The Fight for Yellow Intensifies on Tour de France Stage 7
Few moments in sport capture the blend of endurance, strategy, and sheer heart quite like the Tour de France. Stage 7 of the 2025 edition was a perfect storm of drama and dominance, with Slovenian superstar Tadej Pogacar reclaiming the yellow jersey in spectacular style. For those who tuned in hoping for fireworks on the Mur-de-Bretagne, the race did not disappoint.
The stage was packed with iconic climbs, a heroic breakaway attempt by Geraint Thomas, a chaotic crash, and a hard-fought sprint to the summit. And when the dust settled, Pogacar stood tallest—both on the road and on the general classification.
Setting the Stage: Route, Riders, and Rivalries
Stage Overview: Saint-Malo to Mur-de-Bretagne
- Distance: 197 km
- Finish: Iconic Mur-de-Bretagne climb (also used in 2021)
- Key Climbs: 3 categorized ascents in the final 18 km
Weather Conditions
It was a hot and humid day across Brittany, with temperatures flirting near 30°C and a stubborn headwind that punished anyone thinking of going solo.
Contenders to Watch
- Tadej Pogacar (UAE Emirates-XRG) – The three-time Tour winner
- Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) – One-second lead before the stage
- Jonas Vingegaard (Visma–Lease a Bike) – The Dane eager to pounce on any slip
- Oscar Onley (Picnic PostNL) – The 22-year-old Brit making waves on debut
How It Unfolded: The Stage in Detail
Geraint Thomas Goes All In
At 39 years old, Geraint Thomas may be nearing retirement, but the 2018 champion showed he still has grit in his legs. He launched an early breakaway with four others around the 55km mark and kept the peloton guessing until the final 18km.
“This is my last Tour. I wanted to give it everything. Why not roll the dice?” – Geraint Thomas
Despite the bold effort, Thomas and his group never got more than 1:40 ahead, a clear signal that the GC teams weren’t in a generous mood.
Crash Chaos Before the Climb
Just as the final drama was about to unfold, a crash involving nine riders disrupted the peloton. Joao Almeida, Pogacar’s UAE teammate and then-seventh overall, was the most affected, eventually finishing 10 minutes behind. Jack Haig wasn’t so lucky—he had to abandon the race.
The Final Push
With Almeida out of the mix, Pogacar’s remaining teammates guided him through the chaos. As the peloton hit the lower slopes of Mur-de-Bretagne, Pogacar surged ahead with Vingegaard hot on his heels. In a battle of willpower and watts, the Slovenian edged the Dane in a shoulder-to-shoulder sprint.
“Me and Mathieu both know this finish very well. Maybe yesterday he left too much on the road,” Pogacar reflected post-stage.
Stage 7 Results (Top 5 Finishers)
| Position | Rider | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tadej Pogacar | UAE Emirates-XRG |
| 2 | Jonas Vingegaard | Visma–Lease a Bike |
| 3 | Oscar Onley | Picnic PostNL |
| 4 | Romain Bardet | dsm–firmenich PostNL |
| 5 | Mathieu van der Poel | Alpecin-Deceuninck |
GC Shake-Up: Who’s Wearing Yellow Now?
With the Stage 7 win, Pogacar snatched back the coveted maillot jaune, leaving Van der Poel behind in fifth. Oscar Onley’s third-place finish propelled him into seventh on the general classification, a remarkable feat for a Tour debutant.
Updated General Classification (Top 5)
| Rank | Rider | Team | Time Gap |
| 1 | Tadej Pogacar | UAE Emirates-XRG | – |
| 2 | Jonas Vingegaard | Visma–Lease a Bike | +00:05 |
| 3 | Remco Evenepoel | Soudal-QuickStep | +00:22 |
| 4 | Carlos Rodríguez | INEOS Grenadiers | +00:40 |
| 5 | Mathieu van der Poel | Alpecin-Deceuninck | +00:52 |
Spotlight: Oscar Onley’s Breakout Moment
At just 22, Oscar Onley is the kind of talent that cycling pundits quietly watch during the early stages of Grand Tours. But after a podium finish in one of the Tour’s most punishing stages, he’s no longer flying under the radar.
“I just kept my head down and stayed near the front. The team believed in me, and that belief gave me the legs today,” said a visibly emotional Onley.
Expect to hear a lot more from the young Scot in the days to come.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for the GC Contenders?
Key Stages Coming Up
- Stage 9: Individual Time Trial (could reshape the top 10)
- Stage 12: Queen stage in the Alps
- Stage 15: Mount Ventoux – a double climb this year!
Injury Watch
- Joao Almeida: Status uncertain after Stage 7 crash
- Jack Haig: Abandoned, which reshuffles Bahrain Victorious’ strategy
Personal Take: A Stage That Had It All
Stage 7 was cycling at its best. Strategy, heartbreak, speed, and resilience—this one ticked every box. Pogacar once again proved that when the pressure mounts, he’s still the rider to beat.
And for fans, watching a legend like Thomas take a final swing at glory and a rookie like Onley rise to the occasion—it’s what makes the Tour so magical.
Share the Ride
If this stage is anything to go by, the 2025 Tour de France has plenty more drama in store. Stay tuned as the yellow jersey continues its unpredictable journey.
