Talossan Cycling Association Tour
2025
Second Leg
Lille -> Paris
IMG-20250507-WA0001(1).jpg
(Logo created by Sir Lüc)
And we're back again after a spectacular first leg where Esqipă Velocostă debuted and won. Ten teams from 6 different provinces will do more than 3300 kilometers of cycling in the coming three weeks while the team captains sit at home and enjoy the show. The goal is to score the most points by winning stages and doing well in three classifications: the King of the Mountains classification (polkadot jersey), the points classification (green jersey) and the general classification (the famous yellow jersey) which determines which individual rider wins this leg of TCAT.
Already the first stage was quite a wild ride with a surprising outcome, but before we get to that, let's have a look at the teams:
- Esqipă Velocostă -
(EVC, Belacostă)
First leg score: 8615
Vingegaard
Lipowitz
Kuss
Gall
Meeus
Van Aert
Nys
Barré
Jorgenson
----------------------------------------------------- | - Velociposse Florencia -
(VFL, Florencia)
First leg score: 8404
Vingegaard
Almeida
Mas
Buitrago
Milan
Grégoire
Van der Poel
Benoot
Ackermann
-----------------------------------------------------
| - Els Talossaes Rexhitais -
(REX, Maricopa)
First leg score: 8027
Evenepoel
Jorgenson
L. Martinez
S. Yates
Merlier
Ganna
Grégoire
Nys
Roglič
----------------------------------------------------- |
- Gordon Hiatus Support Team -
(GHS, Belacostă)
First leg score: 7508
Pogačar
Evenepoel
Carlos Rodriguez
Alaphilippe
Jeannière
Abrahamsen
Armirail
Van der Poel
Vauquelin
----------------------------------------------------- | - Port Maxhestic AC -
(PTM, Maritiimi-Maxhestic)
First leg score: 7091
Pogačar
Vingegaard
Mas
Kuss
Groves
De Buyst
Rickaert
Watson
Sweeny
-----------------------------------------------------
| - Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs -
(BDC, Cézembre)
First leg score: 6726
Vingegaard
Evenepoel
O'Connor
Gall
Meeus
Nys
Grégoire
Van der Poel
Laurance
----------------------------------------------------- |
- Cyclohexane -
(CHX, Belacostă)
First leg score: 6568
Pogačar
Evenepoel
Alaphilippe
Buitrago
Bauhaus
Van der Poel
A.H Johannessen
Grégoire
Vauquelin
-----------------------------------------------------
| - Dirnalaiset Mortescu -
(DED, Vuode)
First leg score: 6163
Evenepoel
T.H. Johannessen
Buitrago
Kuss
Groenewegen
Grégoire
Nys
Ganna
Vingegaard
----------------------------------------------------- | - Cézembre Fieschǎ -
(CFA, Cézembre)
First leg score: 5348
Pogačar
Vingegaard
Skjelmose
Healy
Van Poppel
Van den Broek
Van Dijke
Van Sintmaartensdijk
Van Eetvelt
----------------------------------------------------- |
- Naziun Cjovani -
(CJO, Belacostă)
First leg score: 5028
Pogačar
Evenepoel
Onley
Skjelmose
Ackermann
Campenaerts
Ganna
Swift
Abrahamsen
|
Links:
Registration thread (https://wittenberg.talossa.com/index.php?topic=4197.0)
Information about the route and riders (http://letour.fr/)
Stage 1 Lille -> LilleThe first stage was mostly flat, giving sprinters an opportunity to not just win, but gain the yellow jersey and the lead in GC on the first day. Unfortunately things immediately went wrong for Ganna (DED/CJO/REX), who had to abandon after a crash. A poor start for the teams involved.
For a long time it did look like we would get a bunch sprint with most of the peloton. However in the final 25 km the wind really started to play a role and echelons formed. Several groups formed and a lot of sprinters and GC contenders did not end up in the front group! Pogacar (CFA/CHX/CJO/GHS/PTM) and Vingegaard (BDC/CFA/DED/EVC/PTM/VFL) were present, and so were Jorgenson (EVC/REX), Vauquelin (CHX/GHS), Mas (PTM/VFL), Tobias Johannessen (DED) and O'Connor (BDC). The latter unfortunately crashed in the final kilometers but was given the same time as the front group.
However, many others were not present, including many sprint favourites like Milan (VFL), Merlier (REX), Van Aert (EVC) and Meeus (BDC/EVC), but also most GC contenders including Evenepoel (BDC/CHX/CJO/DED/GHS/REX), Lipowitz (EVC) and Roglic (REX). They all lost 49 seconds already! Some lost even more, with Simon Yates (REX) and Lenny Martinez (REX) losing many minutes.
Philipsen was the only sprint favourite left in the front group and ended up winning the stage. Best TCAT rider was Jorgenson in 8th place, followed by Watson (PTM) and Sweeny (PTM).
The result was a low scoring stage, with Port Maxhestic AC having a strong performance and taking the lead after the first day. Esqipă Velocostă also had a pretty decent start. Els Talossaes Rexhitais came in third place, but with the loss of Ganna and the time loss by Martinez and Yates it was still a pretty terrible start for them unfortunately. Dirnalaiset Mortescu also had a bad day and take the red lantern.
Standings after stage 1:
| Pos | ± | | Team | Pts Ove | Pts Today |
| 1st | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp) | Port Maxhestic AC (PTM) | 172 | +172 |
| 2nd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Esqipă Velocostă (EVC) | 119 | +119 |
| 3rd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp) | Els Talossaes Rexhitais (REX) | 97 | +97 |
| 4th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Cyclohexane (CHX) | 74 | +74 |
| 5th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS) | 70 | +70 |
| 6th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp) | Velociposse Florencia (VFL) | 67 | +67 |
| 7th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC) | 40 | +40 |
| 8th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Fieschǎ (CFA) | 36 | +36 |
| 9th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Naziun Cjovani (CJO) | 29 | +29 |
| 10th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp) | Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED) | 21 | +21 |
Today we get a somewhat hilly stage, which seems well suited to puncheurs like Van der Poel, Van Aert or Nys, but could also go to a sprinter who can climb or a more explosive climber.
Stage 2 Lauwin-Planque -> Boulogne-sur-MerYesterday's stage resulted in a punchy, hilly final part and an uphill sprint to the line that gave Mathieu van der Poel (BDC/CHX/GHS/VFL) a prime occasion to swoop in and get a first stage victory. He outsprinted a group led by Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard to the line, in a reduced bunch sprint whose front also included Grégoire (4th), Alaphilippe (5th), Onley (6th) and Vauquelin (8th). Also scoring points for their teams, Mas (12th), Buitrago (13th), Almeida (15th), Evenepoel (17th) and Jorgenson (18th).
An impressive result for Cyclohexane, who tops a generally high scoring day thanks to placing seven of their riders in the top 17 (and five in the top 8: MVDP, Pogacar, Grégoire, Alaphilippe and Vauquelin). Also scoring high, GHST, who all of those top 8 riders but Grégoire, and Velociposse, who instead has MVDP, Vingegaard and Gregoire plus three riders in minor positions. Holding the same top trio is Banqeu de Cézembre, who also goes home with a decent haul, only just preceded by Port Maxhestic, one of two teams holding Pogacar and Vingegaard.
Standings after stage 2:
| Pos | ± | | Team | Pts Ove | Pts Today |
| 1st | (+3) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Cyclohexane (CHX) | 977 | +903 |
| 2nd | (+3) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS) | 814 | +744 |
| 3rd | (+3) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp) | Velociposse Florencia (VFL) | 814 | +747 |
| 4th | (-3) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp) | Port Maxhestic AC (PTM) | 680 | +508 |
| 5th | (+2) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC) | 668 | +628 |
| 6th | (+2) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Fieschǎ (CFA) | 451 | +415 |
| 7th | (+3) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp) | Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED) | 437 | +416 |
| 8th | (+1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Naziun Cjovani (CJO) | 396 | +367 |
| 9th | (-7) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Esqipă Velocostă (EVC) | 363 | +244 |
| 10th | (-7) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp) | Els Talossaes Rexhitais (REX) | 313 | +216 |
Stage 3 Valenciennes -> DunkerqueLots of very nasty crashes today. Thankfully there weren't any TCAT riders who had to abandon, although Meeus (BdC/EVC) and Jeannière (GHS) very both involved in a nasty crash in the run up to the sprint, stopping them from scoring any points on one of the few bunchsprint opportunities this tour and which might affect their performance as well. Philipsen did unfortunately have to abandon with a broken collarbone due to an earlier incident. One side effect is that it might result in Groves (PTM) getting some more opportunities later on.
