Thymen Arensman: How Dutch Masterclass Shook Up  Tour de France Mountain Battle

Thymen Arensman:

Thymen Arensman: How Dutch Masterclass Shook Up Tour de France Mountain Battle

Festus Chuma 21:00 - 19.07.2025

Discover how Dutch rider Thymen Arensman delivered a stunning solo ride in the mountains to reshape the Tour de France.

Dutch rider Thymen Arensman won the Tour de France's toughest stage on Saturday with a courageous solo effort over a string of legendary Pyrenean climbs, sealing the biggest victory of his career.

Battling deep fog, fatigue, and fearsome gradients, the Ineos-Grenadiers rider crossed the finish line at the summit of Superbagnères visibly drained, collapsing to the ground with his head in his hands after a sensational ride.

Arensman launched his decisive move with 37 kilometers to go from a breakaway group, distancing his rivals and attacking the final brutal ascent alone.

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The final climb stretched over 12 kilometers, winding upward through thick mist to the ski resort. The Dutchman never looked back, holding off the chasing general classification contenders and etching his name into Tour de France history.

It marked Arensman’s second stage win at a Grand Tour, following his 2022 triumph in the Spanish Vuelta.

Arensman had no threat to the overall standings as the main contenders allowed him space, focusing instead on their own battle for yellow.

The day's punishing route, featuring iconic climbs such as the Col du Tourmalet, Col d’Aspin, Col de Peyresourde, and finally Superbagnères, delivered drama worthy of its reputation.

Pogačar Tightens Grip on Yellow as Vingegaard Fights to Keep Pace

Race leader Tadej Pogačar, wearing the yellow jersey, remained calm and composed as the peloton began to splinter in the high mountains.

Tadej Pogačar
Tadej Pogačar

Eight kilometers  were left when he and his chief rival Jonas Vingegaard were trailing Arensman by around three minutes. Vingegaard launched a probing attack with four kilometers to go, but Pogačar responded effortlessly.

The duo stayed close, trading glances more than blows in a tactical standoff. In the final kilometer, Pogačar accelerated to gain a few valuable seconds on Vingegaard, securing second place on the stage and padding his overall advantage.

By day’s end, Pogačar’s lead had grown to four minutes and 13 seconds over Vingegaard, a significant gap with just over a week of racing remaining. Florian Lipowitz moved up to third overall at 7:53 behind, benefitting from the early struggles and eventual withdrawal of Remco Evenepoel.

Evenepoel Cracks as Legendary Climbs Take Their Toll

The Olympic time trial champion, who began the day in third place overall, was dropped on the brutal ascent of the Col du Tourmalet.

Belgian Remco Evenepoel of Soudal Quick-Step pictured in action during stage 14 of the 2025 Tour de France

Despite his strong opening week, including a win in the first time trial, Evenepoel faltered in the Pyrenean terrain. He had already suffered in Friday’s uphill time trial to Peyragudes and failed to recover as the peloton attacked Saturday’s endless climbs.

Ultimately, Evenepoel abandoned the race, ending his Tour de France debut in disappointment. His departure reshuffled the general classification and removed one of the key challengers to Pogačar.

Looking ahead, Sunday’s 169-kilometer stage offers a brief respite from the mountains, with a route leading from Muret to the medieval city of Carcassonne.

The 2025 Tour de France continues to build momentum as it heads toward its Paris finale, but Arensman’s heroics in the misty mountains will long be remembered as one of the race’s defining moments.