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2025 Tour de France contenders Tadej Pogacar
Bert Templeton
June 2, 2025

The 2025 Tour de France, the 112th edition of cycling’s most prestigious race, promises a thrilling battle among the world’s elite riders. Starting in Lille on July 5 and concluding in Paris on July 27, the 3,600-kilometer route features grueling climbs, sprint-friendly stages, and time trials that will test the mettle of the 2025 Tour de France contenders. With Tadej Pogačar aiming for a historic fourth title, sprinters like Jasper Philipsen chasing the green jersey, and climbers like Richard Carapaz targeting the polka dots, the race is set for drama. American riders, including Matteo Jorgenson and Sepp Kuss, are also poised to shine. This article analyzes the route, profiles the top 2025 Tour de France contenders, and highlights American stars ready to make their mark.

2025 Tour de France Route: A Balanced Challenge for Contenders

The 2025 Tour de France route, unveiled in October 2024, offers a diverse challenge for the 2025 Tour de France contenders. Spanning 21 stages, the race begins in northern France with a flat stage in Lille, ideal for sprinters. The first week includes cobbled sections in stage four, reminiscent of Paris-Roubaix, and a time trial in Caen on stage seven, testing all-around skills. The route then heads to the Pyrenees for stages 10 and 11, featuring iconic climbs like the Col du Tourmalet. After a rest day, the Alps dominate the second half, with summit finishes at La Plagne and Courchevel. The final stage in Paris includes a climb up Montmartre, a twist that could disrupt the traditional sprint finish.

This balanced course favors versatile riders among the 2025 Tour de France contenders. General classification (GC) hopefuls need climbing prowess and time-trial strength, while sprinters will target seven to eight flat stages, as noted by Jasper Philipsen. Climbers will battle for points on nine categorized ascents, and young riders under 25 will vie for the white jersey in a race that rewards consistency.

Stage-by-Stage Analysis: 2025 Tour de France Route

The 2025 Tour de France covers 3,320 km with 51,550 meters of climbing across 21 stages: seven flat, six hilly, six mountain stages with five summit finishes, and two time trials. Below is a stage-by-stage analysis, including stage type, key points, and historical performances by riders on similar stages or climbs.

Stage 1: Lille to Lille (Flat, 185 km)

  • Type: Flat
  • Key Points: The Grand Départ in Lille features a sprint-friendly stage with three small climbs—Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, Mont Cassel, and Mont Noir (cobbled, 40 km from the finish)—offering early polka dot points. The flat finish suits pure sprinters.
  • Historical Context: Mark Cavendish won a similar flat stage in 2015 in Utrecht, leveraging his sprint prowess. In 1994, Lille hosted a Grand Départ where Chris Boardman excelled. Expect sprinters like Jasper Philipsen or Biniam Girmay to dominate among 2025 Tour de France contenders.

Stage 2: Valenciennes to Dunkirk (Flat, 172 km)

  • Type: Flat
  • Key Points: A 172 km stage with 648 meters of elevation gain, this is a classic bunch sprint stage along northern France’s coast. Crosswinds could split the peloton.
  • Historical Context: In 2001, Dunkirk featured in a sprint stage won by Erik Zabel. Cavendish’s 35 career stage wins, including flat stages, make him a historical benchmark for sprinters like Philipsen among 2025 Tour de France contenders.

Stage 3: Amiens to Rouen (Hilly, 173 km)

  • Type: Hilly
  • Key Points: This undulating stage includes a punchy finish with climbs near Rouen, favoring puncheurs over pure sprinters. The final 5 km could see attacks from versatile riders.
  • Historical Context: In 2012, Peter Sagan won a hilly Rouen stage, showcasing his ability to handle short climbs. Mathieu van der Poel or Wout van Aert could target this stage among 2025 Tour de France contenders.

Stage 4: Caen to Caen (Time Trial, 33 km)

  • Type: Individual Time Trial
  • Key Points: A flat 33 km time trial in Caen suits specialists like Remco Evenepoel. It’s the first major test for GC riders, with time gaps possible.
  • Historical Context: Chris Boardman won a 1994 Caen time trial, and Greg LeMond’s 1989 time-trial dominance secured his Tour victory. Evenepoel and Filippo Ganna are key 2025 Tour de France contenders here.

