Pursuing the Fourth Victory in the Tour
As the countdown to the 2025 Tour de France begins, the cycling world is abuzz with anticipation, particularly in the fight against defending champion Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates). The Slovenian rider is eyeing a historic fourth consecutive victory, a feat that would equal the record set by Chris Froome.
Pogačar's recent performances at the Dauphiné, where he won three stages including mountain stages and a sprint, have underscored his excellent condition and superiority over rivals such as Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) and Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step). Vingegaard, the winner of the 2022 and 2023 editions, is the top challenger to Pogačar. Their rivalry has been ongoing, with Vingegaard closely contesting Pogačar's dominance.
Evenepoel, who finished third in the 2024 Tour and has shown strong form, is considered the third member of the "Big Three" challenging for the podium and potentially the yellow jersey. He placed fourth in the 2025 Dauphiné behind Pogačar and Vingegaard, indicating his competitive shape for the Tour.
The focus is mainly on German debutant Florian Lipowitz, who has risen to the world's top tier within a year, with impressive results at the Vuelta, Paris-Nizza, and Dauphiné. Lipowitz, a rising star, has given German fans hope for an exciting cycling summer.
The 2025 Tour de France includes five mountain stages, including Mont Ventoux and Col de la Loze, where Pogačar famously experienced a historic collapse in 2023. The first week of the Tour de France has many flat stages, increasing the chances for multiple riders to wear the yellow jersey. The final stage of the Tour de France features three ascents of the Montmartre climb.
In a nod to Pogačar's dominance, legendary cyclist Eddy Merckx has compared him to himself, calling him the new "Cannibal" in the peloton. Pogačar, at just 26 years old, could become the youngest rider to join the elite circle of five-time winners.
As the UCI aims to reduce crashes by introducing yellow cards for aggressive riding and extending the three-kilometer rule to four or five kilometers, the stage is set for an exciting and safe Tour de France. The Grand Départ will take place in Lille, with a mass sprint expected on the first stage.
As Pogačar enjoys a coffee ride on the French Riviera before the 112th Tour de France, the question on everyone's lips remains: will he make history and secure his fourth victory, or will one of his rivals rise to the challenge? The answer lies in the gruelling weeks ahead.
Pogačar's exceptional performances in the Dauphiné, such as winning three stages, highlight his preparation for the sports event, the Tour de France. Meanwhile, German debutant Florian Lipowitz, with his impressive results in various sports competitions, brings excitement to the cycling summer and could potentially challenge the top three contenders for the podium.
