on a slight incline and with the high speeds not easy to just sit on.  Was going to be a long day for Milan - he is going to want this day to be over and get rest as the rest of the course is not to his liking.  Was going to be interesting as no real reason for UAE to chase and with WVA and Campenaerts in the break Visma could let it go as well and made for a strong break.  Bummer for Quinn Simmons as could have been a good day for him but looks he was held back to help Milan but not sure anyone could really help Milan.

In looking at the profile of the race it was not going to be an easy day.  What I did find was that the last two climbs - The Cat 3 Cote de Sores and Cat 2 Pas du Sant - show the top not really being the top as far as going up hill with the last climb a fair bit longer after the "top."  The last two climbs are not mountains but still tough with the Cote de Sores being 6.2K at 5.5% average and the Pas du Sant 2.9k at 10.2% but for the last one does show 11K more to go up after what is called the top.  But once they get to the actual top which is the Col de Fontbruno there is 39k pretty much all the way to the finish line. 

After the sprint came the first climb of the Cat 3 Cote de Saint-Ferreol which is 1.7K at 7% with a short descent then start climb 2.  The question was what did UAE and Visma want to do as letting the group go hurts no one and with WVA in the break Visma would have a good chance to win and depending on what MVDP wants to do it could be a very strong break. But as I write this the peloton who was only 28 seconds back you see Quinn attack to bridge but Tadej and Jonas was not going to have it.  But there were more attacks and Quinn in them all for this first climb and the gap getting smaller.   But they just cold not get across - was going to be a hard day as they start climb 2!!!!

With 81K to go and over the 2nd climb there was a group of 8 riders with a 41 second gap on 232 chasers and 2:21 on the yellow jersey peloton. Guess who was in the lead 8 - Quinn Simmons, if he keeps this up it is hard to believe that they would not vote him the most aggressive for the entire tour, but you never know with a vote and not some metric like K's in the front.  Also, in the break were Powless, Wellens, Campenaerts and Rodriguez.  Back in the chase gourd is MVDP & WVA so was going to be interesting to see what they do as with the last climb ending with close to 40K downhill to the finish so if they can keep it close the final could still be up for grabs.  I am biased but hoping Quinn can hang in there and then slip away at the end.  Did seem the Peloton was just going to take it casual as Jonas knows the finish does nto play into making a gap - barring mechanical or crash.

As they approached the top, well false top, of the last climb Quinn was still in the lead group with a 43 second gap on the first group of chasers and 4:22 on the yellow jersey group.  But Tim  Wellens who had to not do much all day as he was there for UAE went off to never bee sen again and take the stage win.  I think Quinn just did not have it and with all he has done in the tour  really understandable.  Wellens slowly opened up his lead and the chase group had others working to catch on including WVA so now was a race for second.  Who else was to take off but Campenaerts which to tell the truth seemed strange with WVA just about to latch but he stayed away and then the sprint was for 3rd and WVA was close but great to see Julian Alaphilippe, who was caught in the first crash and at the time did not look great, got him at the line - it seems the celebration for third was due to his radio braking in the early crash and he thought they were the first group so he thought he won, whoops!  Quinn just cruised in but he should still be the front runner for most egressive for the entire tour baring injury or just breaking down from so much work up front.

As far as the rest Tadej, Jonas and others all finished 6:07 back of Wellens so just a rest day for them and little excitement - well except for Jonas and others being caught behind an early crash but as they waited for them it was not an issue.  The only change in the top 10 was that Carlos Rodriguez who was ahead in the front group at the end leap frogged Ben Healy for 9th.

Up next is a rest day tomorrow then they go at it again on a mountain stage that finishes up Mt Ventoux and hard not think both Tadej and Jonas want to win this one as it is after all a famous climb and one most want to win.