Stage 5: Baveux to Vire Romandie (Hilly, 190 km)

  • Type: Hilly
  • Key Points: A lumpy stage with rolling terrain, this could favor breakaways or puncheurs. The finish in Vire Romandie is less technical, but climbs like Mont Pinçon set the tone.
  • Historical Context: In 2011, a similar hilly stage saw Cadel Evans position himself for GC contention. Riders like Van der Poel or Julian Alaphilippe could shine among 2025 Tour de France contenders.

Stage 6: Saint-Malo to Mûr-de-Bretagne Guerlédan (Hilly, 194 km)

  • Type: Hilly
  • Key Points: The Mûr-de-Bretagne (2 km at 6.9%) returns, with its steep final climb favoring punchy GC riders or puncheurs. Eight categorized climbs make it a brutal day.
  • Historical Context: Alexis Vuillermoz won here in 2015, and Dan Martin triumphed in 2018. Pogačar or Evenepoel could attack among 2025 Tour de France contenders.

Stage 7: Saint-Méen-le-Grand to Laval (Flat, 180 km)

  • Type: Flat
  • Key Points: A sprinter’s stage with minimal elevation, Laval’s flat run-in favors fast finishes. Crosswinds could play a role.
  • Historical Context: André Greipel won a 2013 Laval sprint. Philipsen and Girmay are likely 2025 Tour de France contenders for this stage.

Stage 8: Chinon to Châteauroux (Flat, 175 km)

  • Type: Flat
  • Key Points: Another sprint stage, Châteauroux’s flat finish is ideal for pure sprinters. Wind could disrupt the peloton.
  • Historical Context: Cavendish won in Châteauroux in 2008 and 2011. Philipsen or Tim Merlier could dominate among 2025 Tour de France contenders.

Stage 9: Ennezat to Le Mont-Dore (Mountain, 163 km)

  • Type: Mountain
  • Key Points: The first summit finish in the Massif Central, with 4,400 meters of climbing across seven categorized ascents. Bastille Day adds drama.
  • Historical Context: In 2011, a Massif Central stage saw Thomas Voeckler take yellow. Pogačar and Vingegaard are prime 2025 Tour de France contenders here.

Stage 10: Toulouse to Toulouse (Flat, 154 km)

  • Type: Flat
  • Key Points: A sprinter-friendly loop with three minor climbs, including the 20% Pech David climb 8 km from the finish, which could disrupt pure sprinters.
  • Historical Context: In 2008, Cavendish won a Toulouse sprint. Philipsen or Girmay could target this among 2025 Tour de France contenders.

Stage 11: Auch to Hautacam (Mountain, 181 km)

  • Type: Mountain
  • Key Points: The first Pyrenean stage features 3,850 meters of climbing, culminating in the HC Hautacam (13.6 km at 7.8%). A key GC day.
  • Historical Context: Bjarne Riis won on Hautacam in 1996, and Vingegaard dropped Pogačar here in 2022. Vingegaard and Pogačar are top 2025 Tour de France contenders.

Stage 12: Loudenvielle to Peyragudes (Time Trial, 11 km)

  • Type: Mountain Time Trial
  • Key Points: An 11 km uphill time trial with 8 km of climbing at nearly 8%, this stage favors climbers with time-trial skills. Pacing is critical.
  • Historical Context: No direct precedent, but LeMond’s 1986 mountain time trials set up his Tour win. Evenepoel and Pogačar are key 2025 Tour de France contenders.

Stage 13: Pau to Luchon-Superbagnères (Mountain, 183 km)

2025 Tour de France contenders  col du tourmalet
  • Type: Mountain
  • Key Points: The queen stage, with 4,950 meters of climbing, including Col du Tourmalet (19 km at 7.4%), Col d’Aspin, Col de Peyresourde, and Superbagnères (12.4 km at 7.5%). A defining GC day.
  • Historical Context: Greg LeMond cracked Bernard Hinault here in 1986. Federico Bahamontes and Robert Millar also won on Superbagnères. Pogačar and Vingegaard lead 2025 Tour de France contenders.

