Behind Pogacar, Vingegaard and Evenepoel, their main challengers see opportunities for at least a Tour podium

Whenever we were talking about a Tour de France victory in 2024, the focus was mostly on Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard and maybe Remco Evenepoel. However, behind this phenomenal trio, many outsiders are eager to join them in 2025. Riders like Primoz Roglic and Enric Mas likely watched the Tour de France route presentation on Tuesday with satisfaction.

First, let’s consider the Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe camp. A new powerhouse in cycling, though this didn’t fully materialize in the 2024 Tour de France with Roglic. The Slovenian had to withdraw early after a crash, and Jai Hindley and Aleksandr Vlasov didn’t have the legs. Nevertheless, the potential remains, which team leader Rolf Aldag also told the media present. "We’re going to examine the route in detail over the coming weeks and are also waiting for the Giro d’Italia route. After that, we’ll decide how to position ourselves."

In 2024, Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe went all in for the Tour. Will it be the same next year? The route seems excellent for Roglic, Hindley and Vlasov. "The first part will be challenging, as there can be strong winds in the north of France, making it very technical. It will be tough before the first rest day in the Pyrenees, where the mountains come in late. The second and third weeks will be very difficult, with truly tough stages in the Alps during the third week. It’s not the toughest Tour of all time, but it will be challenging and technical from the start."

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Primoz Roglic

Can Movistar compete for the podium in the Tour de France once again?

Davide Cimolai recently told Spanish media that Movistar aims to win a grand tour in 2025. The Tour might not seem very suitable for this with all the big names in the mix, but the route is nevertheless well-suited to Enric Mas. The Spaniard, who usually performs best in the Vuelta a España, will likely be pleased. "It’s a very appealing Tour de France, and we’re happy about it," said team manager Eusebio Unzué via the team’s official channels.

"The first gaps in the classification will appear on day five, in the time trial in Caen," the Spaniard further analyzed. "In the Pyrenees, new gaps will follow before the Alps determine the standings. An authentic Tour de France, which will return to its spectacular finish on the Champs Elysées after the Olympic Games. That’s something we love."

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