Stage 18 of the Tour de France 2025 unfolded with dramatic twists, including the abandonment of prominent riders and unexpected attacks on a challenging mountain course. The stage began in Vif, leading to Courchevel Col de la Loze, showcasing the resilience and strategy of competitors as they navigated the grueling terrain.
Carlos Rodriguez’s withdrawal from the race was a big blow to his team and supporters. His departure came at the crest of a tsunami of momentous changes. Most conspicuously, chief medical officer David Rozman — a veteran of the Ineos Grenadiers staff — departed the Tour de France. Lizzie Deignan’s departure from competitive cycling added to the mood. Today, her family, friends and colleagues are remembering her long, groundbreaking career.
As the race unfolded, Milan took the win in the intermediate sprint, putting his speed and tactical instinct on display. Meanwhile, Tadej Pogacar faced a pre-stage scare after a minor collision involving the Visma team car, raising concerns among his supporters ahead of the challenging climb.
Ben O’Connor took a courageous step when Beto-ing the hell out of Rubio. With only 17.5 kilometers to go, he opened up a lead of 3 minutes and 35 seconds from the Pogacar group. It was here that Simon Yates moved to the front, with Sepp Kuss right on his wheel. The dynamic shifted dramatically as Adam Yates guided Pogacar through a cacophony of cheering fans, adding to the electrifying atmosphere just 4.5 kilometers from the finish.
With 9 kilometers to go, when Narvaez and Adam Yates took turns at the head of the group training Pogacar up the mountain, the competition was lost. The gruppetto of 66 riders came in two hours plus down. They didn’t make 3rd from last at the front of the race but were 26 min 18 sec behind. Jonas Vingegaard stayed safe in the yellow jersey pack with Pogacar that kept the overall General Classification leader with a huge margin.
As the final stretch loomed, Pogacar was backed up by Jhonathan Narvaez and Adam Yates with 14.5 kilometers left. Despite the controversy, O’Connor’s campaign members shrugged it off and pressed forward, widening O’Connor’s lead. At just 7 kilometers to go on the stage still 3’26” ahead of the yellow jersey group.
David’s analysis of time cuts in previous races was particularly poignant.
“Re: the time cut, in 2001 in Pontarlier (where we are going on Stage 20) a breakaway group of fourteen were 35 minutes ahead of the peloton, who should have been out of the race according to a strict application of the rules.” – David
Sean Kelly gave his hot takes not just on what Pogacar’s performance means, but on the strategy of competitive killer, Pogacar, brought to Visma-Lease A Bike.
“The peloton was allowed to continue in the race.” – David
He even hinted that the squad should expect to be forced to change their strategy.
“This is not a good situation for Visma-Lease A Bike,” – Sean Kelly
As O’Connor forged ahead, speculation grew about whether Vingegaard’s team would begin to attack Pogacar’s position or maintain their current strategy. Kelly noted:
“They have to see if they can break Pogacar on the final climb.” – Sean Kelly
The stage was truly invigorated with silly antics. Audience members enjoyed the elaborate and extravagant publicity caravan that follows the Tour de France.
“Vingegaard can’t see the pace early in the climb,” – Kelly
For viewers at home unable to witness the race live, Stephanie provided updates from afar.
“Because that way, Pogacar gets an easy ride.” – Kelly
The stage also brought moments of levity as spectators enjoyed the colorful publicity caravan that accompanies the Tour de France.
“We’ve just enjoyed a swag-fest from the publicity caravan. Hats, shirts, sausages, olive oil, sweets, drinks and general tat. All part of the tour … Vive la Caravan.” – Jeremy Whittle
For viewers at home unable to witness the race live, Stephanie provided updates from afar.
“What I understand from reading these updates (I am in Western US, and I cannot watch) is Vingegaard/Visma is not attacking,” – Stephanie