and obligations. 2024, the reconquest following“ patient and demanding work”. Finally, 2025,“ the test of endurance”, the one that stretched bodies and certainties right through to the third week. Four chapters, four facets of the same epic.
SHAPING UP TO BE THRILLING But what does Pogi conjure up in his dreams when he imagines the scenario this summer?“ In the Tour, you race to be part of something exceptional,” says the world champion.“ It goes far beyond winning or losing. I like the route of this 113th edition because it will plunge us into the fray from the very first stage and that very particular test that is the team time trial, which we haven’ t experienced in this race for a while. I love the team aspect of it, and it’ s precisely because we want to ensure our timing is totally precise that my teammates and I have been training specifically for it.
We’ ll then head straight into the Pyrenees. The third week, with those two very special finishes at Alpe d’ Huez, is already shaping up to be thrilling. The atmosphere and the crowds are always so exceptional on that legendary climb... All the ingredients are in place for two extraordinary days.”
The world champion cemented his dominance of last year’ s race at the mountain time trial into Peyragudes, claiming his fourth 2025 stage win.
“ YOU’ RE SO CLOSE TO THE FANS THAT YOU CAN SEE THE EXPRESSIONS ON THEIR FACES. THIS GIVES YOU INCREDIBLE ENERGY. THE DESIRE TO KEEP EXPERIENCING THIS THRILL IS WHY I TRAIN SO HARD”
PHOTOGRAPH: BILLY CEUSTERS / ASO