Pogacar Pogacar didn’t need to win Stage 14 of the 2025 Tour de France to solidify his dominance. Despite finishing second behind Thymen Arensman on the grueling 37-kilometer mountain stage in the French Pyrenees, the defending champion extended his overall lead in the general classification.
The Slovenian sensation clocked in at 4 hours, 54 minutes, and 43 seconds—just over a minute behind Arensman’s winning time. With this result, Pogacar now leads two-time champion Jonas Vingegaard by a commanding 4 minutes and 13 seconds. The UAE Team Emirates leader is now within striking distance of claiming his fourth career Tour de France title.
Evenepoel’s abrupt exit stuns the peloton
In a shocking development that reshaped the race narrative, Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel withdrew early during Stage 14. The young prodigy, who had been holding the white jersey for the best young rider and was sitting third overall, exited due to undisclosed reasons. His retirement marked a dramatic turning point in the Tour and opened up podium opportunities for other contenders.
Evenepoel’s absence reshuffles the white jersey standings, with Germany’s Florian Lipowitz now donning the coveted jersey. Lipowitz, riding for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, is also closing in on the top three, trailing Pogacar Pogacar by just under eight minutes.
Arensman Shines Bright on Brutal Terrain
Thymen Arensman of INEOS Grenadiers delivered a masterclass on the mountains, claiming his second Grand Tour stage victory with a time of 4:53:35. Known for his resilience in tough terrains, Arensman’s triumph added a significant chapter to his climbing credentials.
His previous Grand Tour win came during the 2022 Vuelta a Espana. With this performance, he continues to establish himself as a serious force in multi-stage races.
Updated General Classification Standings (After Stage 14)
Tadej Pogacar (Slovenia) – 50:40:28
Jonas Vingegaard (Denmark) – +4:13
Florian Lipowitz (Germany) – +7:53
Oscar Onley (Great Britain) – +9:18
Kevin Vauquelin (France) – +10:21
Primoz Roglic (Slovenia) – +10:34
Jersey Leaders
Yellow (Overall): Tadej Pogacar
Green (Points): Jonathan Milan
Polka Dot (Mountains): Lenny Martinez
White (Young Rider): Florian Lipowitz
What’s Next: Stage 15 – Rolling Terrain and Tactical Battles
Riders now shift focus to 2025 Tour de France's Stage 15, a 160.3-kilometer journey from Muret to Carcassonne, set to take place on Sunday, July 20. Though lacking in alpine climbs, the rolling hills present tactical challenges and opportunities for breakaways.
With Evenepoel gone and the peloton restructured, Stage 15 could prove pivotal in shaping the final week of the Tour.