Mathieu van der Poel finished second to Tadej Pogacar on 8 July 2025 during Stage 4 of the Tour de France, keeping the yellow jersey but admitting his legs were “burning” after the final climb.
What happened on Stage 4?
The 174.2 km ride from Amiens Métropole to Rouen saw Pogacar launch a decisive attack on the last ascent. Van der Poel tried to follow, but the Slovenian’s surge left him “in the red”. Despite a valiant sprint, the Dutch rider could not match Pogacar’s power and crossed the line a few seconds behind, surrendering the stage win.
Why did Van der Poel struggle?
Van der Poel explained that the climb pushed his muscles to the limit, describing a sensation of his legs “burning”. He added that the effort to stay with Pogacar left him “exhausted” for the finale sprint. The fatigue, combined with Pogacar’s superior sprinting, meant the Alpecin‑Deceuninck rider could not contest the win.
How does this affect his Tour ambitions?
Even though he missed the stage victory, Van der Poel retained the yellow jersey heading into the next day’s individual time trial. He warned that keeping it would be tough, especially against Pogacar’s form, but said riding in yellow again would be a pleasure, recalling his 2021 experience. The Dutchman’s realistic outlook suggests he will aim to defend the jersey while managing his energy.
What’s next for Van der Poel?
The rider hinted at a fresh target: the upcoming Mûr‑de‑Bretagne race on Friday. He acknowledged that Pogacar’s performance sets a high bar, yet Van der Poel remains motivated to chase another win. The next stage will test his recovery and climbing ability, crucial for any chance to reclaim the yellow jersey in the time trial.
How does this shape the Tour narrative?
Van der Poel’s candid remarks add drama to the 2025 Tour. His battle with Pogacar highlights a rivalry that could define the race’s outcome. While the Dutchman’s legs were taxed, his willingness to stay in contention keeps fans engaged, and his potential comeback at Mûr‑de‑Bretagne promises another exciting chapter.
And the story isn’t over. Van der Poel’s next move will reveal whether he can turn today’s disappointment into tomorrow’s triumph.