🚴 Weekly Cycling News Roundup — Monday, 28 July 2025
1. Pogačar Crowned Tour de France Champion — Fourth Win, Unassailable Display
What happened:
Tadej PogaÄŤar wrapped up his fourth overall Tour de France victory in dramatic style despite not taking the final stage. He dominated across mountains, time trials, and team tactics, finishing nearly 4:30 ahead of rivals and capturing both the polka-dot mountains jersey and second in points .
Why it matters:
Four wins at age 26 puts him in rare air—only behind Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Miguel Indurain and tied with Froome. But what stands out is his restraint: after seizing yellow earlier, he eased off in the second week, choosing class over chaos. Yet when he saw Wout van Aert attacking on cobbled Montmartre, on the final stage racing instincts took over and he battled hard; the result? Van Aert soloed to victory—nostalgia and panache captured in one rainy finale.
Our take:
The man might chase records later, but for now he’s chasing balance. Four wins and counting, but clearly valuing recovery and purpose over Hollywood sprint finales.
2. Pogacar’s TT Perfection: Smokes Field Without Aero Bars on Peyragudes
What happened:
Stage 13’s individual mountain time trial saw Pogačar demolish rivals by 36 seconds atop Peyragudes—on his standard climbing bike, no aero extensions in sight .
Why it matters:
It’s one thing to win by seconds, but to do so without aero gear in a time trial? It’s time-trial diplomacy: technique, power, and perhaps a message—that real strength transcends gimmicks.
Our take:
If professionalism had a soundtrack, it would be silence. Pogačar’s quiet confidence reminds us: you don’t need flashy toys to win; you just need them fewer.
3. Paret‑Peintre’s Pop: First French Victory on Mont Ventoux, Rear‑Guard Tactics Thrill
What happened:
Valentin Paret‑Peintre stunned the Tour on Stage 16, soloing to a first-ever French win atop Mont Ventoux while Pogačar extended GC lead through tactical resilience against Vingegaard’s multiple attacks .
Why it matters:
Mont Ventoux isn’t for the faint-hearted. For a Frenchman to win there while maintaining respect for the GC battle—priceless. Vingegaard attacked Pogačar four times, but couldn’t break his rhythm; still, time was lost, and France had cause to cheer.
Our take:
It’s proof that even in Tour duels, opportunism can still shine. Paret‑Peintre’s win was tactically sweet and nationally meaningful—a rare double.
4. Tom Pidcock Soars to European MTB XC Title in Portugal
What happened:
Mountain‑bike superstar Tom Pidcock added continental gold to his CV by winning the men’s cross‑country race at the European Championships in Portugal, showcasing all-round riding talent on singletrack .
Why it matters:
He’s ridden Classics, Olympics, and now XC—across disciplines, he adapts with flair. This title confirms that whether he’s on pavement or soil, Pidcock’s range is uncanny.
Our take:
If you doubt that modern cycling merges track, road, and dirt, let this be your reminder: pro versatility is the new vogue. Pidcock is proof—just don’t ask him to fix your GPS.
5. Tour Tech Unveiled: Wheels, Hubs and Saddles that Cost More Than Most Bikes
What happened:
Cyclingnews’ gallery revealed gear from the Tour: $1,700 hubs, $1,400 saddles, four stunning new bikes, and custom setups that looked like they cost more than local commuter budgets .
Why it matters:
This goes beyond marginal gains—it’s marginal extravagance. When you’re prying tenths of seconds from mechanical quirks, the price tag becomes part of the strategy.
Our take:
It’s a peek behind the curtain: cycling tech is now performance theatre. You might not ride it—but gawking is allowed.
