🇫🇷 Aurélien Paret-Peintre delivered a stunning performance on the legendary Mont Ventoux, seizing a career-defining stage win in what felt like a cycling masterpiece. Meanwhile, Tadej Pogačar kept full control of the yellow jersey, continuing to make history in the 2025 Tour de France.
🎨 Paret-Peintre Paints His Masterpiece
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Riding for Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, the Frenchman attacked brilliantly in the final kilometers of the climb.
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He powered up the fearsome slopes of Ventoux with courage and composure, crossing the finish line solo.
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This is the biggest victory of his career — and one of the most emotional moments for a French rider in this year’s Tour.
💬 “This is a childhood dream. Winning on Ventoux feels like painting a masterpiece,” said Paret-Peintre after the finish.
🟡 Pogačar Remains Untouchable
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Tadej Pogačar, the UAE Team Emirates leader, didn’t win the stage but once again showed his dominance.
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He calmly marked all key rivals — including Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel — and finished comfortably in the same group.
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The Slovenian now holds a commanding lead in the general classification and continues to set new records, including most days in yellow for a non-French rider under 27.
🔥 General Classification (unofficial after Ventoux stage):
| Rank | Rider | Team | Time Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tadej Pogačar | UAE Team Emirates | — |
| 2 | Jonas Vingegaard | Team Visma | Lease a Bike |
| 3 | Remco Evenepoel | Soudal–Quick-Step | +2'10 |
| ... | Aurélien Paret-Peintre | Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale | +5'45 |
🏔️ What’s Next:
The race heads into the high Alps, with brutal summit finishes above 2,000 meters. The climbing specialists will look for a chance to shake Pogačar, but for now, he remains firmly in command.