Tour de France 2025: Pogačar Dominates Stage 4 with Masterful Sprint Victory in Rouen

A Historic Stage Victory

Stage 4 of the 2025 Tour de France concluded with an impressive display of power as Tadej Pogačar emerged victorious, outdueling both Mathieu van der Poel and Jonas Vingegaard in a hotly-contested sprint finish in Rouen.

Race Context and Significance

This year marks the 112th edition of the prestigious race, which began on July 5th and will cover a total distance of 3,338.8 kilometers across 21 stages through July 27th. The 2025 edition is particularly notable as it’s being raced entirely in France for the first time in five years, following an anti-clockwise route from Lille in the north through Normandy and Brittany before heading to the far south.

Stage 4 Details and Drama

The stage presented a significant challenge to the riders, with the final 45 kilometers featuring five categorized climbs – including three Category 4 and two Category 3 ascents. Prior to Stage 4, Mathieu van der Poel held the General Classification lead, with a mere four-second advantage over Pogačar and a six-second lead over two-time Tour champion Jonas Vingegaard.

The Broader Picture

The cycling world has been eagerly watching the ongoing rivalry between Pogačar and Vingegaard. Pogačar’s impressive career already includes three Tour victories, nine Monument wins, a World Championship Road Race title, and the 2024 Giro d’Italia. His dominance in the sport is reflected in his record-breaking contract with UAE Team Emirates XRG, worth $58 million over six years.

Looking Ahead

At just 26 years old, Pogačar is pursuing his fourth Tour title this year, with the potential to achieve the remarkable feat of winning all three Grand Tours in 2025. The tour will conclude with an innovative final stage on July 27th, breaking tradition by requiring riders to tackle narrow cobbled streets and climb Montmartre Hill three times, rather than the usual ceremonial ride into Paris.