The 112th edition of the Tour de France kicks off on July 5, promising another epic battle among the best riders on the planet. This year’s route, spanning 21 stages entirely on French soil, features five summit finishes and two individual time trials, favouring the riders with all-round ability. With multiple past winners returning to challenge for the yellow jersey and emerging talents looking to stake a claim, the race could prove to be one of the most difficult to call yet.
Tadej Pogacar
Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar enters the 2025 Tour in sublime form. After a commanding victory at the Criterium du Dauphine, the UAE Team Emirates leader has reinforced his status as the man to beat. Pogacar also impressed during the spring classics, winning at Liege-Bastogne-Liege and Fleche Wallonne.
Having already won the Tour de France on three occasions, Pogacar is chasing his fourth title. His explosive climbing, aggressive style, and improved time-trialling make him a complete rider. The team is built around him, leveraging his strengths, which puts him in pole position.
Jonas Vingegaard
Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard is a two-time winner of the Tour and is returning with a vengeance after finishing second to Pogacar last year. Despite not clinching the Dauphine this year, Vingegaard has shown strong form and is primed for a serious tilt at yellow.
Riding for Visma-Lease a Bike, Vingegaard brings tactical discipline, climbing grit, and Tour-hardened experience. His team is one of the strongest in the peloton, giving him the support he needs in the mountains. If Pogacar falters, Vingegaard will capitalise.
Remco Evenepoel
Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel made history in 2024 with a podium finish on his Tour debut. Known for raw power and time trial speed, the Soudal-Quick-Step star has been recovering from a shoulder issue earlier this year. However, after finishing as runner-up in the final Dauphine time trial, it looks like he’s getting back to his best.
Evenepoel’s climbing continues to improve, and if he can stick with the likes of Pogacar and Vingegaard on the toughest ascents, he could move into contention.
Primoz Roglic
You can never count out or write off Primoz Roglic. The veteran Slovenian may not have enjoyed the best start to 2025 due to injuries and form issues, but his Tour pedigree is undeniable. Now riding for BORA-Hansgrohe, Roglic brings years of tactical nous, mental toughness, and explosive climbing to the table.
He may not be the outright favourite, but sports betting odds online suggest Roglic remains a serious podium threat, especially if others falter under pressure.
Conclusion
The 2025 Tour de France is shaping up to be another gripping chapter in cycling history. Tadej Pogacar starts as the rider to beat, but Jonas Vingegaard is lurking, and he’s very eager to reclaim the crown that Pogacar took from his last year. With Evenepoel and Roglic poised to strike also and a deep field of challengers ready to pounce, you can expect fireworks throughout.
