STAGE 4 COMPLETE - POGAČAR WINS!

World Champion claims milestone 100th career victory with explosive finish on hilly Normandy stage

Stage 4 At A Glance

Winner: Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) | Time: 3:50:29 | Yellow Jersey: Mathieu van der Poel

Key Moment: Pogačar's attack on Rampe Saint-Hilaire at km 169 set up explosive sprint finish

Distance: 174.2 km | Elevation: 1,319m total | Average Speed: 45.3 km/h

Stage 4 Overview

Date: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 | Distance: 174.2 km | Type: Hilly Stage | Start Time: 13:15 CEST

Stage 4 from Amiens Métropole to Rouen featured a deceptive profile that transformed from flat opening 125km to constant climbing in the final 50km. The stage included 5 categorized climbs culminating in the brutal Rampe Saint-Hilaire with gradients reaching 15 percent just 5km from the finish line.

STAGE 4 RESULTS: POGAČAR'S 100TH VICTORY!

Explosive finish sees World Champion claim milestone win

Career Win #100

Final Results - July 8, 2025

🥇 WINNER

Tadej POGAČAR
UAE Team Emirates-XRG
Time: 3:50:29
18th Tour stage win

Polka Dot Jersey

🥈 SECOND

Mathieu VAN DER POEL
Alpecin-Deceuninck
Time: s.t.
Retains Yellow Jersey

Yellow Jersey

🥉 THIRD

Jonas VINGEGAARD
Team Visma | Lease a Bike
Time: s.t.
Strong positioning

How The Race Unfolded

Early Breakaway Phase (km 0-150)

A four-rider breakaway formed early featuring Kasper Asgreen (EF Education-EasyPost), Lenny Martinez (Bahrain Victorious), Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility), and Thomas Gachignard (Total Energies). The group established a maximum gap of around 2 minutes but was kept on a tight leash by Alpecin-Deceuninck controlling the peloton.

The Decisive Attack (km 169)

THE RACE-WINNING MOVE: On the brutal Rampe Saint-Hilaire measuring 800 meters at 10.6 percent average gradient with sections reaching 15 percent, Tadej Pogačar launched a blistering attack with 5.5km remaining. Only Jonas Vingegaard could initially follow, but the duo was caught by a select group before the summit as the pace remained extremely high.

Explosive Sprint Finish

In a thrilling uphill sprint to the line in Rouen, João Almeida provided a perfect lead-out for his UAE teammate Pogačar. Van der Poel launched his sprint early from Almeida's wheel, but Pogačar timed his acceleration perfectly, coming around the outside with raw power to claim his 100th professional victory at just 26 years old. The winning margin was minimal with all three podium finishers credited with the same time.

Stage Statistics

Average Speed: 45.3 km/h
Weather: Partly cloudy, 22°C
Finishers: 181 riders
DNF: 0 riders
Time Bonuses Awarded:
1st: 10 seconds | 2nd: 6 seconds | 3rd: 4 seconds

Top 10 Stage Finishers

Position Rider Team Time Bonus
1 Tadej POGAČAR UAE Team Emirates-XRG 3:50:29 +10s
2 Mathieu VAN DER POEL Alpecin-Deceuninck s.t. +6s
3 Jonas VINGEGAARD Team Visma | Lease a Bike s.t. +4s
4 Oscar ONLEY DSM-Firmenich PostNL s.t. -
5 Romain GRÉGOIRE Groupama-FDJ s.t. -
6 João ALMEIDA UAE Team Emirates-XRG s.t. -
7 R. Evenepoel Team Visma | Lease a Bike s.t. -
8 M. Jorgenson Team Visma | Lease a Bike s.t. -
9 M. Skjelmose LIDL-Trek s.t. -
10 K. Vauquelin Arkea-B&B Hotels s.t. -

Jersey Standings After Stage 4

🟡 Yellow Jersey (General Classification)

Mathieu VAN DER POEL
Total Time: 15:39:58
Gap to 2nd: Same time as Pogačar
Leads on countback rules

🟢 Green Jersey (Points)

Jonathan MILAN
Points Classification Leader for stage 4
Position retained from earlier stages

🔴 Polka Dot Jersey (King of the Mountains)

Tadej POGAČAR
KOM Points Leader
Took jersey with points on final climbs

⚪ White Jersey (Best Young Rider)

