Rain alters Tour de France finale, doing away with its competitive edge
In a surprising turn of events at the final stage of the 2025 Tour de France, the race times were neutralized and the race stopped at the 4th passage during the circuit around the Sacré-Cœur basilica. The decision was made due to slippery conditions caused by rain on the cobbled streets of Montmartre, creating safety risks for the riders.
Organisers, along with the International Cycling Union (UCI) commissaries and team/rider representatives, decided to freeze the overall times before the three laps featuring the Montmartre climb to prevent accidents on the rain-slicked cobbles.
General Classification Remains Unchanged
This neutralization meant that the general classification (GC) standings remained unchanged from that point onward, with Tadej Pogačar maintaining his lead and eventual victory. The final 50 kilometers, including the new circuits around Montmartre with tight bends and cobbled climbs, still saw aggressive and exciting racing, culminating in Wout van Aert winning the stage. However, these efforts did not affect the overall race standings because the organisers took the times at the 4th passage, effectively neutralizing the time gaps among GC contenders for the rest of the stage.
Tadej Pogačar Secures Fourth Title
As a result, Tadej Pogačar was declared the overall winner of the 2025 Tour de France, securing his fourth title, as he only had to safely finish the race after the neutralization was applied. The stage win went to Wout van Aert, who attacked and soloed to victory in the final kilometers, but this did not change the overall classification.
The neutralization allowed rivals to ride more cautiously, knowing their overall positions were secure, contributing to a safer but still thrilling finale.
Route and Crowd
The route of the race includes three circuits around the Sacre Coeur basilica for the first time this year. The races at last year's Paris Olympics were attended by huge crowds, and this year's Tour de France was no exception, with tens of thousands of people gathering at the Sacre Coeur basilica to watch the stage.
In summary, the decision to neutralize times and stop the race clock at the 4th passage was a safety measure driven by weather and road conditions. It preserved the overall standings while still allowing an exciting race for the stage win, ultimately confirming Pogačar's overall victory without risk to the riders.
- Neutralization of the times in the 2025 Tour de France meant that the general classification (GC) standings remained unchanged, allowing Tadej Pogačar to maintain his lead and secure his fourth title.
- The neutralization also contributed to a safer finale as it allowed rivals to ride more cautiously, knowing their overall positions were secure during the exciting stage race.
