Pogačar wins his 100th career victory in the Tour de France 4 days Cycling Race.
Tadej Pogacar, the 26-year-old Slovenian sensation and UAE Team Emirates rider, continues to cement his legacy as one of cycling’s modern greats. On Stage 4 of the 2025 Tour de France, held between Amiens and Rouen, Pogacar executed a breathtaking uphill sprint finish that earned him his 100th professional victory. This milestone victory comes amidst a fierce competition with Dutch powerhouse Mathieu van der Poel, who finished closely behind to retain the coveted yellow jersey. Danish contender Jonas Vingegaard secured the third spot, making it a gripping day for cycling enthusiasts worldwide.
An Adrenaline-Fueled Stage Full of Climbs and Tactical Battles
The 174.2-kilometer route from Amiens to Rouen was anything but straightforward. The course featured five short but demanding climbs in the last 50 kilometers, challenging riders to strategically conserve energy while preparing for a decisive finale. Among these, the final ascent on the Rampe Saint-Hilaire, an 800-meter stretch averaging a punishing 10.6% gradient, set the stage for the dramatic conclusion.
Pogacar, known for his explosive power and climbing prowess, timed his attack to perfection. With just 50 meters remaining on the incline, he unleashed a surge that outpaced van der Poel, leaving the crowd in awe. The win wasn’t just about speed; it was a display of strategy, endurance, and sheer will.
Van der Poel, who assumed the yellow jersey after Stage 2, tried to hold Pogacar off, and despite his best efforts, the Slovenian’s sprint was unstoppable. Jonas Vingegaard, a familiar rival and fellow top contender, managed to bridge back after Pogacar initially distanced him but ultimately had to settle for third.
UAE Team Emirates: Precision and Support Behind the Win
Pogacar’s success is inseparable from the collective effort of UAE Team Emirates. Their flawless coordination during the final kilometers, including a well-executed lead-out, provided Pogacar the ideal platform to launch his winning attack. The team’s support riders worked tirelessly to control the peloton, protect Pogacar from wind and crashes, and maintain position for the sprint.
This victory highlights UAE Team Emirates’ rising prominence in professional cycling and underscores the importance of regional support, especially for Middle Eastern fans who proudly back their team on this global stage.
Rivalries Heat Up: Pogacar, Van der Poel, and Vingegaard Eye Overall Glory
The battle for the yellow jersey remains tight. Van der Poel leads the general classification, tied closely on time with Pogacar, with Vingegaard just seconds behind. Their ongoing duels on climbs, sprints, and time trials are captivating cycling fans globally.
Van der Poel openly praised Pogacar’s strength post-stage, acknowledging the Slovenian’s superior sprint. The competition promises to intensify in the upcoming time trial stage in Caen, where every second counts.
Rouen Stage Marred by Chaos: Crashes and a Knife Incident
Despite the thrilling competition, Stage 4 also saw moments of concern. Multiple crashes disrupted the peloton in the closing 50 kilometers, luckily without serious injuries. More alarming was a security incident in Rouen where a man brandishing a knife slightly injured a police officer before being shot during an attempted escape. Authorities quickly contained the situation, ensuring no life-threatening injuries occurred.
This incident spotlighted the importance of heightened security measures during major sporting events and raised awareness around rider and spectator safety.
Pogacar’s Road to 100 Wins: A Historic Achievement at Age 26
Reaching 100 professional victories is a rare feat, especially at such a young age. Pogacar joins the ranks of legends like Peter Sagan and Alejandro Valverde, who achieved similar milestones in their careers. Since his first pro win in 2019, Pogacar has been a dominant force in cycling, capturing multiple Grand Tour titles, Classics victories, and national championships.
His aggressive yet tactical racing style, combined with physical endurance and mental toughness, has earned him widespread acclaim and a loyal fan base.
Previewing Stage 5: The Crucial Time Trial in Caen
All eyes now turn to Stage 5, a 33-kilometer individual time trial around Caen, which could dramatically reshape the general classification standings. This stage favors riders with strong time trial abilities, including Belgian world and Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel, who is expected to challenge for the yellow jersey.
Pogacar acknowledges the importance of this stage, calling it “the real test of how good everyone is.” Van der Poel, who has held the yellow jersey since Stage 2, admits this may be his last day in the lead, showing respect for the upcoming challenge.
The time trial course is relatively flat but technical, demanding a combination of power, aerodynamics, and pacing. Weather conditions, equipment choices, and mental focus will be critical factors.
A Milestone Victory and Exciting Times Ahead
Tadej Pogacar’s Stage 4 victory at the 2025 Tour de France marks a pivotal moment in his illustrious career his 100th professional win. The explosive uphill sprint not only showcased his immense talent but also signaled the fierce competition ahead, with Mathieu van der Poel still holding the yellow jersey and Jonas Vingegaard close behind.
The upcoming time trial in Caen promises to be a defining test, potentially reshuffling the leaderboards. As the race unfolds, fans from around the world, especially in the UAE and Middle East, will continue to rally behind Pogacar and UAE Team Emirates, celebrating their achievements on cycling’s grandest stage.
