Tadej Pogačar is being widely regarded as the clear favorite for the 2025 Tour de France, edging out his main rival, Jonas Vingegaard. Cycling analysts, former professionals, and fans alike believe Pogačar’s recent dominance and his unique versatility across terrains place him in prime position to claim another Tour victory.
Pogačar’s stellar 2024 season included triumphs in both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France, as well as a victory in the World Championships. These accomplishments have cemented his status as one of the most complete riders of his generation. His ability to excel in high mountains, time trials, and even sprint finishes makes him a consistent threat.
The 2025 Tour de France route, revealed in late 2024, heavily favors climbers, featuring summit finishes on legendary climbs such as Mont Ventoux and Col de la Loze. Pogačar’s aptitude in the mountains is unmatched, though these climbs have been challenging for him in the past. Notably, the route includes stages where Pogačar has struggled in previous Tours, sparking speculation that the design could be aimed at testing his resilience. Addressing these challenges, Pogačar confidently stated that such a route only fuels his motivation to prove himself further.
While Jonas Vingegaard remains a formidable opponent, having won the Tour de France twice in recent years, experts argue that he lacks the consistency and all-round capabilities of Pogačar. Vingegaard has admitted to the difficulty of surpassing Pogačar but remains determined to improve and challenge him in the upcoming edition.
Cycling legend Miguel Indurain has also expressed his belief that Pogačar is the man to beat. He praised the Slovenian’s mental strength, tactical intelligence, and physical endurance, noting that such traits set him apart in a demanding event like the Tour de France.
As the 2025 Tour approaches, the rivalry between Pogačar and Vingegaard is shaping up to be one of the highlights of the cycling season. Fans can expect thrilling battles in the mountains and a display of world-class athleticism as these two titans compete for the yellow jersey.
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