"Thymen Arensman, victor of two Tour de France stages, reflects on his getaway, drawing from the experience"
Thymen Arensman Wins Stage 19 of the 2025 Tour de France
Thymen Arensman, a 25-year-old rider for Ineos Grenadiers, claimed victory in Stage 19 of the Tour de France, making a decisive solo attack in the final 37 kilometers over tough mountain climbs, including the 12 km final ascent to La Plagne ski resort [1][3][4].
The stage, running from Albertville to La Plagne in the northern Alps, presented a challenging 19km climb with a 7.2% gradient [2]. The climb was made more difficult by incessant, heavy, cold rain [1]. Despite the adverse conditions, Arensman held off the favourites, Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard, for several kilometres [3].
Arensman's victory was a result of a well-timed, sustained solo breakaway deep into the stage that created a gap the leaders could not close [3][4]. His exceptional climbing strength and endurance on the stage's final demands enabled him to reach the summit and the finish line first, over a minute ahead of Pogacar and Vingegaard who battled closely behind [3].
Pogacar, who wanted to win another stage, made a significant effort on the front of the pack during the stage [2]. However, he played it safe and settled for chasing rhythm rather than an all-out attack, acknowledging Arensman's deserved win [1]. Towards the end of the stage, the gap to Arensman began to close rapidly due to the efforts of Florian Lipowitz and Oscar Onley [1].
In the final sprint for second place, Vingegaard edged Pogacar by inches, marking a psychological victory for the Dane even as Arensman claimed the stage win [2]. Arensman's radio informed him that he had a steady lead of around 30 seconds [4]. However, he nearly got caught on the line due to looking back at his competitors [4]. Arensman regretted looking back as it could have distracted him [4].
Thymen Arensman, who won his first stage of the Tour de France only five days previously, on stage 14 at Superbagnères [1], is likely done with stage hunting for the Tour de France. He has shown that he is a formidable competitor, capable of challenging the best mountain leaders in the sport.
sports: Thymen Arensman's victory in Stage 19 of the Tour de France showcases his exceptional climbing strength, making him a formidable competitor in sports.
sports: Despite Arensman's impressive win, other top riders like Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard continue to present strong competition in the world of sports.
