Tadej Pogacar was once again unbeatable. © APA/afp / LOIC VENANCE

Climbing show gives Pogacar his 100th professional victory

As if unleashed, Tadej Pogacar stormed up the steep ramp of Saint-Hilaire with rival Jonas Vingegaard in his slipstream, then the exceptional talent rushed to his anniversary victory in the style of a sprinter.

July 08, 2025

From: dpa

The Slovenian defending champion has already shown an impressive demonstration of power on the fourth day of the 112th Tour de France with his 100th career victory, even if the yellow jersey will have to wait in the battle for seconds with classics specialist Mathieu van der Poel.

The road world champion won the 174,2-kilometer race from Amiens to Rouen in the hometown of five-time Tour winner Jacques Anquetil, ahead of van der Poel and Vingegaard. This puts him level with van der Poel, who remains in yellow. For Pogacar, it is the 18th Tour stage win of his career – this time wearing the rainbow jersey of the world champion.

Pogacar overjoyed

"Winning the Tour is incredible, even more so in the jersey. 100 victories is amazing. I'm super happy and proud," said Pogacar, adding: "Everyone was pushing hard. I attacked on the last climb, Jonas followed me, and everything came together again. With so many good riders, you never know what's going to happen."

Mathieu van der Poel continues to wear yellow. © APA/afp / LOIC VENANCE

Pogacar was – once again – in a league of his own. Only Vingegaard could match his explosive attacks on the final climb, which had gradients of up to 16 percent. After that, however, the two top stars slowed down, resulting in a sprint. Thanks to the time bonuses, Pogacar gained a small lead of eight seconds over his Danish rival in the overall standings. The first climbing duel between the Tour favorites, however, provided a taste of what the long mountain passes in the Pyrenees and Alps would bring.

Next duel in the individual time trial

Vingegaard, who says he's in the best shape of his career, has a chance to turn things around on Wednesday in the 33-kilometer individual time trial in Caen. "Tomorrow is the real test. We're fighting for the yellow jersey," Pogacar said.

Waiting for his chance: Jonas Vingegaard © APA/afp / MARCO BERTORELLO

In contrast to the previous day, sporting headlines dominated the proceedings this time, even though the peloton was not spared from further crashes on Tuesday. Just on Monday, sprint king Jasper Philipsen had withdrawn from the Tour after his crash, resulting in broken collarbones and ribs. The Belgian has already undergone surgery at the Herentals hospital. "The broken dream," headlined the The Team and the Belgian TV channel Sporza reported online: "From heaven to hell. Jasper Philipsen's Tour de France is over."

“Risking your life for ten points is madness.” Jonas Rickaert, teammate of Jasper Philipsen

Frenchman Bryan Coquard was identified as the cause of Philipsen's crash and received a warning, a 500 Swiss Francs fine, and a 13-point deduction. Philipsen's teammate Jonas Rickaert is unlikely to be reassured by this, nor by the Frenchman's apology: "He told me there was nothing he could do, but it's not the first time he's taken too many risks in the intermediate sprint, even though he can't win it. Risking his life for ten points is insane."

On the fourth stage, the sprinters had to hold back; the finale, with two category three and four climbs, was too steep. The fifth stage, with its battle against the clock, is also guaranteed to be exciting. If the Tour's patron has any weaknesses, it's the individual time trial. In the Dauphiné, Pogacar had recently lost 28 seconds to Vingegaard and 48 seconds to double Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel.