Racing champion Jonathan Milan emerges triumphant in Valence during Tour de France stage 17, following a crash in the final stretch
Tour de France 2025: Dramatic Crash Disrupts Stage 17 Sprint Finish
During the 17th stage of the 2025 Tour de France, a high-speed crash occurred in the final kilometre, disrupting the sprint finish and causing a flurry of excitement among spectators. The crash involved several sprinters, including Biniam Girmay and Louis Barré, with Tim Merlier being delayed but managing to avoid a fall.
The incident took place near a left-hand corner at approximately 70 km/h, causing multiple riders to go down. Despite the chaos, Jonathan Milan managed to emerge victorious, winning the stage for Lidl-Trek.
Biniam Girmay, a sprinter from Intermarché-Wanty, suffered superficial wounds and held his right arm in pain after the fall but avoided serious injury. Louis Barré also crashed and later returned to the race after medical attention. Hugo Page was another rider who received medical care following the crash.
Crucially, overall general classification contenders, including race leader Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard, were delayed but did not crash. Due to the timing of the crash inside the last kilometre, these overall contenders were given the same finishing time as the stage winner, meaning there were no changes in the overall standings.
The crash blocked part of the road, disrupting the sprint finish. However, it also highlighted the protective timing rules for GC contenders, emphasising the risks in high-speed sprints.
The winner, Jonathan Milan, is no stranger to success, having already won a stage in this year's Tour de France. Quinn Simmons, also from Lidl-Trek, played a crucial role in bringing the peloton back on terms with the lone chaser.
The stage 17 of the Tour de France took place from Bollène to Valence, covering an undulating 160 kilometer ride and including two category four climbs. The heavy rain that started to fall with 44 kilometers to go added another challenge to the finale in Valence.
As the Tour de France continues on Thursday with a summit finish on the Col de la Loze, Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) continues to lead the general classification. Jonathan Milan's win marks his second stage victory of the race for Lidl-Trek.
[1] Tour de France Official Website [2] Cycling News [3] Velonews [4] Cycling Weekly [5] The Guardian
- The high-speed crash in the final kilometre of the 17th stage of the 2025 Tour de France, during which several sprinters, including Biniam Girmay and Louis Barré, went down, disrupted the sprint finish in the Tour de France.
- Despite the drama caused by the crash near a left-hand corner, involving sprinters like Biniam Girmay and Louis Barré, overall general classification contenders such as Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard were delayed but did not crash, ensuring no changes in the overall standings.