Merlier (REX) won the bunchsprint followed by Milan (VFL) and Bauhaus (CHX). These teams scored good points as a result. Cyclohexane stay in the lead for now, while leg 1 winners Esqipă Velocostă drop to last place. Het kan verkeren.
Standings after stage 3:
| Pos | ± | | Team | Pts Ove | Pts Today |
| 1st | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Cyclohexane (CHX) | 1250 | +273 |
| 2nd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp) | Velociposse Florencia (VFL) | 1218 | +404 |
| 3rd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS) | 912 | +98 |
| 4th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp) | Port Maxhestic AC (PTM) | 892 | +212 |
| 5th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC) | 767 | +99 |
| 6th | (+4) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp) | Els Talossaes Rexhitais (REX) | 589 | +276 |
| 7th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp) | Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED) | 548 | +111 |
| 8th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Naziun Cjovani (CJO) | 539 | +143 |
| 9th | (-3) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Fieschǎ (CFA) | 522 | +71 |
| 10th | (-1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Esqipă Velocostă (EVC) | 432 | +69 |
Today we move southwest through Normandy, starting and finishing near a famous massive cathedral. It's a stage that should favour the same type of riders as stage 2, provided an early break doesnt stay away.
Stage 4 Amiens Métropole -> RouenThe second of several punchy stages (hilly and peppered with short but hard climbs) saw an early four-rider breakaway including Jonas Abrahamsen (CJO/GHS) and Lenny Martinez (REX). The latter was the last one standing, with the fast approaching peloton swallowing him up on the way to the hilly finish.
The decisive attack came on the short but extremely steep Rampe Saint-Hilaire, where Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard broke away from the then-leading group which included the likes of Remco Evenepoel and another potential favourite for today and the stage 2 winner, Mathieu van der Poel. It seemed like their effort wasn't matched by the others except they mostly sat up and were regathered by van der Poel, Evenepoel, Almeida, Onley and Jorgenson, with Vauquelin, Grégoire and Skjelmose in hot pursuit.
This group of riders ended up forming today's top ten, as the final uphill sprint was won by Pogacar (CFA/CHX/CJO/GHS/PTM), who pipped van der Poel (BDC/CHX/GHS/VFL) and Vingegaard (BDC/CFA/DED/EVC/PTM/VFL) to the line. All others were delayed by 30 or more seconds, including van Aert (EVC, 11th), T. Johannessen (DED, 15th), Benoot (VFL, 16th), Mas (PTM/VFL, 17th) and Roglic (REX, 18th). Other potential GC riders already losing time were C. Rodriguez (GHS, +39"), a trio of Gall (BDC/EVC), Lipowitz (EVC) and Buitrago (CHX/DED/VFL) all paying almost a minute, and even worse O'Connor (BDC) losing 1'49 already.
Scoring wise it is a similar story to stage 2 and another daily win for Cyclohexane, who placed five riders in the top 10. Velociposse also gets a strong finish with four out of today's top 6, including unique pick Almeida (6th) who ended up being Pogacar's last domestique today, and GHST rounds out today's podium as the other Pogacar-MVDP team in addition to Evenepoel and Vauquelin. Overall though, lots of teams got a decent points intake.
Standings after stage 4:
| Pos | ± | | Team | Pts Ove | Pts Today |
| 1st | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Cyclohexane (CHX) | 2042 | +792 |
| 2nd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp) | Velociposse Florencia (VFL) | 1976 | +758 |
| 3rd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS) | 1616 | +704 |
| 4th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp) | Port Maxhestic AC (PTM) | 1419 | +527 |
| 5th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC) | 1412 | +645 |
| 6th | (+2) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Naziun Cjovani (CJO) | 1197 | +658 |
| 7th | (+2) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Fieschǎ (CFA) | 1063 | +541 |
| 8th | (-1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp) | Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED) | 1026 | +478 |
| 9th | (-3) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp) | Els Talossaes Rexhitais (REX) | 1004 | +415 |
| 10th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Esqipă Velocostă (EVC) | 815 | +383 |
Coming up, the first of two time trials, a 33km flat dash from Caen to Thaon and back. With Ganna out, all eyes are clearly on Remco Evenepoel (BDC/CHX/CJO/DED/GHS/REX) as the strongest time trialist, but there's much talent ready to rise to the occasion with Pogacar (CFA/CHX/CJO/GHS/PTM) and Vingegaard (BDC/CFA/DED/EVC/PTM/VFL) also excellent time trialists and many other TCAT riders who will try and stake their claim to a top 10 finish: keep an eye on van Aert (EVC), Vauquelin (CHX/GHS), Armirail (GHS), Campenaerts (CJO) and Roglic (REX). On the other hand, the pure climbers among the riders with GC top 10 aspirations are all but doomed to lose more minutes to whoever between Pogacar and Vingegaard will grab the leader's jersey from van der Poel after tomorrow.
Best day my team has had so far and I lost ground to everyone ahead of me LOL
Gonna do bullet points today:
-ITT (Individual Time Trial) today
-Evenepoel (BDC/CHX/CJO/DED/GHS/REX) won, followed by Pogacar (CFA/CHX/CJO/GHS/PTM), with Armirail (GHS), Vauquelin (CHX/GHS), Lipowitz (EVC), Almeida (VFL), Jorgenson (EVC/REX), Roglic (REX), Vingegaard (BDC/CFA/DED/EVC/PTM/VFL), Van der Poel (BDC/CHX/GHS/VFL), and Skjelmose (CFA/CJO) also finishing in the top 20.
-Pogacar is the new leader in GC, followed by Evenepoel. Vingegaard disappointed and dropped to 4th place with already more than a minute on Pogacar.
- Jeannière (GHS) and De Buyst (PTM) abandoned due to earlier crashes
- Gordon Hiatus Support Team scored a massive amount of points today, but Cyclohexane also performed well and remain in the lead
Standings after stage 5:
| Pos | ± | | Team | Pts Ove | Pts Today |
| 1st | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Cyclohexane (CHX) | 2703 | +661 |
| 2nd | (+1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS) | 2415 | +799 |
| 3rd | (-1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp) | Velociposse Florencia (VFL) | 2183 | +207 |
| 4th | (+1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC) | 1755 | +343 |
| 5th | (-1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp) | Port Maxhestic AC (PTM) | 1720 | +301 |
| 6th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Naziun Cjovani (CJO) | 1706 | +509 |
| 7th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Fieschǎ (CFA) | 1375 | +312 |
| 8th | (+1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp) | Els Talossaes Rexhitais (REX) | 1375 | +371 |
| 9th | (-1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp) | Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED) | 1344 | +318 |
| 10th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Esqipă Velocostă (EVC) | 1065 | +250 |
Tomorrow:
Yet another hilly classic type stage. We are slowly getting closer to Cézembre
So uh...Spain's the third stage, yeah?
Quote from: Glüc on July 09, 2025, 03:48:57 PMGonna do bullet points today:
-ITT (Individual Time Trial) today
-Evenepoel (BDC/CHX/CJO/DED/GHS/REX) won, followed by Pogacar (CFA/CHX/CJO/GHS/PTM), with Armirail (GHS), Vauquelin (CHX/GHS), Lipowitz (EVC), Almeida (VFL), Jorgenson (EVC/REX), Roglic (REX), Vingegaard (BDC/CFA/DED/EVC/PTM/VFL), Van der Poel (BDC/CHX/GHS/VFL), and Skjelmose (CFA/CJO) also finishing in the top 20.
-Pogacar is the new leader in GC, followed by Evenepoel. Vingegaard disappointed and dropped to 4th place with already more than a minute on Pogacar.
- Jeannière (GHS) and De Buyst (PTM) abandoned due to earlier crashes
- Gordon Hiatus Support Team scored a massive amount of points today, but Cyclohexane also performed well and remain in the lead
Standings after stage 5:
| Pos | ± | | Team | Pts Ove | Pts Today |
| 1st | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Cyclohexane (CHX) | 2703 | +661 |
| 2nd | (+1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS) | 2415 | +799 |
| 3rd | (-1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp) | Velociposse Florencia (VFL) | 2183 | +207 |
| 4th | (+1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC) | 1755 | +343 |
| 5th | (-1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp) | Port Maxhestic AC (PTM) | 1720 | +301 |
| 6th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Naziun Cjovani (CJO) | 1706 | +509 |
| 7th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Fieschǎ (CFA) | 1375 | +312 |
| 8th | (+1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp) | Els Talossaes Rexhitais (REX) | 1375 | +371 |
| 9th | (-1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp) | Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED) | 1344 | +318 |
| 10th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Esqipă Velocostă (EVC) | 1065 | +250 |
Tomorrow:
Yet another hilly classic type stage. We are slowly getting closer to Cézembre
For one brief shining moment, the Posse considered the possibility of the first place...
