The final week of the 2025 Tour de France has reached a pivotal moment with the penultimate stage featuring a demanding 184km route from Nantua to Pontarlier, following an exciting conclusion to the Alpine stages.
Thymen Arensman claimed victory in a shortened Stage 19, successfully breaking away from contenders Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard. Oscar Onley, however, faced setbacks as he fell behind Florian Lipowitz, negatively impacting his dreams of a podium finish.
Stage 20 includes four categorised climbs that present a unique challenge, especially for puncheurs who thrive on steep gradients. The steep Cote de Thesy, positioned toward the end of the stage, could add intrigue and shake up the general classification, with the potential for shifts in the standings.
Despite the challenges ahead, it appears that Pogacar, who currently holds a firm grip on the yellow jersey, is on track for what would be his fourth Tour de France victory. His dominance is becoming more apparent as the race nears its conclusion.
Cycling enthusiasts can look forward to the latest updates and action as the Tour nears its grand finale in Paris, where the overarching theme has been one of resilience and competition among the best in cycling. The anticipation of watching Pogacar possibly secure his fourth title adds to the excitement of this storied event.