Race Highlights:

• Winner - Tim Wellens
• Yellow Jersey - Tadej Pogacar
• Green Jersey - Jonathan Milan
• Polkadot Jersey - Lenny Matrinez
• While Jersey - Florian Lipowitz

GC W/Time Gaps

1) Tadej Pogacar

2) Jonas Vengegaard - +04:13

3) Florian Lipowitz - +07:53

4) Oscar Onley - +09:18

5) Kevin Vauquelin - +10:21

6) Primoz Roglic - +10:34

7) Felix Gall - +12:00

8) Tobias Johannessen - +12:33

9) Carlos Rodriquez - +18:26

10) Ben Healy - +18:41

Stage 14 Recap 

Next up after a rest day - Stage 16 - Montpellier to Mont Ventoux - 171.5K (2950M Vert) - Mountain

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2025 Tour de France Stage 14 Thoughts - More Things Change - The More They Don't

Stage 14 - Pau to Luchon-Superbagneres - 182.6K - Mountain (4950m Vert) 

With the intermediate sprint just before the start of the climb of the Tourmelet it was pretty certain there was not going to be a break till after the sprint.  IN the sprint it was Milan, MVDP then Girmay as sort of expected.  Right past the sprint who other than Quinn Simmons was at the front but then saw Tadej and others up there at the front as the 17+K climb to the top of the HC club started.  With a hilly stage tomorrow this was going to be the last chance to maybe put the hurt on Tadej - a big maybe - before the rest day Monday so was going to make for an interesting stage - would a break even be allowed to go on such a difficult climb.  Usually on days like this they let a break go early but the sprint point got in the way of allowing that.

With a break ahead back with the rest Remco was coming off the back and with 100K to go dropped out of the TdF.  Will have to hear if it was anything in particular or just that he did not have it but that opened one less person to fight for the podium - looking particularly for the third step for now.

Going up the third climb, the Cat 1 Peyresourde, it was Ineos's Thymen Arensman pushing the pace up front.  He has shown in this tour he is one of the better climbers and was pushing to gain all he could with with the HC climb of Superbagneres to finish this stage off.

So with a 3:12 lead for Arensman going into the last climb, funny as had been climbing for some time before the official start of the climb, the question was if it was enough.  When watching the race my guess it was up to Vingegaard as while I thought Tadej would for sure want the win he also wants to conserve as he really has to do nothing but just stay where he is to win it all.  So the onus is all on Jonas as he is the one who has to gain time.  The gap to the front was for sure one Tadej, and assume Jonas, could close but would they.

As I sort of expected Jonas made the first move and Tadej seemed to effortlessly just stay with him.  Tadej then put in a little kick - seemed more like just a small test - and then Jonas went again but Tadej again just stayed on his wheel - sorta telling Jonas he was ready for anything.  At the time it was a question if Arensman would stay out there as the big two were racing each other and was a question if that would lead them to get him - but looked like he would be safe.  

Funny hearing Phil Liggett talk about how strong Jonas looked - and he looked better than other days - but it seemed clear to me Tadej just wanted to get the bonus time at the end and thus get some rest and go at it after the rest day.  The more Jonas and Tadej just watched each other the more Arensman was looking sure of winning the stage.  

The end played out as I was thinking with Tadej making sure Jons knew he was there and if Jonas rode hard enough to catch Arensman then he would go ro the win, if not then get the 2nd place bonus seconds and any others that may come.  In the end they did not catch Arensman so he was rewarded for his hard work, does not always play out that way, and Tadej not only out-sprinted Jonas for second and the time bonus, 6 seconds as opposed to Jonas' 4 seconds.  HE also got an audition 2 seconds based on getting a small gap.

While Arensman winning and Tadej not losing time - even gaining some - is news maybe the biggest news was Remco calling it a tour.  From what I read it was his team that told him to call it over as he just did not have the energy to keep up and was on his 3rd bad day.  Have no idea what the issue is but also may be that no matter how good a rider he is - and he is good - he may not be a GC rider, at least for the tour.  He seems to struggle when it gets tough on 3 week tours - we shall see.

So what will happen tomorrow - the normal thing would be for the big two to take it easy to get ready for next week - but things don't seem to go as normal.  The stage tomorrow is listed as hilly with a couple Cat 3's and a Cat 2 but there is a final 42k to the finish that is down hill.  Since the intermediate sprint points are at about 60K figure till then the Lidel-Trek, Alpecin and Inter-Marche will work to keep things together or if a small break is there then close enough to catch.  After that I would not be surprised if they do not let a break go - Hey maybe Quinn can get in this one for the win.