Kévin VAUQUELIN
Youth Classification Leader
Best rider under 25 years old

General Classification After Stage 4

Position Rider Team Time Gap
1 Mathieu VAN DER POEL 🟡 Alpecin-Deceuninck 15:39:58 Leader
2 Tadej POGAČAR 🔴 UAE Team Emirates-XRG 15:39:58 s.t.
3 Jonas VINGEGAARD Team Visma | Lease a Bike 15:40:06 +8s
4 Wout VAN AERT Team Visma | Lease a Bike 15:40:29 +31s
5 Pello BILBAO Bahrain Victorious 15:40:29 +31s
9 Remco EVENEPOEL Soudal Quick-Step 15:40:56 +58s
12 Primož ROGLIČ Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe 15:41:25 +1:27

Post-Stage Reactions

Tadej Pogačar (Stage Winner)

"To win at the Tour is incredible, in this jersey even more, and to have 100 victories is amazing. I think today everybody was on the limit. I tried with an attack on the last climb and then Jonas followed me. João did such an amazing job to lead me out until the very end. I'm super happy and proud of the team today."
— Tadej Pogačar, UAE Team Emirates-XRG

Mathieu van der Poel (Yellow Jersey)

"I should be happy to have the jersey again. I was surrounded by climbers out there. Tadej was stronger, and it's as simple as that. Tomorrow Stage 5 time trial will be the big day, the real test of how good everyone is."
— Mathieu van der Poel, Alpecin-Deceuninck

Jonas Vingegaard (Third Place)

"It was a good day for us. We tried to put pressure on but Tadej is very strong. The time trial tomorrow will be interesting - Remco will be going full gas."
— Jonas Vingegaard, Team Visma | Lease a Bike

Looking Ahead to Stage 5

The Time Trial Showdown: Wednesday's 33km individual time trial around Caen is expected to significantly reshape the general classification. World Champion Remco Evenepoel is the hot favorite and needs to make up 58 seconds to take the yellow jersey. Van der Poel admitted his yellow jersey is likely gone after Stage 5.

Key Battle: Can Evenepoel put significant time into both Pogačar and Vingegaard in the time trial? The Belgian confidently stated he believes he can gain a minute on his rivals. This stage could establish the true GC hierarchy for the mountain stages ahead.

Stage 4 Analysis

What We Expected: A breakaway victory with attacks on the Rampe Saint-Hilaire climb determining the winner among escapees.

What Actually Happened: While a four-rider breakaway did form early in the stage, the exceptional pace set by Alpecin-Deceuninck protecting Van der Poel's yellow jersey and the aggressive GC teams meant the escapees never gained enough time to survive. Instead, we witnessed an explosive battle between the Tour's biggest names on the final climbs, with Pogačar's raw power and perfect timing proving decisive in the uphill sprint.

Power Output Analysis: Data compiled by Robert Wood, PhD, shows that the winning move required an estimated 7.0 to 7.5 watts per kilogram on the Rampe Saint-Hilaire, with Pogačar likely hitting 8 watts per kilogram or higher during his final acceleration. The high average speed of 45.3 kilometers per hour reflects the aggressive racing throughout the 174-kilometer stage.

Stage 4 Elevation Profile

Tour de France 2025 Stage 4 elevation profile showing hilly 174.2km route from Amiens to Rouen with 5 categorized climbs in finale

Source: Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)

Stage Characteristics

Distance: 174.2 kilometers
Elevation Gain: 1,319 meters total
Categorized Climbs: 5 climbs
Hardest Climb: Rampe Saint-Hilaire
Maximum Gradient: 15 percent
Average Speed: 45.3 km/h

Power Requirements for Hilly Stages

  • Sustained Power: 300 to 350 watts base power for breakaway riders over 3-4 hours
  • Climbing Power: 5.5 to 6.5 watts per kilogram on punchy ascents lasting 3-8 minutes
  • Attack Power: 7 to 8 watts per kilogram for 30 to 60 second explosive efforts
  • Rolling Terrain: Variable power output between 250 and 400 watts depending on gradients
  • Energy Systems: Approximately 70 percent aerobic and 30 percent anaerobic due to variable intensity
Stage 4 Power Analysis

Stage 4 presented a two-phase power challenge. The controlled first 125 kilometers required 250 to 300 watts average, then the explosive final 50 kilometers demanded 350 to 450 watts with spikes to 7 watts per kilogram or higher on the categorized climbs.

Key Gradient Challenge: The Rampe Saint-Hilaire at 10.6 percent average gradient required 6.2 to 6.8 watts per kilogram sustained for 3 to 4 minutes to stay with the leaders.

Test your climbing readiness with our lactate threshold test and power endurance assessment.

Stage 4 Route Map

Tour de France 2025 Stage 4 route map showing 174.2km course from Amiens to Rouen with 5 categorized climbs marked in final 50km

Source: Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)

Stage 4 Route Highlights

  • Start Location: Amiens Métropole at 13:15 CEST - historic city and former railway hub
  • Early Route: Flat southwest progression through Crèvecoeur-le-Grand and Gournay-en-Bray
  • Mid-Stage: Rolling countryside through Gerberoy, a picturesque medieval village
  • Tactical Phase (km 125): Côte de Jacques Anquetil begins 50 kilometers of constant climbing
  • Intermediate Sprint: Saint-Adrien at kilometer 155 positioned between first two climbs
  • Final Climb: Rampe Saint-Hilaire at kilometer 169 measuring 800 meters at 10.6 percent
  • Finish: Rouen with 4-kilometer descent followed by slight uphill to Boulevard de l'Yser

Historical Context

Rouen Significance: Capital of Normandy and historic site where Joan of Arc was executed in 1431

Tour History: André Greipel won a bunch sprint finish in Rouen in 2012, but this stage finale was completely different with its hilly approach

Jacques Anquetil: The five-time Tour de France winner died in Rouen in 1987, and the first categorized climb was named in his honor

Local Cuisine: Normandy region is famous for cheeses including Camembert and Pont-l'Évêque, along with apple cider and Calvados brandy

Stage 4 Time Schedule

Time (CEST) Event Location
11:15 Team Buses Arrive Amiens Métropole
12:15 Rider Sign-in Start Village
13:15 STAGE START Amiens Métropole
14:15 Breakaway Formation Approximately 30km mark
15:30 Côte de Jacques Anquetil Kilometer 125 (50km from finish)
16:15 Intermediate Sprint Saint-Adrien (kilometer 155)
16:45 Côte de Belbeuf Kilometer 145 (30km from finish)
17:00 TV Coverage Begins Final 30 kilometers
17:20 Rampe Saint-Hilaire Kilometer 169 (5km from finish)
17:30 STAGE FINISH Rouen

Stage 4 Climbs Analysis

Understanding Climb Classifications

Stage 4 featured 5 categorized climbs that demonstrate how the Tour's classification system works. The climbs ranged from Category 4 (easiest) to Category 3 (moderate difficulty).

HC
Beyond Category
8%+ for 10km+
Category 1
Difficult
6-8% for 8-15km
Category 2
Moderate
4-6% for 5-10km
Category 3
Hills
3-5% for 2-8km
Category 4
Small Hills
2-4% for 1-5km

KOM Points Distribution: HC = 20 points, Category 1 = 10 points, Category 2 = 5 points, Category 3 = 2 points, Category 4 = 1 point

Stage 4 KOM Opportunities: Total of 7 King of the Mountains points available across the 5 categorized climbs

Côte de Jacques Anquetil

Category 4
Length: 3.5 kilometers
Average Gradient: 3.6 percent
Position: Kilometer 125
KOM Points: 1 point

Strategic Impact: Opening climb that signals the start of the tactical 50-kilometer finale

Power Requirements: 300 to 350 watts for 8 to 10 minutes at moderate tempo

Historical Note: Named after five-time Tour winner Jacques Anquetil who died in Rouen

Côte de Belbeuf

Category 3
Length: 1.3 kilometers
Average Gradient: 9.1 percent
Position: Kilometer 145
KOM Points: 2 points

Strategic Impact: Steepest climb before the finale that created first serious selection

Power Requirements: 5.8 to 6.4 watts per kilogram for 4 to 5 minutes

Côte de Bonsecours

Category 4
Length: 900 meters
Average Gradient: 7.2 percent
Position: Kilometer 160
KOM Points: 1 point

Strategic Impact: Part of three-climb finale sequence with 15 kilometers remaining

