The stage 21 finale of the Tour de France will be one for the ages as Wout van Aert secures his victory atop the iconic Montmartre climb, sending a crowd into rapturous applause. The Belgian rider delivered an unforgettable ride on the treacherous cobblestone cobbles, ultimately overpowering Tadej Pogacar to take the top spot.
The neutralized final stage was meant to prevent General Classification (GC) battles but instead led to a thrilling classics-style racing event. As riders navigated the narrow width and technical aspects of the climb, only six contenders made it through to compete for the win. Matteo Jorgensen paved the way for Wout van Aert’s historic victory with an invaluable service ride.
For van Aert, this moment was the culmination of his incredible comeback story after numerous serious injuries left him questioning his ability to return to form. His emotional reaction to winning spoke volumes about the magnitude of the achievement, as he struggled to comprehend the sheer scale of his success. The 2025 Tour de France has truly provided a fitting finale to an unforgettable season.
As the crowd erupted in cheers and applause when van Aert crossed the finish line, it was clear that this event had brought something special. The unbridled energy surrounding the French capital served as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Tour de France, drawing fans from far and wide into its orbit.
Source: https://defector.com/the-tour-de-frances-new-hardcore-paris-finale-was-one-for-the-ages