Race Highlights:

• Winner - Thymen Arensman
• Yellow Jersey - Tadej Pogacar
• Green Jersey - Jonathan Milan
• Polkadot Jersey - Lenny Matrinez
• While Jersey - Florian Lipowitz

GC W/Time Gaps

1) Tadej Pogacar

2) Jonas Vengegaard - +04:13

3) Florian Lipowitz - +07:53

4) Oscar Onley - +09:18

5) Kevin Vauquelin - +10:21

6) Primoz Roglic - +10:34

7) Felix Gall - +12:00

8) Tobias Johannessen - +12:33

9) Ben Healy - +18:41

10) Carlos Rodriquez - +22:57

Stage 13 Recap 

Next up Stage 15 - Muret to Carcassonne - 169.3K - Hilly 

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2025 Tour de France Stage 13 Thoughts - No Real Surprises Here

Stage 13 - Loudenvielle to Peyragudes - 10.9K ITT 

So today was an ITT and an uphill one at that.  What this means is that many riders would take it as easy as they could and with what I heard was a 40% cut off that gave plenty of time to the non-GC contenders to take an easy day as was also a short ITT.  But let me add that while they could so called take it easy it is still a hard day as they will still have to work.   That said for watching for the spectator on TV was not all that exciting early on - did see Luke Plapp go for it and early on crushed the riders before him and get the fastest time and was going to be there for a bit since Lenny Martinez looked close to catch him did not.

Once down to the big guns it did get exciting.  With Roglic having a great ride and then seeing Vingegard catch Remco who started 2 minutes in front to take the lead - but owed be short lived.  Tadej stormed to the finish gaining 36 seconds on Vngegaard and even more on the others.  Remco looked to be struggling and may have been that all the work he did in Stage 12 to limit his losses took it out of his legs today - keeping in mind that while he is a great TT guy this was uphill so not quote his thing.  Then there was the sight of Vingegaard with a TT helmet ad bike on a basically up hill stage - haven idea what he was thinking as fro all account I heard his bike was significantly heavier than a climbing bike and the bikes others were using.  Will be interesting to see what he has to say about using it.

All in all no big surprises but was good to see Roglic take 3rd on the stage and see Jorgenson have a good day after yesterdays bad day.  Also in 7th on the day was Oscar Onley who is having a great tour.

Time to get the rest they can was tomorrow's Stage 14 is another tough stage in the mountains with two HC climbs and a Cat and Cat 1.  The start basically goes up hill till they hit the Tourmalet that tops out at almost 90K into the race then ends with the HC climb up to Luchon-Superbagneres - it is going to be a tough day and with the next not as bad bad, but hilly, then a rest day Monday Stage 14 is a day to try and see if Tadej will break - does nto look like it but if you want to win you have to push the envelope and may back fire but what it takes to try and win.

While it would seem that unless he really cracks Tadej is gong to get this - but by how much.  Then it looks like Jonas has a pretty good grip on the 2nd step of the podium but likely not going to settle for that and in going for first could totally crack so still interesting.  Then there is the 3rd step of the podium with 5 guys with in 1:26 and lots of places to gain and lose that much time.

Race Highlights:

• Winner - Tadej Pogacar
• Yellow Jersey - Tadej Pogacar
• Green Jersey - Jonathan Milan
• Polkadot Jersey - Tadej Pogacar
• While Jersey - Remco Evenepoel

GC W/Time Gaps

1) Tadej Pogacar

2) Jonas Vengegaard - +04:07

3) Remco Evenepoel - +07:24

4) Florian Lipowitz - +07:30

5) Oscar Onley - +08:11

6) Kevin Vauquelin - +08:15

7) Primoz Roglic - +08:50

8) Tobias Johannessen - +10:36

9) Felix Gall - +11:43

10) Mateo Jorgenson - +14:15

Stage 12 Recap 

Next up Stage 14 - Pau to Luchon-Superbagneres - 182.6K - Mountains (4950m Vert)

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2025 Tour de France Stage 12 Thoughts - Can't Hide on the Big Climbs

Stage 12 - Auch to Hautacam - 180.6K (3850m Vert) - Mountain 

This race never surprises as a break of 52 riders went up the road with only one person a GC threat, Lenny Martinez - don't think he is long term - who was up there for Mtn points.  Was funny to hear them try and build up Lenny saying if he had two minutes on the final climb he could win but I think that was to build excitement as no way Lenny can hold 2:00 on an HC climb if the big guns go for it which seems they might.  Sure anything can happen if Tadej, Jonas and Remco wait till very late to attack but that is about his only chance.  But hey, it is the announcers job to try and create drama.