Stage 14: Muret to Carcassonne (Hilly, 169 km)

  • Type: Hilly
  • Key Points: A rolling stage with potential for breakaways, this could see sprinters struggle if climbers attack.
  • Historical Context: In 2018, a similar stage saw Omar Fraile win from a breakaway. Breakaway specialists like Matej Mohorič could shine among 2025 Tour de France contenders.

Stage 15: Montpellier to Mont Ventoux (Mountain, 172 km)

Mont Ventoux
  • Type: Mountain
  • Key Points: The iconic Mont Ventoux (15.7 km at 8.8%) returns with a summit finish. The preceding 92 miles are flat, making it a pure climber’s test.
  • Historical Context: Chris Froome won on Ventoux in 2013. Pogačar and Carapaz are top 2025 Tour de France contenders for this climb.

Stage 16: Bollène to Valence (Flat, 165 km)

  • Type: Flat
  • Key Points: A sprinter’s stage with minimal climbing, ideal for a bunch finish.
  • Historical Context: Cavendish won a similar Valence stage in 2015. Philipsen and Girmay are favorites among 2025 Tour de France contenders.

Stage 17: Vif to Col de la Loze (Mountain, 170 km)

  • Type: Mountain
  • Key Points: The highest point of the 2025 Tour at 2,304 meters, Col de la Loze (eastern flank) is a brutal HC climb. A critical GC stage.
  • Historical Context: Introduced in 2020, Jonas Vingegaard won here in 2023. He and Pogačar are key 2025 Tour de France contenders.

Stage 18: Albertville to La Plagne (Mountain, 175 km)

  • Type: Mountain
  • Key Points: A summit finish at La Plagne, with 4,000+ meters of climbing, tests GC riders.
  • Historical Context: In 2002, Michael Boogerd won on La Plagne. Pogačar and Vingegaard are prime 2025 Tour de France contenders.

Stage 19: Nantua to Pontarlier (Hilly, 180 km)

  • Type: Hilly
  • Key Points: A rolling stage with breakaway potential, this could favor aggressive riders over sprinters.
  • Historical Context: In 2017, a similar stage saw Warren Barguil win from a break. Mohorič or Alaphilippe could target this among 2025 Tour de France contenders.

Stage 20: Mantes-la-Ville to Paris (Flat, 130 km)

  • Type: Flat
  • Key Points: The traditional finale includes a Montmartre climb, disrupting the usual Champs-Élysées sprint.
  • Historical Context: Cavendish won five consecutive Paris sprints (2009–2012). The Montmartre twist could favor puncheurs like Van der Poel among 2025 Tour de France contenders.

Stage 21: Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines to Paris Champs-Élysées (Flat, 54 km)

  • Type: Flat
  • Key Points: The ceremonial final stage features the iconic Champs-Élysées sprint, though Montmartre’s inclusion adds a challenge. Sprinters will aim to close the Tour in style.
  • Historical Context: Alexander Kristoff (2014) and Jasper Philipsen (2023) won recent Champs-Élysées sprints. Philipsen and Girmay are top 2025 Tour de France contenders here.

Top 2025 Tour de France Contenders for the Yellow Jersey

The general classification race for the yellow jersey is the pinnacle of the Tour. Below are the top 2025 Tour de France contenders for the overall title, with expanded profiles including additional riders:

2025 Tour de France contenders  Tadej Pogacar rainbow

Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates)

  • Age: 26
  • Hometown: Komenda, Slovenia
  • Key Achievements: 2020, 2021, 2024 Tour de France winner; 2024 Giro d’Italia champion; 2024 World Champion
  • Bio: Born in a small Slovenian village, Pogačar started cycling at nine, inspired by his older brother. He turned pro in 2019 with UAE Team Emirates, quickly becoming a generational talent. His 2020 Tour win at age 21 made him the youngest champion since 1904. In 2024, he achieved the Giro-Tour double, a feat not seen since Marco Pantani in 1998. Off the bike, Pogačar is known for his humility, often visiting local Slovenian schools to inspire young cyclists. His aggressive racing style and infectious smile have made him a global fan favorite.
  • 2025 Outlook: Pogačar’s 2024 dominance, with six Tour stage wins, makes him the favorite among 2025 Tour de France contenders. The route’s mountainous stages and Caen time trial suit his all-around skills. His risk-taking could be a vulnerability, but his form is unmatched.

Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike)

  • Age: 28
  • Hometown: Hillerslev, Denmark
  • Key Achievements: 2022, 2023 Tour de France winner; 2024 runner-up
  • Bio: Raised in a rural Danish fishing village, Vingegaard worked in a fish factory before turning pro in 2016 with ColoQuick. His breakthrough came in 2021, supporting Primož Roglič at Jumbo-Visma. His 2022 Tour win, including a dominant Hautacam performance, cemented his status as a climbing specialist. A reserved figure, Vingegaard is a tactical master, often outsmarting rivals in the mountains. He enjoys family life and is an advocate for youth sports in Denmark.
  • 2025 Outlook: Vingegaard’s climbing strength shone in 2024’s Alps, challenging Pogačar. The 2025 Pyrenees and Alps suit him, but he must improve his time-trial to compete among 2025 Tour de France contenders.
2025 Tour de France contenders  Remco

Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep)

  • Age: 25
  • Hometown: Aalst, Belgium
  • Key Achievements: 2022 Vuelta a España winner; 2024 Tour white jersey; 2024 Olympic time-trial gold
  • Bio: A former soccer prodigy with Anderlecht, Evenepoel switched to cycling at 17 and won the 2018 junior world championships in both road and time trial. His senior career exploded with a 2022 Vuelta win and 2024 Olympic gold. Known for his aerodynamic time-trial position and bold attacks, he’s a charismatic figure despite a 2025 season delay due to a training crash. Off the bike, he supports Belgian cycling academies.
  • 2025 Outlook: Evenepoel’s time-trial prowess suits the Caen stage, but he’ll need to match Pogačar and Vingegaard in the mountains to contend for yellow among 2025 Tour de France contenders.

Primož Roglič (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)

  • Age: 35
  • Hometown: Trbovlje, Slovenia
  • Key Achievements: 2020, 2021 Vuelta a España winner; 2023 Giro d’Italia winner
  • Bio: A former ski jumper who won junior world medals, Roglič didn’t start cycling until his 20s, turning pro in 2016 with Adria Mobil. His relentless consistency led to three Vuelta titles and a 2023 Giro win. His 2020 Tour runner-up finish remains his best, though crashes have hindered recent Tours. A stoic leader, Roglič is a mentor to younger Slovenian riders like Pogačar and lives quietly with his family.
  • 2025 Outlook: Roglič’s experience and climbing strength make him a dark horse among 2025 Tour de France contenders, though limited time-trial kilometers may hinder him.

João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates)

  • Age: 26
  • Hometown: Caldas da Rainha, Portugal
  • Key Achievements: 2020 Giro d’Italia fourth overall; 2024 Tour de France sixth overall
  • Bio: Almeida grew up surfing Portugal’s coast before focusing on cycling. He turned pro in 2020 with Deceuninck-QuickStep, quickly showing GC potential with a 2020 Giro podium contender finish. Joining UAE Team Emirates in 2022, he’s become a reliable domestique for Pogačar while pursuing his own ambitions. Known for his calm demeanor and analytical approach, Almeida is a rising star in Portuguese cycling.
  • 2025 Outlook: Supporting Pogačar, Almeida could target a top-10 GC finish or stage wins in the Alps, making him a versatile 2025 Tour de France contender.

Simon Yates (Jayco AlUla)

  • Age: 32
  • Hometown: Bury, England
  • Key Achievements: 2018 Vuelta a España winner; 2021 Tour de France stage winner
  • Bio: Born into a cycling family alongside twin brother Adam, Yates turned pro in 2014 with Orica-GreenEdge. His 2018 Vuelta win showcased his climbing ability, and his aggressive style has earned multiple Grand Tour stage victories. A reserved Brit, Yates is passionate about environmental causes and mentors young riders in the UK.
  • 2025 Outlook: Yates’ climbing suits the 2025 Pyrenees and Alps, positioning him as a 2025 Tour de France contender for stage wins or a top-10 GC finish.

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Green Jersey Battle: Sprint Stars Among 2025 Tour de France Contenders

The green jersey rewards points from sprints and stage finishes. Here are the top 2025 Tour de France contenders for the points classification, with an additional rider profile:

Jasper Philipsen

Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck)

  • Age: 27
  • Hometown: Mol, Belgium
  • Key Achievements: 2023 green jersey; nine Tour stage wins (2022–2024)
  • Bio: Raised in a cycling family, Philipsen turned pro in 2018 with UAE Team Emirates before joining Alpecin-Deceuninck. His 2023 green jersey win and consistent Tour stage victories showcase his speed and leadout train mastery. Off the bike, he’s known for his calm demeanor, charity work with Belgian youth, and love for classic cars.
  • 2025 Outlook: Philipsen sees “seven or eight” sprint opportunities in 2025, making him a favorite among 2025 Tour de France contenders for green. His 2024 resilience after Girmay’s crash highlights his consistency.

Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty)

  • Age: 25
  • Hometown: Asmara, Eritrea
  • Key Achievements: 2024 green jersey; first Black African to win Tour stages
  • Bio: Girmay grew up in Eritrea, where cycling is a national passion. Inspired by local races, he joined a UCI development program, leading to his 2022 Gent-Wevelgem win. His 2024 Tour green jersey made history, inspiring young African cyclists. A charismatic figure, he advocates for diversity in the sport.
  • 2025 Outlook: Girmay’s sprint speed and intermediate point collection make him a strong 2025 Tour de France contender, though he must avoid crashes like 2024’s stage 16.

Tim Merlier (Soudal-QuickStep)

  • Age: 32
  • Hometown: Wortegem-Petegem, Belgium
  • Key Achievements: 2021, 2024 Tour stage winner; 2023 Nokere Koerse winner
  • Bio: Merlier transitioned from cyclo-cross, where he won Belgian titles, to road sprinting. His explosive speed and leadout train make him a consistent threat. A reserved personality, he lets his results speak and enjoys family life in rural Belgium.
  • 2025 Outlook: Merlier’s sprint power suits the 2025 flat stages, positioning him as a key 2025 Tour de France contender for green jersey points and stage wins.

Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek)

  • Age: 29
  • Hometown: Roskilde, Denmark
  • Key Achievements: 2019 World Champion; 2022 Tour de France stage winner
  • Bio: Pedersen rose through Denmark’s cycling ranks, winning the 2019 world title in a rain-soaked race. His versatility as a sprinter and classics rider makes him a threat on flat and hilly stages. A fierce competitor, he’s known for his bold attacks and leadership within Lidl-Trek.
  • 2025 Outlook: Pedersen’s power suits stages like 3 and 20, making him a 2025 Tour de France contender for green jersey points and stage victories.

Polka Dot Jersey: Climbers Vying for King of the Mountains

The polka dot jersey rewards the best climber, with points on nine major climbs. Here are the top 2025 Tour de France contenders, with an additional profile:

Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost)

  • Age: 32
  • Hometown: El Carmelo, Ecuador
  • Key Achievements: 2024 polka dot jersey; 2019 Giro d’Italia winner
  • Bio: Born in a rural Ecuadorian village, Carapaz overcame poverty, riding a borrowed bike to local races. His 2019 Giro win made him a national hero, and his 2024 polka dot jersey showcased his climbing grit. Known for aggressive breakaways, he mentors young Latin American cyclists.
  • 2025 Outlook: Carapaz’s 2024 mountain success suits the 2025 Pyrenees and Alps, making him a top 2025 Tour de France contender for polka dots.

Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates)

  • Age: 26
  • Key Achievements: 2024 polka dot points leader (worn by Vingegaard)
  • 2025 Outlook: Pogačar’s climbing dominance often earns mountain points while chasing yellow. He could claim the polka dots if he targets key climbs, making him a dual threat among 2025 Tour de France contenders.

Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek)

  • Age: 30
  • Hometown: Chieti, Italy
  • Key Achievements: 2019 Tour polka dot jersey; 2023 Giro stage winner
  • Bio: Ciccone’s flair for climbing emerged in Italy’s Abruzzo region, where he raced as a teen. His 2019 polka dot win showcased his breakaway ability, and his emotional victories, often dedicated to his family, make him a fan favorite. He’s active in Italian cycling development programs.
  • 2025 Outlook: Ciccone’s aggressive style suits the 2025 mountain stages, making him a strong 2025 Tour de France contender for polka dots.

Matej Mohorič (Bahrain Victorious)

  • Age: 30
  • Hometown: Kranj, Slovenia
  • Key Achievements: 2021, 2022 Tour de France stage winner; 2023 Milan-San Remo winner
  • Bio: Mohorič, a former junior world champion, is known for his daring descents and breakaway skills. His 2021 and 2022 Tour stage wins came on mountainous terrain, showcasing his climbing ability. A thoughtful rider, he studies engineering and advocates for road safety.
  • 2025 Outlook: Mohorič’s breakaway prowess suits stages like 14 and 19, making him a 2025 Tour de France contender for polka dot points and stage wins.

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White Jersey: Young Riders to Watch

The white jersey goes to the best rider under 25 in the GC. Here are the top 2025 Tour de France contenders, with an additional profile:

Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep)

  • Age: 25
  • Key Achievements: 2024 white jersey; 2022 Vuelta a España winner
  • 2025 Outlook: In his final year of eligibility, Evenepoel is the favorite among 2025 Tour de France contenders for the white jersey, with potential for a high GC finish.

Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious)

  • Age: 24
  • Hometown: Frosinone, Italy
  • Key Achievements: 2024 Giro d’Italia young rider winner; 2024 Giro fifth overall
  • Bio: Tiberi, a former junior time-trial champion, turned pro in 2020 with Trek-Segafredo. His 2024 Giro performance marked him as a future star. A quiet leader, he’s driven by family support and trains in Italy’s Lazio hills.
  • 2025 Outlook: Tiberi’s climbing suits the 2025 Tour’s mountains, making him a top 2025 Tour de France contender for the white jersey.

Cian Uijtdebroeks (Visma-Lease a Bike)

  • Age: 22
  • Hometown: Ghent, Belgium
  • Key Achievements: 2023 Vuelta a España eighth overall; 2024 Giro top-10 contender
  • Bio: Uijtdebroeks, a prodigy since his teens, balances cycling with university studies in economics. His 2023 Vuelta performance showed GC potential, and his tactical mind makes him a rising star. He’s active in Belgian youth cycling initiatives.
  • 2025 Outlook: Uijtdebroeks’ climbing and consistency make him a dark horse among 2025 Tour de France contenders for the white jersey.

Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates)

  • Age: 22
  • Hometown: Barcelona, Spain
  • Key Achievements: 2022 Vuelta a España third overall; 2024 Giro stage winner
  • Bio: Ayuso, a Spanish prodigy, turned pro in 2021 with UAE Team Emirates. His 2022 Vuelta podium at age 19 marked him as a future Grand Tour contender. Known for his aggressive climbing and team loyalty, he’s a rising star in Spanish cycling.
  • 2025 Outlook: Ayuso’s climbing ability suits the 2025 Alps, making him a 2025 Tour de France contender for the white jersey and potential stage wins.

Top American Riders: Profiles of 2025 Tour de France Contenders

American cyclists are poised to make an impact. Here are the top American 2025 Tour de France contenders, with an additional profile:

2025 Tour de France contenders  Matteo
Matteo Jorgenson

Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike)

  • Age: 25
  • Hometown: Boise, Idaho, USA
  • Key Achievements: 2024 Paris-Nice winner; 2024 Tour de France fourth in mountains classification
  • Bio: Born in Idaho, Jorgenson moved to Nice, France, as a teen to pursue cycling with the AG2R junior program. His 2024 Paris-Nice win and eighth overall in the Tour marked his breakout. Known for his work ethic, versatility, and fluency in French, he’s a rising American star who mentors young cyclists in his adopted home.
  • 2025 Outlook: Jorgenson’s climbing and time-trial skills suit the 2025 route’s cobbles and Alps. He could target a top-10 GC or stage wins among 2025 Tour de France contenders.