Stage almost starting in Talossa today! Obviously it can't actually start on Cézembre for logistics reasons (no bridge to get off the island...), but I'm sure there will be many Cézembre flags flown along the route regardless.
For those with access to a channel broadcasting the entire stage not just the second half (over here Eurosport broadcasts everything) it's definitely worth watching the start. Some nice heli and drone shots of St Malo that show Cézembre as well
Stage 6 Bayeux -> Vire NormandieQuick update:
- Hilly stage à la Liege-Bastogne-Liege
- Healy (CFA) won after an impressive solo effort, attacking from an early eight-riders break
- The other two TCAT riders in the breakaway, S. Yates (REX) and van der Poel (BDC/CHX/GHS/VFL) finished 5th and 8th (and last). Just too much climbing for the Dutch rider who, however, regains the yellow jersey by just one second
- Places 9-19 are all TCAT riders, with Pogacar 9th and first among the group of favourites
- Fieschă gets a home daily win, but overall the scores are not too far apart and thus no movements happened.
Standings after stage 6:
| Pos | ± | | Team | Pts Ove | Pts Today |
| 1st | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Cyclohexane (CHX) | 3111 | +408 |
| 2nd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS) | 2802 | +387 |
| 3rd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp) | Velociposse Florencia (VFL) | 2533 | +350 |
| 4th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC) | 2085 | +330 |
| 5th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp) | Port Maxhestic AC (PTM) | 1975 | +255 |
| 6th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Naziun Cjovani (CJO) | 1948 | +242 |
| 7th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Fieschǎ (CFA) | 1851 | +476 |
| 8th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp) | Els Talossaes Rexhitais (REX) | 1687 | +312 |
| 9th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp) | Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED) | 1534 | +190 |
| 10th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Esqipă Velocostă (EVC) | 1303 | +238 |
As Glüc mentioned, today's stage started in St. Malo, very close to Cézembre, and will feature another explosive finale on the famed Mur de Bretagne.
Stage 7 Saint-Malo -> Mûr-de-BretagneThe break didn't get much of a chance today. The stage was decided by the two ascents of the mur de bretagne. After the first time there were about 30 riders left. By the time the peloton got to the final kilometer that number had reduced to 9, unfortunately partly due to a big crash that left Almeida (VFL), Buitrago (CHX/DED/VFL) and several other riders injured. It's unclear whether they will start tomorrow. Several others were dropped on the steep section of the mur, including yellow jersey wearer Van der Poel (BDC/CHX/GHS/VFL) and GC favourites Roglic (REX) and Lipowitz (EVC).
Pogacar (CFA/CHX/CJO/GHS/PTM) showed why he is the favourite, winning the stage, followed by Vingegaard (BDC/CFA/DED/EVC/PTM/VFL), Onley (CJO), Gall (BDC/EVC), Jorgenson (EVC/REX), Evenepoel (BDC/CHX/CJO/DED/GHS/REX) and Vauquelin (CHX/GHS). Pogacar also takes the yellow jersey, with a lead in GC of nearly a minute over Evenepoel and more than a minute over Vingegaard.
Naziun Cjovani scored the most points as a result and gain fifth place in the standings.
Standings after stage 7:
| Pos | ± | | Team | Pts Ove | Pts Today |
| 1st | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Cyclohexane (CHX) | 3695 | +584 |
| 2nd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS) | 3380 | +578 |
| 3rd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp) | Velociposse Florencia (VFL) | 2863 | +330 |
| 4th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC) | 2710 | +625 |
| 5th | (+1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Naziun Cjovani (CJO) | 2595 | +647 |
| 6th | (-1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp) | Port Maxhestic AC (PTM) | 2489 | +514 |
| 7th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Fieschǎ (CFA) | 2406 | +555 |
| 8th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp) | Els Talossaes Rexhitais (REX) | 2055 | +368 |
| 9th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp) | Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED) | 2000 | +466 |
| 10th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Esqipă Velocostă (EVC) | 1876 | +573 |
Tomorrow we head east, away from the coast for what should normally be a day for sprinters.
Stage 8 Saint-Méen-le-Grand -> Laval (Espace Mayenne)Quick update for a straightforward and uneventful sprint stage. Jonathan Milan (VFL) won his first Tour stage ever, and the first Tour stage for an Italian rider since 2019, reclaiming the lead in the points classification in the process. He beat out Wout van Aert (EVC) and Kaden Groves (PTM). Disappointingly for REX, Tim Merlier did not feature in the sprint, and neither did EVC and BDC's Jordi Meeus.
Velociposse, one of just two sprint-oriented teams, handily takes the daily win by also placing Pascal Ackermann (also of CJO) in fourth in addition to Milan. EVC, PTM and CJO unsurprisingly end up close together but far behind; PTM, the other two-sprinter team, also placed Watson in 15th.
Standings after stage 8:
| Pos | ± | | Team | Pts Ove | Pts Today |
| 1st | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Cyclohexane (CHX) | 3857 | +162 |
| 2nd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS) | 3506 | +126 |
| 3rd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp) | Velociposse Florencia (VFL) | 3345 | +482 |
| 4th | (+1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Naziun Cjovani (CJO) | 2856 | +261 |
| 5th | (-1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC) | 2810 | +100 |
| 6th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp) | Port Maxhestic AC (PTM) | 2780 | +291 |
| 7th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Fieschǎ (CFA) | 2577 | +171 |
| 8th | (+2) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Esqipă Velocostă (EVC) | 2165 | +289 |
| 9th | (-1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp) | Els Talossaes Rexhitais (REX) | 2163 | +108 |
| 10th | (-1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp) | Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED) | 2111 | +111 |
Tomorrow, another flat, sprinter-oriented stage. Unfortunately for sprint-oriented teams, it will also be the last one, even though we're not even halfway through the leg. Teams who spent big (really, anything more than the bare minimum) on sprinters will need the best possible result in order to justify the investment.
Oof, it very nearly did not pan out as expected. Teammates Mathieu van der Poel (BDC/CHX/GHS/VFL) and Jonas Rickaert (PTM) went on an impressive duo attack for most of the stage, with MVDP remaining alone for the last six kilometres or so. Unfortunately, he was caught by the charging peloton with a mere 700m to go.
Would have been one of the rides to remember in pretty much the unlikeliest type of stage for this to happen.
I would like to say that I am pleased with two things. First, the Naziun Cjovani team leaping into fourth place. (Hot damn!) (The Iason method at work!) Secondly, I am pleased by the representation of Belacosta in all the recent TCAT events. (Especially since the Talossan Cycling Association was a creation of our province.)
Also thanks to Glüc and Lüc for these updates, and for keeping these events going. I just wish I had a way to watch it.
Stage 9 Chinon -> ChâteaurouxMost of the stage was what Lüc said basically. A valiant effort that stranded very close to the finish. Of course, we did still have a sprint after that. Merlier (REX) won, Milan (VFL) got second. Earlier in the stage Almeida (VFL) unfortunately had to abandon due to his injuries from stage 8.
Standings after stage 9:
| Pos | ± | | Team | Pts Ove | Pts Today |
| 1st | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Cyclohexane (CHX) | 4117 | +260 |
| 2nd | (+1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp) | Velociposse Florencia (VFL) | 3706 | +361 |
| 3rd | (-1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS) | 3675 | +169 |
| 4th | (+1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC) | 3024 | +214 |
| 5th | (-1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Naziun Cjovani (CJO) | 3017 | +161 |
| 6th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp) | Port Maxhestic AC (PTM) | 2972 | +192 |
| 7th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Fieschǎ (CFA) | 2698 | +121 |
| 8th | (+1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp) | Els Talossaes Rexhitais (REX) | 2481 | +318 |
| 9th | (-1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Esqipă Velocostă (EVC) | 2339 | +174 |
| 10th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp) | Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED) | 2223 | +112 |
Today we don't have a restday as usual. Instead the restday will be on tuesday and today we get the first mountain stage. Not the Pyrenees or Alps just yet, but a single stage in the Massif Central, with no fewer than 8 categorised summits, most of them of the second category. So a lot of ups and down. There will certainly be some shifts in GC as a result, the stage itself could either go to the break or to some GC favourite.