That said while the break got up to 2:00 minutes it was not given much of a leash so clear the main pack wanted to be there for the final.  It seemed clear MVDP is going to do what he can to get points for the Green points jersey as he was also in the group.  He got second in the sprint for 17 points as Biniam's teammate took first at the intermediate sprint to deny MVDP the full 20 points.  The points did move MVDP into second for the green jersey. In watch live was looking to see MVDP then go back to the peloton as his day was done as no more points he was going to get.

Once the break hit the slopes of the Cat 1 Col des Borders the break started to fall apart as expected as while not the hardest climb of the day it was plenty hard.  Even Lenny was falling off the back - based on what had seen so fat in the TdF was not that surprising but long way to go.  With 8.5k to the top of the climb the 52 rider break was down to 24 riders and still lots of climbing to go,  Meanwhile back in the peloton 1:49 back Remco was being dropped with a long way to the top of the Cat 1 climb.  Was going to be interesting to see if this was just a bad spell or he just does not have it.  To be honest I have never thought Remco was in the same category as Jonas and Tadej when comes to climbing but I guess they have to keep it interesting.  He for sure is a good, even great, rider but when the road climbs more seriously he is not in the same class.  Then again I am writing this while watching and maybe he will show me wrong, and he did use his descending skills and that Joans and Tadej did not press the downhill.  He is good at coming back and he showed that here.  I will say Remco does seem to know his limits and quite often shoots to pacing instead of going with the lead - sometimes works other times it does not.  The final climb will tell as once on the climb there is no downhill to catch up.

As they reached the top of the Cat 1 the front was full of Visma guys so they would appear to have the advantage - I say appear as Tadej is smart enough that he only has to watch Jonas and Mateo and since Remco got back on he is an unknown when road goes up for the final climb.  The thing now was to get to the next Cat 2 climb safely and then over and own to start the real race up the HC climb of the Hautacam.  Healy was off the group by just over a minute but truth is this was not surprising as Healy is a great rider but the effort put out to get the yellow as huge while Tadej and Jonas rode hard but not the same effort. Next up is the Cat 2 climb of the Col des Borders and then a descent to the climb of the day.  At the front was Woods, Skjelmose and Armirail with 40K to go.  In watching was they were no longer showing Remco as behind the Yellow jersey of Healy who was 2+ minutes behind Tadej and Jonas - oh yea Roglic was in the group as well and once over the top of the Cat 2 and going down to the final climb Remco was back on so will be interesting - maybe - as we waait for the last 13.5K climb that averages 7.8% grade.

Well if you were waiting for a move you did not have to wait long as Tadej went early with around 11K to go and only Jonas could even stay close - but was a long way to go and Jonas did not give up but saw Jonas out of the saddle early so was going to be interesting to see how Tadj played this with so long to go.  It was not over as often Tadej put sin a dig then settles and Jonas just sets into a pace he can hold.  As they climbed it was clear Jonas was working to maintain which was a smart move as if Tadej faltered, did not seem likely, or just slowed to rest up for the uphill TT tomorrow Jonas could minimize the damage as still lots of miles to go in this TdF as anyone - even Tadej, can have a bad, well not so good, day.  But the lead kept slowly open which was a good sign Tadej was just working at his comfort level as well and with 6K to go the gap was about 1:00.

Interesting to look back and see Remco do his usual measured ride and slowly licking off riders and was only about 1:20 behind Jonas with over 5K to go.  With Roglic just ahead of Remco and Jonas starting to look back would be interesting as to how that battle would go for the rest.  The thing was while Jonas was slowly losing the to Tadej the ones behind were not gaming on Jonas - as it stands they are by far the two best.  Tomorrow TT will be even more interesting as only 1lK but is 8K uphill so nowhere to hide for anyone.