Sepp Kuss (Visma-Lease a Bike)

  • Age: 30
  • Hometown: Durango, Colorado, USA
  • Key Achievements: 2023 Vuelta a España winner; key domestique for Vingegaard’s 2022, 2023 Tours
  • Bio: Raised in Colorado’s cycling community, Kuss excelled in mountain biking before turning pro in 2018 with Jumbo-Visma. His 2023 Vuelta win made him the first American Grand Tour champion since Chris Horner in 2013. A team player, he’s beloved for his humility and often returns to Durango to coach local riders.
  • 2025 Outlook: Kuss could chase stage wins in the Pyrenees or Alps, making him a fan favorite among 2025 Tour de France contenders.

Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates)

  • Age: 27
  • Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona, USA
  • Key Achievements: 2023 Giro d’Italia stage win; 2024 UAE Tour stage win
  • Bio: McNulty, a time-trial specialist, won the 2019 junior world time-trial championship. His transition to stage racing has shown promise, with a 2023 Giro stage win. Raised in Arizona’s desert, he trains in extreme heat, building resilience. A reserved figure, he thrives under pressure and supports local cycling initiatives.
  • 2025 Outlook: Supporting Pogačar, McNulty could target the Caen time trial or breakaways, positioning him as a versatile 2025 Tour de France contender.

Neilson Powless (EF Education-EasyPost)

  • Age: 28
  • Hometown: Roseville, California, USA
  • Key Achievements: 2023 San Sebastian Classic winner; 2021 Tour de France breakaway star
  • Bio: Powless, of Oneida Native American descent, brings cultural pride to cycling. His aggressive style led to multiple 2021 Tour breakaways, earning him the combativity award. A charismatic leader, he advocates for indigenous representation in sports and inspires young American riders through clinics.
  • 2025 Outlook: Powless’ breakaway ability suits hilly stages like 14, making him a 2025 Tour de France contender for stage wins.

Quinn Simmons (Lidl-Trek)

  • Age: 24
  • Hometown: Durango, Colorado, USA
  • Key Achievements: 2019 Junior World Champion; 2023 Tour de Wallonie stage winner; 2025 US National Champion
  • Bio: Simmons, a Durango native like Kuss, burst onto the scene with a 2019 junior world title. Known for his aggressive riding and climbing ability, he’s transitioned from a classics specialist to a stage race contender. A vocal advocate for mental health, he shares his journey openly.
  • 2025 Outlook: Simmons’ versatility suits the 2025 hilly and mountain stages, making him a 2025 Tour de France contender for breakaways and potential stage wins.

Recent News and Expectations for 2025 Tour de France Contenders

Pogačar’s 2025 UAE Tour dominance sets the stage for his Tour campaign. Vingegaard and Evenepoel, fresh off 2024 battles, are preparing for the Alps. Philipsen’s confidence in the 2025 sprint stages, per Cyclingnews, underscores his green jersey ambitions. Carapaz’s 2024 polka dot win has boosted Ecuadorian cycling pride. American riders like Jorgenson are gaining attention, with Cycling Weekly noting his top-10 GC potential. Recent posts on X highlight excitement for Kuss and Powless, with fans anticipating strong American showings.

Why the 2025 Tour de France Contenders Matter

The 2025 Tour de France contenders promise a spectacle, with Pogačar’s dominance challenged by Vingegaard, Evenepoel, Roglič, Almeida, and Yates. Sprinters like Philipsen, Girmay, Merlier, and Pedersen will electrify flat stages, while climbers like Carapaz, Ciccone, and Mohorič chase polka dots. Young stars like Evenepoel, Tiberi, Uijtdebroeks, and Ayuso vie for white, and American riders Jorgenson, Kuss, McNulty, Powless, and Simmons add intrigue. The diverse route ensures every jersey battle captivates fans worldwide.

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