A brief note on sprinters now that the update for yesterday is out - as I mentioned, all flat stages are over already so according to my notes there's just
two three chances for sprinters to make their mark - stages 17 and 21 (edit: and 11). But they aren't quite flat - 17 looks promising for a breakaway but could be managed by sprint teams, and 21 is the traditional Paris finale, which this years includes three laps of the Montmartre hill, the last one a mere 6km from the finish - a very tempting prize for puncheurs and maybe too steep for pure sprinters.
(Belated edit: the next stage, stage 11, has similar vertical meters as stage 17 but a tough but short climb about 10km from the finish.)
As such, the bulk of the work for sprinters is done already. Sprinters will still be able to contest intermediate sprint points of course, provided there's no big hill before that, but the Velogames points on offer for those are pennies (max. 20/stage) compared to those on offer for a sprint finish (max. 220/stage). Therefore, we can already take a look at how our sprint picks fared and assume this general outline will only meaningfully change if we do get one or two more sprint finishes.
| Sprinter | Team | Points | Credits | Points per
credit (PPC)
higher is better | Points remaining
to reach 100 PPC
lower is better |
| Ackermann | CJO/VFL | 270 | 6c | 45 | 330 |
| Bauhaus | CHX | 295 | 6c | 49 | 305 |
| Groenewegen | DED | 80 | 8c | 10 | 720 |
| Groves | PTM | 397 | 8c | 50 | 403 |
Jeanniere (DNF) | GHS | 0 | 6c | 0 | 600 |
| Meeus | BDC/EVC | 85 | 8c | 10 | 715 |
| Merlier | REX | 502 | 10c | 50 | 498 |
| Milan | VFL | 773 | 12c | 64 | 427 |
| van Poppel | CFA | 58 | 6c | 10 | 542 |
- The best TCAT sprinter by points-per-credit is current points classification leader Jonathan Milan, of Velociposse. He's also the best of the three expensive sprinters (him, REX's Merlier and non-TCAT Philipsen) when looking at both PPC and points remaining to get 100 points-per-credit.
- The best TCAT sprinter by the number of points left to get to 100 points-per-credit is Phil Bauhaus of Cyclohexane. He's also the second best 6c sprinter behind non-TCAT Waerenskjold, who however just abandoned the race and cannot improve on his record. Not far behind Bauhaus is CJO and VFL's Pascal Ackermann.
- Port Maxhestic's Kaden Groves is halfway through to 100 ppc and the joint second-best pick by that metric together with Tim Merlier. However, he may be a wiser pick because he has fewer to go to get to 100 PPC, being a cheaper pick, which means it will be easier for him to get there (an important factor given the limited sprint occasions).
- Like Bauhaus however, Groves is not the best possible 8c pick - that would be non-TCAT Biniam Girmay, who much like last year remained unpicked but is actually the best possible sprint pick overall, with 68 PPC currently and just 249 points to go to get 100 PPC.
- A separate mention to PTM's Samuel Watson, who is an unclassed 6c rider for some reason; he scored 16 PPC and is 504 points from 100 PPC, which technically means he's not doing brilliantly, but it might be more accurate to compare him against other TCAT 6c unclassed picks, among which so far he would actually be the second best pick.
- Also a separate mention goes to EVC's Wout van Aert, who is also unclassed and too much of a wildcard to just assume he won't be scoring any more points. He's 25% of the way to 100 PPC though, so it seems he will have to feature heavily for his team in order to be worth it.
Stage 10 Ennezat -> Le Mont-Dore Puy de SancyThe first mountain stage of Tour was peppered with categorised climbs, and saw a relatively large breakaway form quite early, including several TCAT riders. Ultimately though, those that made it far enough to collect breakaway points were just Anders Johannessen (CHX), O'Connor (BDC), Campenaerts (CJO), Sweeny (PTM), Healy (CFA), and the REX duo Martinez and Simon Yates.
Of those seven, four actually made it all the way, and it was Yates who prevailed, with Healy in third, O'Connor in fourth, Johannessen in seventh and Martinez eighth, as he was dropped but still managed to finish together and ahead of Pogacar (9th) and Vingegaard (10th). Mostly in the same group and finishing 11-16th are also Lipowitz, Jorgenson, Evenepoel, Onley, other Johannessen and Roglic, with Gall and Rodriguez in 17-18th slightly more delayed and closing this big block of TCAT points finishers.
Surprisingly, Healy finished with enough of a gap to the GC favourites to unexpectedly be the new GC leader. This first mountain stage saw a natural round of plummets on the GC standings, with Vauquelin (CHX/GHS) losing three spots, Skjelmose (CFA/CJO) five and falling out of the top10, and of course Mathieu van der Poel (BDC/CHX/GHS/VFL) having exhausted his time at the top à la Mads Pedersen in this year's Giro.
The Rexhitais get their crown back thanks to Yates and Martinez, with Fieschă and BDC rounding off the daily top three. Not a lot of movement in the standings however, with just GHS and VFL trading places again.
Standings after stage 10:
| Pos | ± | | Team | Pts Ove | Pts Today |
| 1st | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Cyclohexane (CHX) | 4437 | +320 |
| 2nd | (+1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS) | 3901 | +226 |
| 3rd | (-1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp) | Velociposse Florencia (VFL) | 3840 | +134 |
| 4th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC) | 3374 | +350 |
| 5th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Naziun Cjovani (CJO) | 3273 | +256 |
| 6th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp) | Port Maxhestic AC (PTM) | 3245 | +273 |
| 7th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Fieschǎ (CFA) | 3125 | +427 |
| 8th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp) | Els Talossaes Rexhitais (REX) | 3010 | +529 |
| 9th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Esqipă Velocostă (EVC) | 2628 | +289 |
| 10th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp) | Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED) | 2428 | +205 |
Restday coming up - next stage and update on Wednesday, with potential analysis to fill the gap tomorrow.
Well...at least I didn't lose any ground in the overall standings!
Quote from: Tric'hard Lenxheir on July 14, 2025, 03:40:19 PMWell...at least I didn't lose any ground in the overall standings!
Give it time, my squad has plenty of days left to mess the bed apparently
Stage 11 Toulouse -> ToulouseTCAT resumes after the first restday (sorry for no analyses) with a stage around Toulouse featuring moving terrain and a few key short but steep climbs (we've had a few of these already). Prime opportunity for a breakaway, and indeed today's initial attackers were five, including CJO and GHS's Jonas Abrahamsen, and chased by a further group of five that featured Wout van Aert (EVC), Mathieu van der Poel (BDC/CHX/GHS/VFL) and Axel Laurance (BDC).
Abrahamsen himself prevailed among the front group to take the win, with only non-TCAT Schmid staying with him to take second and Mathieu van der Poel launching a solo attack to take third place well ahead of the other pursuers - Van Aert took 5th and Laurance 6th place. I speculated this could have been a sprint stage had it been properly managed by sprint teams but the terrain was just too impervious for pure sprinters and most were dropped. It was however fertile terrain for the more punchy sprinters, with PTM's Kaden Groves winning the peloton sprint for 11th, Romain Grégoire (BDC/CHX/DED/REX/VFL) taking 14th and Louis Barré (EVC) 17th.
Abrahamsen and van der Poel give today's daily win to GHST, ahead of BDC (MVDP and Laurance) and CJO (Abrahamsen). No changes in the overall standings though, and not much to report in the general classification either except for Matthias Skjelmose (CFA/CJO) surprisingly dropping three further places to the benefit among others of Ben O'Connor (BDC) - this is still over five minutes away from the top ten however.
Standings after stage 11:
| Pos | ± | | Team | Pts Ove | Pts Today |
| 1st | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Cyclohexane (CHX) | 4724 | +287 |
| 2nd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS) | 4415 | +514 |
| 3rd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp) | Velociposse Florencia (VFL) | 4097 | +257 |
| 4th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC) | 3754 | +380 |
| 5th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Naziun Cjovani (CJO) | 3619 | +346 |
| 6th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp) | Port Maxhestic AC (PTM) | 3388 | +143 |
| 7th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Fieschǎ (CFA) | 3231 | +106 |
| 8th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp) | Els Talossaes Rexhitais (REX) | 3126 | +116 |
| 9th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Esqipă Velocostă (EVC) | 2855 | +227 |
| 10th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp) | Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED) | 2541 | +113 |
Tomorrow, the first serious mountain stage with a summit finish on the mighty Hautacam. Expect the fight for the yellow jersey to heat up again, as we get to the Pyrenées in a trio of stages that will definitely see Pogacar and Vingegaard duel it out to put time on each other and the other GC contenders.