With not much to go Lipowitz was moving up as Roglic slipped back and the gap from Lipowitz to Jonas was at about 30 seconds and the lead Tadej had on Jonas with 1K to go was edging towards 2:00.  Could see in Tad's face he was pushing it at the end as he pushed his lead.  You cold see he wanted every second as he did not celebrate and pushed alway through the line and Jonas was suffering as well - he they were riding super fast - and Tadej had a 2:10  lead at the end on Jonas and Jonas was followed closely by Lipowitz.  Remco who was the first of the big guns to get dropped rode a great measured ride to finish 3:34 behind but only 2+ behind Jonas.

What a ride and while not really surprised at Tadej I thought Jonas would be closer and clear they both put in a hard effort and will make tomorrow ITT even more interesting.  While Tadej has a comfortable lead and looks in control all it takes is one bad day to wipe out the lead.  Hats off to Remco who showed he may not be the climber Tadej and Jonas are but he knows what he can do and rides to do the best he can and thus is still in this - well if Tadej has a bad day.

ITT tomorrow with a good climb for the last 8K followed by another mountain stage the day after so there is lots of time for bad days - we shall see.

Race Highlights:

• Winner - Tadej Pogacar
• Yellow Jersey - Tadej Pogacar
• Green Jersey - Jonathan Milan
• Polkadot Jersey - Tadej Pogacar
• While Jersey - Remco Evenepoel

GC W/Time Gaps

1) Tadej Pogacar

2) Jonas Vengegaard - +03:13

3) Remco Evenepoel - +04:45

4) Florian Lipowitz - +05:14

5) Kevin Vauquelin - +05:40

6) Oscar Onley - +06:05

7) Primoz Roglic - +07:30

8) Tobias Johannessen - +07:44

9) Felix Gall - +09:21

10) Mateo Jorgenson - +12:12

Stage 11 Recap

Next up Stage 13 - Loudenviellw - Peryragudes - 10.9K ITT - Climb

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2025 Tour de France Stage 11 Thoughts - Gain 40lbs Win a Stage of the TdF

Stage 11 - Toulouse to Toulouse - 156.8K - Flat

While today's course was listed as flat - and it is relative to the hilly ones  - but there was a dagger at the end with a 800m Cat 3 climb with an avg gradient of 12.4% but in listing to the commentary it has a section at about 20-25%.  What this means is the main sprinters may not make it to the end as once over the top there is only about 8K to go and while they could catch on if the big guns - Tadej, Jonas, Remco and MVDP go they will not want to let them back.  Then there is the idea that flat days are a rest but in the way they are racing this will be fast and with the intermediate sprint at just under 60 miles likely they don't let big gaps on any breakaway so they can at least get the intermediate sprint.

Quickly became clear that there may be mountains tomorrow on Stage 12 but that was not going to slow them down.  With 66K to go the big guns were pushing it, Healy not letting them go, and closing the gap to the break to under 1:00.  They seem to want to make sure the split that was created if not staying makes the guys work.  Hey guess who else was up there - Quinn Simmons, who jumped again with 65K to go!!!  NO resting today and MVDP was working to get up to Quinn and the question was would they let them go as no GC threats.  With the way they are racing who knows.

With 28K to go there was still a break out front but the chase group of 5 that included MNDP, WVA and Simmons were only 19 seconds behind and the main peloton was another 2:00 behind.  With 2 climbs to go and the last one a short but tough one was looking to be a good one.  Even if they stay our front back in the pack would be interesting as would anyone try and get a gap. Among the main 3 but upfront where there was no issue with taking yellow it was looking to be a good finish.  With a kick up on the last climb of up to 25% and then about 5 miles to the finish excitement was ahead all the way around.  Should mention that up front was one of my favorite riders, Jonas Abrahamsen, as he is the guy who last year had the Polkadot Jersey for quite a while and attributed his success to gaining, yes gaining, 40 lbs .  There is more to that story that I may write on later.