Historical Note: Memorial site to Jean Robic who attacked here in 1947 and won the Tour

Côte de la Grand'Mare

Category 4
Length: 1.8 kilometers
Average Gradient: 5.0 percent
Position: Kilometer 165
KOM Points: 1 point

Strategic Impact: Penultimate climb setting up final attack on Rampe Saint-Hilaire

Power Requirements: 5.2 to 5.8 watts per kilogram for 5 to 6 minutes

Rampe Saint-Hilaire (DECISIVE CLIMB)

Category 3
Length: 800 meters
Average Gradient: 10.6 percent
Maximum Gradient: 15 percent
Position: Kilometer 169
KOM Points: 2 points

RACE DECIDER: Brutal climb with maximum gradients of 15 percent followed by 4-kilometer descent to finish line

Power Requirements: 6.5 to 7.2 watts per kilogram for 3 to 4 minutes above threshold

Stage 4 Reality: Pogačar launched his race-winning attack on this climb with 5 kilometers remaining

Stage 4 Sporting Stakes

Stage Winner Analysis

Tadej Pogačar's Victory: The Slovenian world champion demonstrated exceptional timing and power to claim his 100th professional victory. His attack on the Rampe Saint-Hilaire forced the race into explosive mode, and his perfectly timed sprint proved decisive against two of the sport's best finishers.

General Classification Impact

Yellow Jersey Battle: Despite finishing with the same time as Pogačar, Mathieu van der Poel retained the yellow jersey on countback rules. However, the Dutch champion acknowledged that his time in yellow is likely ending after Wednesday's time trial where time trial specialist Remco Evenepoel is heavily favored.

GC Contenders: Jonas Vingegaard finished third and sits just 8 seconds behind in the overall standings. The tight gaps at the top mean the Stage 5 time trial will be crucial for establishing the true hierarchy before the mountain stages.

Power Analysis of Winning Move

Research by Robert J. Wood, PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Western Australia and founder of Topend Sports, indicates that Pogačar's winning attack required exceptional power output. The initial acceleration on the 15 percent sections of Rampe Saint-Hilaire likely exceeded 8 watts per kilogram, followed by sustained power of 7 to 7.5 watts per kilogram through the technical descent and uphill finish.

Jersey Classifications Impact

Yellow Jersey

Impact: MODERATE
Leader: Van der Poel leads Pogačar on countback
Outlook: Likely changes hands in Stage 5 time trial

Green Jersey

Impact: LOW
Leader: Jonathan Milan
Outlook: Limited points available on hilly stage

Polka Dot Jersey

Impact: HIGH
New Leader: Tadej Pogačar
Points: Took jersey with KOM points from finale climbs

White Jersey

Impact: LOW
Leader: Kévin Vauquelin
Outlook: No changes among young riders

Looking Ahead

Stage 5 Time Trial: Wednesday's 33-kilometer individual time trial around Caen represents a crucial test for all GC contenders. World Champion Remco Evenepoel needs to make up 58 seconds to take the yellow jersey and is the overwhelming favorite for the stage win.

Key Questions: Can Evenepoel gain the predicted one minute on Pogačar and Vingegaard? Will Van der Poel lose significant time? How will Primož Roglič, already 1 minute 27 seconds behind, perform against the clock?

Hilly Stage Sports Science

Physiological Profile for Hilly Stages

According to sports science experts, successful performance on hilly stages like Stage 4 requires specific physiological characteristics:

  • VO2 Max: 70 to 80 milliliters per kilogram per minute for successful breakaway riders
  • Body Weight: 65 to 72 kilograms optimal for punchy climbing efforts
  • Muscle Fiber Composition: Balanced Type I and Type II fibers for varied demands
  • Lactate Tolerance: High buffering capacity essential for repeated explosive efforts
  • Power-to-Weight Ratio: 5.8 to 6.5 watts per kilogram for competitive climbing
  • Neuromuscular Power: Explosive ability crucial for short steep sections up to 15 percent

Other Tour de France 2025 Hilly Stages

If you're interested in hilly breakaway stages similar to Stage 4, check out these other 2025 Tour stages:

Breakaway Strategy Note: These hilly stages often prove decisive for the King of the Mountains competition and provide opportunities for aggressive racing tactics that can reshape the race.