French cycling has finally found its hero for this 2025 Tour de France. Soudal–Quick-Step rider Valentin Paret-Peintre won the 16th stage of the Tour de France, which took place this Tuesday between Montpellier and the summit of Mont Ventoux. In a spectacular finish, he edged out Ben Healy, Santiago Buitrago, and his teammate Ilan Van Wilder after a perfectly controlled final sprint. The Frenchman won after a courageous breakaway, giving France its first victory in this Tour.
An explosive stage on the slopes of Ventoux
The return of Mont Ventoux as a stage finish, nine years after its last appearance at the summit, lived up to all expectations. Despite expectations of a direct battle between the general classification favorites, the day's breakaways managed to maintain a sufficient lead. Paret-Peintre proved the strongest in the final hundred meters, tearing himself away in the last 300 meters to win with authority.
Pogacar and Vingegaard, a duel without a winner
Behind, the battle for the yellow jersey was intense. Jonas Vingegaard tried to shake off Tadej pogacar attacking 9 kilometers from the summit. The Dane managed to blow away the other contenders, but the yellow jersey remained stuck to his wheel. Pogacar even launched a counterattack less than two kilometers from the finish line, but without managing to drop his rival. The gaps in the general classification therefore remain unchanged: Pogacar maintains his lead and seems stronger than ever.
Van der Poel forced to retire
Another highlight of the day was the withdrawal of Mathieu van der Poel. Having been ill for several days, the Dutch rider, stage winner in Boulogne-sur-Mer and former yellow jersey holder, did not start. His team confirmed that he was suffering from pneumonia, forcing him to leave the Tour prematurely.
With this performance, Valentin Paret-Peintre allows France to avoid a zero point in this 2025 Tour…
