French home victory on Mont Ventoux

Professional cyclist Valentin Paret-Peintre celebrated the prestigious stage victory on the legendary mountain Mont Ventoux at the 112th edition of the Tour de France.

July 22, 2025

From: dpa

It was the first French Tour stage win this year. After the highest-category climb, the 24-year-old professional cyclist crossed the finish line on the 16th stage in a thrilling finale ahead of Irishman Ben Healy and Colombian Santiago Buitrago.

After the 171,5 kilometers, starting in the southern French city of Montpellier, defending champion Tadej Pogacar missed the win because he couldn't catch the fugitive pros who had broken away, crossing the finish line 43 seconds behind in fifth place. Previously, many observers had considered the overall leader from Slovenia a clear contender for victory.

Wednesday last chance for the sprinters?

In the overall standings, Pogacar, wearing the yellow jersey, remains at the top with a 4:15-minute lead over Jonas Vingegaard. German hopeful Florian Lipowitz, who wears the white jersey as the best young rider, successfully defended his position and remains in third place overall, now 9:03 behind Pogacar.

Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard engaged in a heated exchange. © ANSA / CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON

On Wednesday, the sprinters are in demand. Given the Montmartre crossings on the final day in Paris, this could be the last chance for the fast cyclists to win the stage. On the 160,4-kilometer section between Bollène and Valence, they only have to negotiate two small, category-four hills.

Keywords cycling racing bike Tour de France Mont Ventoux