TCAT entered a new phase yesterday as we arrived in the Pyrenees for a challenging mountain stage with an uphill finish on the Hautacam, a climb of the highest category, preceded by two more climbs of first and second category. A massive break of 52 riders got away early, with Armirail (GHS) being the last man standing, but he was overtaken by the favourites on the final climb. The stage turned out to be very revealing as riders finishing were separated by many minutes. In fact it may turn out to be decisive for the final outcome. The big winner:
Pogacar (CFA/CHX/CJO/GHS/PTM), who finished more than two minutes ahead of everyone else.
Vingegaard (BDC/CFA/DED/EVC/PTM/VFL) disappointed with a second place
Lipowitz (EVC) did well in third place, not far behind Vingegaard
Johannessen (DED) far exceeded expectations and got fourth
The same goes for Onley (CJO), in fifth place.
6th: Vauquelin (CHX/GHS), who also did very well and was surprisingly able to keep a strong position in GC
Evenepoel (BDC/CHX/CJO/DED/GHS/REX) massively disappointed
Gall (BDC/EVC) finished in 8th position
Roglic (REX) also disappointed for a 9th place
Jorgenson (EVC/REX), O'Connor (BDC), Rodriguez (GHS), Skjelmose (CFA/CJO) and Mas (PTM/VFL) all lost a lot of time, along with Healy (CFA), who was leading GC before yesterday, but was not expected to keep up in the mountains.
The result: Esqipă Velocostă won the day and gain a place in the standing. GHST and Naziun Cjovani also did very well, whereas Velociposse and Els Talossaes Rexhitais had a poor showing. Of course the stage also had a big impact on GC, which is gonna impact end of tour points, so it might be worth taking a look at that very soon.
Standings after stage 12:
| Pos | ± | | Team | Pts Ove | Pts Today |
| 1st | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Cyclohexane (CHX) | 5305 | +581 |
| 2nd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS) | 5028 | +613 |
| 3rd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp) | Velociposse Florencia (VFL) | 4396 | +299 |
| 4th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC) | 4272 | +518 |
| 5th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Naziun Cjovani (CJO) | 4218 | +599 |
| 6th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp) | Port Maxhestic AC (PTM) | 3957 | +569 |
| 7th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Fieschǎ (CFA) | 3807 | +576 |
| 8th | (+1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Esqipă Velocostă (EVC) | 3488 | +633 |
| 9th | (-1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp) | Els Talossaes Rexhitais (REX) | 3425 | +299 |
| 10th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp) | Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED) | 3101 | +560 |
Exciting developments, but the race for GC isn't gonna slow down anytime soon as today it's time trial time again and not a flat one, but an uphill TT to the ski resort of Peyragudes. Expect big timegaps again.
Stage 13 (ITT) Loudenvielle -> PeyragudesSecond and last time trial for this edition, this time 11km of climbing to the Peyragudes ski resort. The outcome was not much different than yesterday: Pogacar is again simply on another planet and Vingegaard while valiant can only muster best of the rest. Primoz Roglic (REX) took a surprising third ahead of teammate Florian Lipowitz (EVC), showing improved form as did Matteo Jorgenson (EVC/REX, 6th). Who definitely disappointed was Remco Evenepoel, who finished a distant 12th and worse than Onley (CJO, 7th), Martinez (REX, 9th), Gall (BDC/EVC, 10th) and Vauquelin (CHX/GHS, 11th). The Belgian, however, kept his third place in GC by just 6" over Lipowitz - it seems even snatching a final podium will be a tough fight for him.
Today's daily win goes to EVC for a second day in a row, as even though Lipowitz dropped a place they gained another top 10 finisher in Jorgenson. In doing so, they continue their move to the top and they certainly are looking promising (though Jorgenson losing time yesterday didn't help). Another team who definitely looks very threatening is Naziun Cjovani, whose fifth place today is enough to leapfrog them into the provisional overall podium and who can count on Oscar Onley's strong form to bring more points in.
Standings after stage 13:
| Pos | ± | | Team | Pts Ove | Pts Today |
| 1st | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Cyclohexane (CHX) | 5728 | +423 |
| 2nd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS) | 5499 | +471 |
| 3rd | (+2) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Naziun Cjovani (CJO) | 4663 | +445 |
| 4th | (-1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp) | Velociposse Florencia (VFL) | 4657 | +261 |
| 5th | (-1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC) | 4630 | +358 |
| 6th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp) | Port Maxhestic AC (PTM) | 4492 | +535 |
| 7th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Fieschǎ (CFA) | 4304 | +497 |
| 8th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Esqipă Velocostă (EVC) | 4054 | +566 |
| 9th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp) | Els Talossaes Rexhitais (REX) | 3862 | +437 |
| 10th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp) | Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED) | 3424 | +323 |
Surely one of Tour's queen stages coming up tomorrow, with four categorised climbs, of which the first one is the mighty Tourmalet (HC), followed of course by Col d'Aspin (2nd cat.), then Peyresourde (1st cat.) on the way to a second Hors Catégorie summit finish in three days at Superbagnères. A third Pogacar triumph in as many days incoming?
I think it's time...
It's time to climb!
(https://media1.tenor.com/m/Z7WncyCpEq4AAAAC/tom-cruise-top-gun.gif)
Those are some good-looking standings up top, but I know what's better than three Belacostan flags.
Stage 14 Pau -> Luchon-Superbagnères
Two high profile dropouts yesterday: Skjelmose (CFA/CJO) had an unfortunate crash and abandoned, but the even bigger news is Evenepoel (BDC/CHX/CJO/DED/GHS/REX) gave up after dropping early in the stage. A major setback for the teams involved (including the entire current top 4).
A group of riders got away on the Tourmalet yesterday, with Martinez (REX) reaching the summit first and regaining the lead in the KoM classification. Most riders got caught by the favourites, except for Arensman who went solo at 36 km before the finish and scored an impressive stage win.
Behind him Pogacar (CFA/CHX/CJO/GHS/PTM) was again the fastest, beating Vingegaard (BDC/CFA/DED/EVC/PTM/VFL) in the final sprint. Gall (BDC/EVC) and Lipowitz (EVC) also did well, while Jorgenson (EVC/REX) lost a lot of time.
Esqipă Velocostă as a result gets the most points for the third time in a row, but this still wasn't enough to move up from spot 8. I expect them to gain a lot more when we get to the Alps however.
Standings after stage 14:
| Pos | ± | | Team | Pts Ove | Pts Today |
| 1st | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Cyclohexane (CHX) | 6085 | +357 |
| 2nd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS) | 5929 | +430 |
| 3rd | (+2) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC) | 5081 | +451 |
| 4th | (-1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Naziun Cjovani (CJO) | 5074 | +411 |
| 5th | (+1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp) | Port Maxhestic AC (PTM) | 4999 | +507 |
| 6th | (-2) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp) | Velociposse Florencia (VFL) | 4944 | +287 |
| 7th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Fieschǎ (CFA) | 4893 | +589 |
| 8th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Esqipă Velocostă (EVC) | 4652 | +598 |
| 9th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp) | Els Talossaes Rexhitais (REX) | 4079 | +217 |
| 10th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp) | Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED) | 3755 | +331 |
Today a bit of an in between stage, finishing in the very pretty ancient city of Carcassonne. Expect a reduced sprint or a succesful attack by a punchy rider. The second stage win for Van der Poel or the first stage win for Van Aert perhaps.
Stage 15 Muret -> CarcassonneQuick scoring update for yesterday's stage that saw Tim Wellens get a solo win, with Cjovani's Campenaerts narrowly ahead of a sprint of about 20 attackers that did not include any top 10 GC contender except for GHS's Carlos Rodriguez. The GC leaders finished well behind - truly a day for the break after three tough mountain stages.
A fourth Velocostă win in a row, in what was overall a low scoring affair that saw the Belacostan team narrowly lead a group of four other teams with top 5 finishers: Campenaerts (CJO, 2nd), Alaphilippe (CHX/GHS, 3rd), van Aert (EVC, 4th) and Laurance (BDC, 5th). Also scoring points (and giving EVC the win over CJO) was Nys (12th and also of BDC/DED/REX), with Buitrago (CHX/DED/VFL) 15th and Rodriguez (GHS) 19th and last of the TCAT points-getters.
No meaningful changes in the standings but EVC finally is within striking distance of the middle of the pack. CFA sadly lost van Eetvelt, who did not start; this is their second abandon after Skjelmose. Cjovani still had the most abandons with three (Ganna, Evenepoel, Skjelmose). The only team without abandons so far is, unsurprisingly, EVC, with six teams affected by the Evenepoel dropout.