Talk about exciting.  Up in the first chase group MVDP was chasing the front and with 2.2k to go was 10 seconds behind.  Then 3 minutes back Tadej gets taken down when an UNO-X rider cuts across chasing a move.  He did have to chase on but the group he had been in did not push their advantage - questionable choice even if seems like a nice thing to do - was not sure if the 5K rule was in play as did not hear them mention it but they did say it was in the last 5K.  Then with less than a mile to go MVDP was back 8 seconds and the two in front had the advantage but could not play around.  They did not and hung on for the win and while the guys calling it said Schmid won it ended up be Abrahamsen - happy for him - and MVDP  for third.  Truth is Schmid made it possible as pulled hard so MVDP would not catch - had to be done and the hard part in these finishes.  Tadej was so close to hitting the curb with his head when he crashed and controlled it and did not panic.  While Jonas and others could have pressed an advantage but did not as no one wants to win due to the error not of the main buy but someone else.

Now off to the Pyrenees for the Mountain stages and tough days ahead.

Race Highlights:

• Winner - Jonas Abrahamsen
• Yellow Jersey - Ben Healy
• Green Jersey - Jonathan Milan
• Polkadot Jersey - Lenny Martinez
• While Jersey - Ben Healy

GC W/Time Gaps

1) Ben Healy

2)Tadej Pogacar - +00:29

3) Remco Evenepoel - +01:29

4) Jonas Vingegaard - +01:46

5) Mateo Jorgensen - +02:06

6) Kevin Vauquelin - +02:26

7) Oscar Onley - +03:24

8) Florian Lipowitz - +03:34

9) Primoz Roglic - +03:41

10) Tobias Johannessen - +05:03

Stage 10 Recap

Next up Stage 12 - Auch to Hautacam - 180.6K (3850m Vert) - Mountain 

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2025 Tour de France Stage 10 Thoughts - Would There Be Fireworks - Maybe Small Ones

Stage 10 - Ennezat to Le Mont-Dore PuyDe Sancy - 165.3K (4450m Vert) - Mtn

With the first climb early as with the sprint figured they would either not let anyone go, or, more than likely they would let a break go if no threats in there and people from the big teams in there.  Well who did we see up front but Quinn Simmons - no surprise there.  Once the break stabilized there were quite a few in it, 29 riders, including 2 Visma riders (Yates and Campenaerts) who could play a big part later, also had 4 EF guys including Healy and Powless.  While quite a few teams represented but one team not there was UAE and figured that it was better to have them around Tadej rather than having a satellite rider up the road, remember a key person on their team - Joao Almeida - was out of the TdF. Even with the break out there they did not give them much of a leash with only a gap of about a minute with 14.5K to the sprint and some lumpy stuff first.  So the sprinter teams could up the pace for the sprint so it was still very interesting as the break was not for certain yet.  I say that then looked at the live map and the sprinters were down almost 3 minutes and with no respite not sure they will see the front anytime soon.  

UAE was keeping the gap to the break small and looked like Tadej was using the riders he had early as probably knows he will have to do it mostly himself later.  The more the climbs pass the more exciting it could, I say could, get as with such a small gap being allowed who was going to put the hurt on first.  Visma seemed to intimate they were going to be aggressive but it sorta looked like UAE was dissuading that with keeping the pace up.

As the front group breaks up there forms a good group with - you guessed it - Quinn Simmons and also Ben Healy and others.  This was a strong group that while maybe not being able to stay away for the day but Lenny Martinez could pick up points for the polkadot jersey, which he got, which he was now virtually wearing.  So over the top of the third climb they had a 3:15 lead with 5 more climbs to go.

With 21 stages in the tour and this being stage 10 the tour is almost 1/2 over and there has been no rest day yet.  On top of that if there was a prize for the most aggressive rider for the first half it would need to be Quinn Simmons - I can't remember if it was the Giro or Vuelta but they had a jersey for the person with the most kilometers in the front and if that jersey was here pretty sure Quinn would be wearing it.  

At the top of the 5th climb, 50K to go, the group had a gap to the peloton of just under 5:00 with the main guys still in it and with 3 more climbs to come - 1 Cat 3 and 2 Cat 2's with one being the last climb to the finish.  With Healy in the group he is in the virtual Yellow Jersey by just over a minute but really not an issue long term.  Let alone when Tadej, Vingegaard and maybe Remco go that lead could have evaporated quickly. 

