Wout van Aert’s electrifying solo victory on the iconic Champs-Élysées during the 2025 Tour de France was a moment etched in cycling history, destined to be replayed in highlight reels for years to come. Yet, as revealed in Team Visma | Lease a Bike’s Tour de France documentary, this triumph carried an unexpected twist: van Aert was unaware that he had shaken off none other than Tadej Pogačar, the reigning yellow jersey holder, on the punishing slopes of Montmartre. This revelation adds a layer of intrigue to an already remarkable achievement, highlighting both van Aert’s relentless drive and the unpredictable drama of the Tour’s final stage.
The 2025 Tour de France concluded in an unconventional manner, with its finale set against the backdrop of a rain-soaked Parisian circuit. Heavy downpours had rendered the urban course treacherous, prompting many riders to adopt a cautious approach. The slick cobbles and tight corners of the capital city posed a significant risk, and with the general classification (GC) already decided—neutralized due to the hazardous conditions—most competitors prioritized safety over spectacle. However, van Aert, the Belgian powerhouse known for his versatility and tenacity, had no intention of easing up. Neither did Pogačar, the Slovenian superstar whose dominance in recent Tours had made him a near-invincible figure. The stage was set for a clash of titans, particularly on the decisive climb up Montmartre, a short but steep ascent that would test the peloton’s resolve.
As van Aert powered up the Montmartre climb, his focus was singular: attack and create a gap. Unbeknownst to him, his ferocious pace had caused a rare crack in Pogačar’s armor. The yellow jersey wearer, typically unshakeable, faltered under the Belgian’s relentless tempo, unable to match the surge. For van Aert, the moment was not about realizing he had dropped one of cycling’s greatest talents but about seizing the opportunity to secure a stage win in the most prestigious race of all. His effort culminated in a breathtaking solo ride to the finish line on the Champs-Élysées, a victory that stood out not only for its audacity but also for its historical significance in the context of the Tour’s altered finale.
Reflecting on the stage in the documentary, van Aert expressed a mix of disbelief and humor, noting that he “basically gave [himself] cramps for nothing.” This candid admission underscores the intensity of his effort and the irony of his unawareness. Had he known Pogačar was no longer in contention, he might have paced himself differently, but his all-out approach exemplified his competitive spirit. The Montmartre climb, though brief, became the defining moment of the stage, a rare instance where Pogačar, the 2020 and 2021 Tour champion, showed vulnerability. The 2025 Tour’s unique circumstances—rain, a neutralized GC, and an urban circuit—only amplified the significance of van Aert’s triumph.
This victory added another chapter to van Aert’s illustrious career, cementing his reputation as one of cycling’s most formidable all-rounders. For Pogačar, the moment was a reminder of the sport’s unpredictability, even for its brightest stars. The 2025 Tour de France, with its dramatic Parisian conclusion, will be remembered not just for van Aert’s heroics but for the unseen battle on Montmartre, where a champion was briefly dethroned, unbeknownst to the victor himself.