Standings after stage 15:
| Pos | ± | | Team | Pts Ove | Pts Today |
| 1st | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Cyclohexane (CHX) | 6370 | +285 |
| 2nd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS) | 6209 | +280 |
| 3rd | (+1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Naziun Cjovani (CJO) | 5366 | +292 |
| 4th | (-1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC) | 5337 | +256 |
| 5th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp) | Port Maxhestic AC (PTM) | 5123 | +124 |
| 6th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp) | Velociposse Florencia (VFL) | 5067 | +123 |
| 7th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Fieschǎ (CFA) | 5013 | +120 |
| 8th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Esqipă Velocostă (EVC) | 4976 | +324 |
| 9th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp) | Els Talossaes Rexhitais (REX) | 4190 | +111 |
| 10th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp) | Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED) | 3896 | +141 |
Today was a restday, we get going again tomorrow as we meet the Alps and Mont Ventoux. A rather flat, long approach to a single, tough 15km climb to the summit of Mont Ventoux and another Hors Categorie finish. Sprinters should finally see a few points coming in from the intermediate sprint, but the stage finish will probably be another one for GC riders, though it will be interesting to see if the mostly flat approach evens things out a bit.
The sole victim of the restday had to be a TCAT rider: Mathieu van der Poel (BDC/CHX/GHS/VFL) has pneumonia and decided not to start today. This brings GHST down to 6 riders standing, joint lowest with Cjovani, and the other three teams to 7. EVC remains the only intact team, although PTM is also pretty strong, having only lost De Buyst (a 4c unclassed, not particularly useful) which makes it the only other team with fewer than two abandons.
It is also wise at this point to take a peek at End of Tour points - those awarded to the top 30 riders in the final GC, the top 10 in the final points and mountains classifications, and the riders on the top 5 teams. With the current standings, they would look like this:
| Current | Daily | EOT | Total |
| GHS | 6209 | 444 | 1365 | 8018 |
| CHX | 6370 | 372 | 1170 | 7912 |
| PTM | 5123 | 498 | 1675 | 7296 |
| CFA | 5013 | 534 | 1730 | 7277 |
| EVC | 4976 | 474 | 1710 | 7160 |
| CJO | 5366 | 384 | 1255 | 7005 |
| BDC | 5337 | 330 | 1070 | 6737 |
| VFL | 5067 | 270 | 895 | 6232 |
| DED | 3896 | 294 | 1000 | 5190 |
| REX | 4190 | 222 | 730 | 5142 |
Again, this assumes the standings will stay the same until the end, and doesn't account for the many points still on offer in stage finishes. It looks like there's a two-team fight for first place and then a very tight competition for the last podium place among at least three teams, but much can still change; MVDP retiring already takes away a potential stage winner in at least stage 21 from both GHS and CHX.
Stage 16 Montpellier -> Mont VentouxToday's stage was mostly flat, except it finished on the legendary Mont Ventoux (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mont_Ventoux), a hors categorie climb (15,7 km, 8,8% average). The break managed to reach the foot of the climb with a sizeable lead over the peloton, and while Pogacar and Vingegaard managed to catch up with many of them on the way up, a couple managed to stay ahead including Healy (CFA) and Buitrago (CHX/DED/VFL). Mas (PTM/VFL), Alaphilippe (CHX/GHS), Roglic (REX) and Lipowitz (EVC) also finished in the top 10. Not too much happened in GC except Roglic gained the 5th place from Vauquelin (CHX/GHS) and Healy gained 9th place over Rodriguez (GHS).
As for TCAT, Cézembre Fieschǎ won the stage and gain two places in the standing. Cyclohexane and Port Maxhestic also did well, resulting in Port Maxhestic climbing to fourth place in the standings and Cyclohexane extending their lead over GHST.
Standings after stage 16:
| Pos | ± | | Team | Pts Ove | Pts Today |
| 1st | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Cyclohexane (CHX) | 6842 | +472 |
| 2nd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS) | 6555 | +346 |
| 3rd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Naziun Cjovani (CJO) | 5630 | +264 |
| 4th | (+1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp) | Port Maxhestic AC (PTM) | 5593 | +470 |
| 5th | (+2) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Fieschǎ (CFA) | 5578 | +565 |
| 6th | (-2) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC) | 5536 | +199 |
| 7th | (-1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp) | Velociposse Florencia (VFL) | 5535 | +468 |
| 8th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Esqipă Velocostă (EVC) | 5293 | +317 |
| 9th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp) | Els Talossaes Rexhitais (REX) | 4327 | +137 |
| 10th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp) | Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED) | 4263 | +367 |
Tomorrow could be either a break or a bunch sprint. Milan in particular needs this to be a bunch sprint if he wants to defend his green jersey over Pogacar, but there is some climbing along the way so attackers might see some chances here.
Stage 17 Bollène -> ValenceThe rare (and pontentially last) bunch sprint opportunity did come to pass, in a rain- and crash-affected finale. A breakaway featuring CJO and GHS's Abrahamsen simply had no chance and was regathered in the final five kilometres. Jonathan Milan (VFL) won and extended his lead in the points classification, en route to potentially winning the PC in all three Grand Tours he's entered. Second, Jordi Meeus (BDC/EVC), with Bauhaus (CHX, 12th), Groenewegen (DED, 14th), van Dijke (CFA, 19th) and Groves (PTM, 20th) getting a few points as well.
Esqipă Velocostă gets another daily win, edging out Velociposse off of their vastly bigger daily classification points intake despite Milan pipping Meeus on the line. It is the Florencians however who gain four places in the insanely close midfield battle (6 teams in little more than the 220 points for a rider's stage win), while BDC also moves up thanks to Meeus.
Unfortunately, the crashes in the set up to the final sprint took out GHS's Carlos Rodriguez, who broke his pelvis and will not start today. Also abandoning TCAT, Fieschă's Danny van Poppel, due to the birth of his daughter.
Standings after stage 17:
| Pos | ± | | Team | Pts Ove | Pts Today |
| 1st | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Cyclohexane (CHX) | 6951 | +109 |
| 2nd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS) | 6675 | +120 |
| 3rd | (+4) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp) | Velociposse Florencia (VFL) | 5828 | +293 |
| 4th | (+2) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC) | 5791 | +255 |
| 5th | (-2) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Naziun Cjovani (CJO) | 5756 | +126 |
| 6th | (-2) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp) | Port Maxhestic AC (PTM) | 5712 | +119 |
| 7th | (-2) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Fieschǎ (CFA) | 5702 | +124 |
| 8th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Esqipă Velocostă (EVC) | 5610 | +317 |
| 9th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp) | Els Talossaes Rexhitais (REX) | 4397 | +70 |
| 10th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp) | Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED) | 4372 | +109 |
Today's stage is the first of two final yellow jersey deciders... if there was anything to decide, seeing as Pogacar seems unbreakable. But still, today features a whopping 3 hors catégorie summits (Glandon, Madeleine and la Loze) which will surely give more opportunities for the TCAT standings to shake up.
Ohmygosh! We're back on podium! Huzzah!
Third place through eighth is an absolute cluster. Going to be quite the dash as we get closer to Paris.
Quote from: Sir Lüc on July 24, 2025, 08:28:24 AMDanny van Poppel, due to the birth of his daughter.
Aww, congrats to him!
QuoteUnfortunately, the crashes in the set up to the final sprint took out GHS's Carlos Rodriguez, who broke his pelvis
oh.
Stage 18 Vif -> Courchevel (Col de la Loze) Yesterday was the Queen stage of the tour, with three climbs of the highest category*. Vingegaard has announced he wanted to try an ultimate attempt to challenge Pogacar for the lead in GC. This would have required winning back a lot of time. He did try to attack a couple of times, but an all out attack never really materialised, so Pogacar was easily able to defend his lead and with only one more mountain stage to go has a 4,5 minute advantage. By finishing second on the Col de La Madeleine and second on the finish, Pogacar did gain the lead in the KOM classification as well. More interesting is the fight for third place where Onley (CJO) made up a lot of time on Lipowitz (EVC) and is now only 22 seconds away from the podium. The stage was won surprisingly by O'Connor (BDC), which also resulted in BdC scoring the most points.
As a result BdC climb to third place in the standings, while EVC also had a good day and enter the top 5.