It did seem clear that Quinn had designs himself on this stage as he kept the pace high heading to the 6th climb but then so did it look like Healy wanted a win as well putting in his own digs but no one was letting him go and keeping the gap to the peloton at 5:00.  Have to say going up climb 6 Quinn looked really good and in control.  Simon Yates was in the break and up near the front but did not think he would push it but was there if and when Jonas came forward.  To be honest would be good to see Quinn and Ben go off the front with Quinn getting the win and Ben the Yellow.  That said with only a minute up on the virtual jersey I did not think Ben could get it as back in the peloton even if they did not chase for the win there was going to be an upping of tempo just with the fight between the big three.  Well that is what I thought:)

With 27K and two climbs to go Quinn went for it and those left chased with Healy doing the main chasing.  Quinn got 7seconds but no more and by 24.5K the remainder back on him.  If not for Healy I am not sure they would have bridged.  Back in the peloton the gap was still big at 5:46 but among them the race was on with Visma at the front.  Good part on climbs and this close to the finish Tadej could handle this but UAE still had a couple there but not for long. No real reason for Tadej to pull, or chase, unless Mateo or Jonas went off the front and it seemed Joans did not want to play as well.  Was shaping up to be two races - one for the win and the other for GC and the race for GC seemed likely to seal the fate of Healy to get yellow with his slim virtual lead and the big three maybe wanting the upper hand..

With 15K to go seemed clear the break was going to stay away but would Healy get the jersey but, again, seemed unlikely as figured the Peloton was not going to stay where it was.  It was going to get fast and while unlikely to catch the breakaway they would close the gap on the last climb.  Then Quinn lost the lead group with Healy pushing the pace - bummer and at least hoped maybe he could get back on but Healy was having none of it.  Back in the peloton the announcers kept making note of Tadej not having the same number of guys with him that Jonas did but with so little distance to go and the climbs short not sure it mattered for Tadej. 

Heading into the final 3.2k climb Yates went for it leaving Healy in some trouble but he was just trying to keep it going for the Yellow.  Ben O'conner got back up to Yates and they went at it for the final 2.7K.  Healy did not have much time to work with but he was still working hard to not lose sight of Yates and O'Conner.  Back in the peloton it was clear it was going to come down to the final 3.2K between the big three and was going to be interesting to see if the pace would be high enough to wipe out Healy's virtual lead.

Interesting finish as while Yates crossed the line first, Arensman second and Healy third everyone was watching the main peloton with Tadej, Jonas and Remco to see if there would be gaps and if Healy could get the Yellow jersey.  Initially with maybe 1.5K to go Tadej went, Remco had tried before then but other than a short lived gap it did little, and only Jonas could go with him but it appeared that once it looked like Tadej was not losing Jonas  - well for the effort required - it seemed they were both good with just riding it in as the riders they had a gap open clawed back some time.  For all the talk of fireworks there were really none but then when you keep the pace up and have control it sort of dissuades it.

The fact they did not hammer the last climb and work hard after the initial gap played to Healy's favor who ended up with plenty to spare to get the jersey and a lead of 00:29 on Tadej.  What a ride by Ben and bummed Simmons could not hang on but pretty amazing ride considering he has been up front about every day.  Next up a well deserved rest before a flat Stage 11 on Wednesday.

Race Highlights:

• Winner - Simon Yates
• Yellow Jersey - Ben Healy
• Green Jersey - Jonathan Milan
• Polkadot Jersey - Lenny Martinez
• While Jersey - Ben Healy

GC W/Time Gaps

1) Ben Healy

2)Tadej Pogacar - +00:29

3) Remco Evenepoel - +01:29

4) Jonas Vingegaard - +01:46

5) Mateo Jorgensen - +02:06

6) Kevin Vauquelin - +02:26

7) Oscar Onley - +03:24

8) Florian Lipowitz - +03:34

9) Primoz Roglic - +03:41

10) Tobias Johannessen - +05:03

Stage 9 Recap -  

Next up Stage 11, after Rest Day July 15, 2025 - Toulouse to Toulouse - 156.8K - Flat 

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