France's Valentin Paret-Peintre (Soudal Quick-Step) ended the host nation's long wait for a win with a nail-biting Tour de France Stage 16 victory on Mont Ventoux as Tadej Pogacar (UAE Emirates-XRG) weathered the storm to strengthen his grip on the yellow jersey by two extra seconds.

Valentin Paret-Peintre makes history as the first French stage winner of the 2025 Tour de France atop Mont Ventoux, while Tadej Pogačar strengthens his hold on the yellow jersey after fending off Vingegaard’s attacks.

Valentin Paret-Peintre triumphed on Mont Ventoux to become the first home rider to win a stage at this year’s Tour de France, while Tadej Pogacar consolidated his overall lead Tuesday (July 22, 2025).

Frenchman Valentin Paret-Peintre wins atop Mont Ventoux as Tadej Pogacar keeps yellow jersey - The 24-year-old claimed his maiden Tour de France stage victory to become the first French winner of this

A promised two-rider battle fades away as the three-time winner from Slovenia shows his superiority in the Pyrenees—and everywhere else.

But behind Pogacar stands a massive support team that ensures he wants for nothing. While much of that support comes from within his team, one key component is external: an Italian shoe manufacturer that’s been giving “Pogi” the best shoes in the game since 2020.

The battle for the Tour de France’s yellow jersey lasted 12 days, but really it lasted about five minutes. That’s how long Tadej Pogacar waited before attacking Jonas Vingegaard on the Hautacam, the first hors-categorie mountain of the Tour,