*As a sidenote I happened to travel the final part of the route of the second climb, the Col de La Madeleine, last february. Only I was on skis and going in the opposite direction.Standings after stage 18:
| Pos | ± | | Team | Pts Ove | Pts Today |
| 1st | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Cyclohexane (CHX) | 7301 | +350 |
| 2nd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS) | 7031 | +356 |
| 3rd | (+1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC) | 6475 | +684 |
| 4th | (+2) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp) | Port Maxhestic AC (PTM) | 6335 | +623 |
| 5th | (+3) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Esqipă Velocostă (EVC) | 6277 | +667 |
| 6th | (+1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Fieschǎ (CFA) | 6274 | +572 |
| 7th | (-2) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Naziun Cjovani (CJO) | 6235 | +479 |
| 8th | (-5) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp) | Velociposse Florencia (VFL) | 6142 | +314 |
| 9th | (+1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp) | Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED) | 4816 | +444 |
| 10th | (-1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp) | Els Talossaes Rexhitais (REX) | 4683 | +286 |
Todaý is the final Alpine stage in the tour, and it's a short one, which has been shortened even more. 'Only' 93 kilometer including three summits and ending in another skiresort. This will likely be one for the GC favourites.
Quote from: Glüc on July 25, 2025, 07:52:11 AMOnly I was on skies and going in the opposite direction.
Meh, details.
Stage 19 Albertville -> La PlagneThe last mountain stage was a shortened one that, apart for Thymen Arensman's second win, mostly confirmed the status quo. Vingegaard got P2 ahead of Pogacar in a two-rider uphill dash to the line. Florian Lipowitz (EVC, 4th) was the only one who could mostly stay with them, finally defeating Oscar Onley (CJO, 5th)'s bid to snatch third place in GC from him. Felix Gall (BDC/EVC, 6th) also did well and gained a place in GC to round off the likely final overall top 5. Seventh, and also gaining two spots in GC, is DED's Tobias Johannessen. The one to conversely lose out is Primoz Roglic (REX), who finished a distant 27th and dropped to 8th in GC. Kévin Vauquelin (CHX/GHS, 17th) did not have a brilliant day but Roglic's undoing means he will at least get to keep his 7th place overall.
EVC won the day again, confirming their domination in the mountain stages. They and CFA (today's second placed team) move up a place each, ironically at the expense of the other strong finisher of today, PTM - it's just this tight at the moment.
Standings after stage 19:
| Pos | ± | | Team | Pts Ove | Pts Today |
| 1st | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Cyclohexane (CHX) | 7565 | +264 |
| 2nd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS) | 7305 | +274 |
| 3rd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC) | 6928 | +453 |
| 4th | (+1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Esqipă Velocostă (EVC) | 6904 | +627 |
| 5th | (+1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Fieschǎ (CFA) | 6857 | +583 |
| 6th | (-2) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp) | Port Maxhestic AC (PTM) | 6851 | +516 |
| 7th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Naziun Cjovani (CJO) | 6677 | +442 |
| 8th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp) | Velociposse Florencia (VFL) | 6441 | +299 |
| 9th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp) | Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED) | 5209 | +393 |
| 10th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp) | Els Talossaes Rexhitais (REX) | 4955 | +272 |
(Today's stage considerations after the next bit)
Since we're mostly not gonna see big swings in GC in the remaining two stages, it makes a lot of sense to take a look at the current End of Tour points (+ the daily standing points) and how they will affect the current standings:
| Current | Daily | EOT | Total |
| EVC | 6904 | 180 | 1815 | 8899 |
| CFA | 6857 | 200 | 1820 | 8877 |
| CHX | 7565 | 128 | 1100 | 8793 |
| PTM | 6851 | 194 | 1730 | 8775 |
| GHS | 7305 | 128 | 1130 | 8563 |
| BDC | 6928 | 136 | 1270 | 8334 |
| CJO | 6677 | 136 | 1325 | 8138 |
| VFL | 6441 | 100 | 880 | 7421 |
| DED | 5209 | 124 | 1130 | 6463 |
| REX | 4955 | 54 | 600 | 5609 |
It's gonna be the tightest finale in TCAT history. Velocostă and Fieschă are essentially going to score the same EOT points, which means they remain basically tied and their final standing hinges on whoever scores more stagepoints among them. And Cyclohexane is still not out of it despite a lacklustre performance on the mountains, as it does have some riders that might be suited to the remaining stages. Port Maxhestic is also going to score a lot of EOT points, bringing it also into contention for the final win. Somewhat familiarly, GHST is likely going to drop off the podium right at the end, as just five active riders make it impossible to score enough points.
BDC and CJO close off a virtual top-7 that has never been so tightly contested - if the virtual gaps were confirmed, we'd have the top 7 teams all within 761 points. In every past edition, we've never had more than just the top 3 within this same gap of the lead.
So strap in for the two remaining stages! Today's is a hilly one and likely to be targeted by lots of riders, which if I've learned anything means that only the lucky few to get in the decisive break/attack will actually contest for the win.
Ooh, if Groves pulls this off, Port Maxhestic might be in a real good position here.
Stage 20 Nantua -> PontarlierWith this edition of TCAT being one of the most hotly contested so far, today was an important day. Surprisingly, it was won by Groves (PTM). Even more surprisingly Groves didn't win in a sprint, but attacking solo after being in a break which also featured Van den Broek (CFA), Gregoire (BDC/CHX/DED/REX/VFL), Jorgenson (EVC/REX) and Sweeny (PTM). Port Maxhestic won the day as a result and while they are still behind Cyclohexane and GHST, they are in a very strong position now. It is far from over however.
Standings after stage 20:
| Pos | ± | | Team | Pts Ove | Pts Today |
| 1st | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Cyclohexane (CHX) | 7781 | +216 |
| 2nd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS) | 7398 | +93 |
| 3rd | (+3) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp) | Port Maxhestic AC (PTM) | 7304 | +453 |
| 4th | (+1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Fieschǎ (CFA) | 7185 | +328 |
| 5th | (-2) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC) | 7154 | +226 |
| 6th | (-2) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Esqipă Velocostă (EVC) | 7144 | +240 |
| 7th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Naziun Cjovani (CJO) | 6790 | +113 |
| 8th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp) | Velociposse Florencia (VFL) | 6659 | +218 |
| 9th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp) | Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED) | 5434 | +225 |
| 10th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp) | Els Talossaes Rexhitais (REX) | 5253 | +298 |
Tomorrow will be decisive stage, with the traditional finish on the Champs Elysees. However, there is another twist. Normally the finish in Paris is pretty much guaranteed to be a bunch sprint, but the organisation decided to shake things up and include three ascents of Montmartre, which provides an opportunity for puncheurs and potentially even some GC riders. (The stage seems almost intentionally designed for Van der Poel, but he abandoned earlier).
That means there are many riders who could win tomorrow. Groves could perhaps seal the deal for Port Maxhestic. Cyclohexane has Alaphilippe, Gregoire and maybe even Vauquelin who could do well here. Fiescha is also still in the race. Perhaps Healy or Van den Broek could do something. Esqipa Velocosta has Meeus for a sprint alongside Van Aert and Nys as potential winners, but unlike the other contenders for the overall victory, they don't have Pogacar, who might just be the favourite.
Four teams still with a clear shot at victory (and perhaps more with an outside chance). We will know as the teams cross the finishline around 19:30 (+/- 15 minutes) CEST (12:30 TST)
1 lap to go. EVC has 2 in the current front group (Jorgenson and Van Aert), which puts them in a strong position. PTM, CHX, CFA all have 1, but that 1 is Pogacar.
Van Aert might be the fastest sprinter in the group. If Van Aert wins here EVC might well get a second TCAT win. However Pogacar will likely try attacking again and if he gets away, maybe its Port Maxhestic that gets it...
(It might depend on what happens further behind as well)
Van Aert attacking solo! Is he gonna make it? And will that be enough for EVC to win? I dont know, but I hope you all watching because its very exciting
Van Aert (EVC) wins the final stage!
Stage 21 Mantes-la-Ville › Paris (Champs-Élysées) As Glüc already noted, yesterday's final stage was won by Wout van Aert (EVC), ahead of a trio that included Tadej Pogacar (4th, CFA/CHX/CJO/GHS/PTM). EVC completed a strong stage finish by also placing Jorgenson 5th, while GHS and CHX had Vauquelin finish 8th. Lastly, PTM's Kaden Groves got 11th by winning a reduced sprint that also included Abrahamsen (CJO/GHS, 16th), Alaphilippe (CHX/GHS, 19th) and Laurance (BDC, 20th).
Naturally, Velocostă wins the day, with GHST placing several riders in the point to finish second, slightly ahead of PTM and CHX. But most notably, Fieschă followed up stage 20's temporary gain of points over the Belacostans by unfortunately only scoring with Pogacar, leaving it far behind EVC and ending their bid for a leg victory.
