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wout van aert

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Silas

Wout van Aert delivered a stunning solo victory on stage 21 of the 2025 Tour de France, triumphing on the newly-introduced Montmartre climb in Paris while Tadej Pogačar sealed his fourth overall Tour win[1][2].

With four stage wins and the Yellow Jersey already secured for Pogačar, the final day’s racing was reshaped by persistent rain, prompting organizers to neutralize the general classification standings after four passages of the Champs-Élysées. This allowed the final 50km, including three ascents of Montmartre, to become a dramatic battle for stage honors among the elite group of riders[1][5].

Van Aert, riding for Team Visma–Lease a Bike, was part of a six-rider lead selection including teammate Matteo Jorgenson, Matej Mohorič, Davide Ballerini, Matteo Trentin, and Pogačar. On the final climb, with roughly 400 meters to go, Van Aert attacked, dropping Pogačar and soloing to victory by 19 seconds. Ballerini and Mohorič completed the podium, with Pogačar relaxing over the line in fourth. For the Belgian, this marked his tenth career Tour stage win and his second triumph on the Champs-Élysées[1][2][5].

Reflecting post-race, Van Aert described the day as “really special” and credited his team’s support in the challenging, rain-soaked conditions, especially with the changed finale incorporating Montmartre. He noted that the tougher, technical course and wet cobblestones made the victory even more rewarding[3].

This stage win ends a three-year drought for Van Aert at the Tour de France and demonstrates his continued prowess in high-pressure, Classic-style racing. His performance was widely celebrated, with many fans and commentators calling it a fitting conclusion to a unique and challenging edition of the race[1][2].

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