As such, the following is the situation before EOT points are applied:
| Pos | ± | | Team | Pts Ove | Pts Today |
| 1st | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Cyclohexane (CHX) | 8081 | +300 |
| 2nd | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS) | 7731 | +333 |
| 3rd | (+3) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Esqipă Velocostă (EVC) | 7644 | +500 |
| 4th | (-1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp) | Port Maxhestic AC (PTM) | 7626 | +322 |
| 5th | (-1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Fieschǎ (CFA) | 7449 | +264 |
| 6th | (-1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC) | 7244 | +90 |
| 7th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Naziun Cjovani (CJO) | 7059 | +269 |
| 8th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp) | Velociposse Florencia (VFL) | 6767 | +108 |
| 9th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp) | Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED) | 5535 | +101 |
| 10th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp) | Els Talossaes Rexhitais (REX) | 5451 | +197 |
FINAL STANDINGS (with End of Tour points)
Not much of a surprise if you followed virtual standings, but there it is: Esqipă Velocostă wins TCAT France 2025! It therefore becomes the second team to win multiple legs, after Banqeu da Cézembre, and the first one to win in Italy and France back-to-back, giving them a shot at winning all three legs in a single season (although BDC already won all three legs back-to-back, but across two different seasons).
The three teams who had any chance to win (by scoring a meaningful amount of End of Tour points) all leapfrog the hitherto leading duo, but their EoT point differences are too slim to swap them around. Port Maxhestic, then, has to settle for second, which is still their best result in a TCAT leg after their two Spanish third places in 2023 and 2024. And Fieschă, TCAT France's defending champion, was still able to secure a valiant third place.
Much like what happened with GHST in Italy, Cyclohexane led the standings from stage 2 to 21, but its limited EoT point intake (especially due to Evenepoel and van der Poel's dual retirements) doomed it for the overall win and narrowly made it miss out even on a podium spot right at the end. And lastly, GHST itself saw something basically identical happen, with the added injuries to Jeanniere and Rodriguez additionally making it extremely unlikely it would even manage to edge out CHX despite its long chase atop the standings.
| Pos | ± | | Team | Pts | EoT |
| 1st | (+2) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Esqipă Velocostă (EVC) | 9449 | +1805 |
| 2nd | (+2) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp) | Port Maxhestic AC (PTM) | 9336 | +1710 |
| 3rd | (+2) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Fieschǎ (CFA) | 9229 | +1780 |
| 4th | (-3) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Cyclohexane (CHX) | 9181 | +1100 |
| 5th | (-3) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS) | 8861 | +1130 |
| 6th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC) | 8494 | +1250 |
| 7th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Naziun Cjovani (CJO) | 8364 | +1305 |
| 8th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp) | Velociposse Florencia (VFL) | 7647 | +880 |
| 9th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp) | Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED) | 6635 | +1100 |
| 10th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp) | Els Talossaes Rexhitais (REX) | 6065 | +615 |
The winning margin, 113 points, is almost the smallest we've ever seen (Italy 2023, 112pts, CHX over BDC), and additionally comes off the bat of two other historically tight editions (Spain 2024, 211pts BDC over GHS and Italy 2025, 214pts EVC over VFL). But the margins were tight all around, as this is the first edition in which 6 teams finished fewer than 1000 points from the lead, while previously at best just the podium teams managed to do so.
SIDE CLASSIFICATIONSSome interesting results in the side classifications: VFL wins the Sprinters's Classification almost by default due to holding Points Classification winner Jonathan Milan. Vaguely unexpectedly, GHST gets second place despite their elected sprinter crashing out injured early on, thanks to Jonas Abrahamsen taking home a surprising amount of intermediate sprint points.
The Climbers's Classification was won by Fieschă, much like last year, with Pogacar and Vingegaard providing the bulk of the points. What made the difference with runner-up PTM, who held the same duo, was however Ben Healy, who proved to have evolved into a surprisingly solid climber, even if not ready for seriously contesting the general classification yet.
And lastly the ever unpredictable combativity classification goes to REX, by quite some margin -
@King Txec 's team proves adept at racking up breakaway riders after already winning this same classification once before. This time, it is Lenny Martinez who made the difference, scoring by himself the whole gap to second place in his (failed) quest to win the polkadot jersey.
SPRINTERS'S CLASSIFICATION - first win by VFL and second in any side classification after 2023 France combativity
(intermediate sprint points + daily points' classification points)Velociposse Florencia 799Gordon Hiatus Support Team 555
Cyclohexane 448
Port Maxhestic AC 403
Naziun Cjovani 362
Cézembre Fieschǎ 351
Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs 279
Els Talossaes Rexhitais 150
Esqipă Velocostă 120
Dirnalaiset Mortescu 118
CLIMBERS'S CLASSIFICATION - second win by CFA after France 2024
(summit points + daily KOM points)Cézembre Fieschǎ 855Port Maxhestic AC 780
Naziun Cjovani 520
Gordon Hiatus Support Team 486
Cyclohexane 483
Esqipă Velocostă 470
Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs 464
Els Talossaes Rexhitais 379
Dirnalaiset Mortescu 378
Velociposse Florencia 349
COMBATIVITY CLASSIFICATION - second win by REX after Italy 2024 (contested as SOS)
(20 pts per breakaway rider)Els Talossaes Rexhitais 200Gordon Hiatus Support Team 120
Naziun Cjovani 100
Port Maxhestic AC 80
Cyclohexane 80
Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs 80
Cézembre Fieschǎ 60
Velociposse Florencia 60
Esqipă Velocostă 40
Dirnalaiset Mortescu 20
Two in a row. Congratulations Mic'haglh!
Bad luck for Port Maxhestic who looked so close to their first win saturday and for Cyclohexane who were leading for most of it.
The other teams should probably start thinking about how to put a stop to this winning streak before Vuelta...
SEASON STANDINGSLastly, here's a recap of where we stand two-thirds of the way into the 2025 season:
(± ignores non-returning teams)| Pos | ± | | Team | Pts |
| 1st | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Esqipă Velocostă (EVC) | 18064 |
| 2nd | (+3) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp) | Port Maxhestic AC (PTM) | 16427 |
| 3rd | (+1) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS) | 16369 |
| 4th | (-2) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp) | Velociposse Florencia (VFL) | 16051 |
| 5th | (+2) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Cyclohexane (CHX) | 15749 |
| 6th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC) | 15220 |
| 7th | (+2) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp) | Cézembre Fieschǎ (CFA) | 14577 |
| 8th | (-5) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp) | Els Talossaes Rexhitais (REX) | 14092 |
| 9th | (=) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp) | Naziun Cjovani (CJO) | 13390 |
| 10th | (-2) | (https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp) | Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED) | 12798 |
Unsurprisingly, EVC retains the lead, having won both legs. They are in an excellent position to win the season overall as well, due to the other teams making up the podiums of both legs having generally alternating fortunes (indeed, currently third-placed GHS did not make the podium of either leg). Technically all is up for grabs, but this 1600+ points lead seems difficult to overcome unless EVC has a weak showing, and even then we'd have to see a reversal to bigger gaps in the standings for some other team to actually leapfrog EVC.
BONUS: ALL-TIME STAGE WINNERS
Ever wondered if we ever tracked how many daily/stage wins each team ever got? The answer is no... until now.
| Team | Stage
Wins | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025
(2/3) |
| Banqeu da Cézembre | 48 | 11 | 15 | 20 | 2 |
| Gordon Hiatus Support Team | 31 | 6 | 5 | 11 | 9 |
| Els Gagnheirs | 16 | 5 | 11 | - | - |
| Velociposse Florencia | 16 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Cyclohexane | 15 | - | 8 | 2 | 5 |
| Naziun Cjovani | 15 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Port Maxhestic AC | 15 | - | 3 | 9 | 3 |
| Cézembre Fieschă | 13 | - | 2 | 9 | 2 |
| Maricopa Cabana Boys | 12 | - | 7 | 3 | 2 |
| Esqipă Velocostă | 8 | - | - | - | 8 |
| Dead Last | 7 | - | 3 | 4 | 0 |
| Rexhitais/Cantzelerïă | 6 | - | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Kinetic Racing | 4 | 3 | 0 | - | 1 |
| els Averatxeirs | 2 | - | 2 | - | 0 |
| Valcürïăs | 2 | 2 | 0 | - | - |
(Manilows and Ardita contested two and one legs respectively but did not get a daily win.)
Look at me go!!! Just living up to the team name!!!
Quote from: Tric'hard Lenxheir on July 30, 2025, 10:57:12 AMLook at me go!!! Just living up to the team name!!!
Just to be clear, you're in last place in the combined season standings, you did not finish last in the France leg:p
Quote from: Sir Lüc on July 30, 2025, 12:12:24 PMJust to be clear, you're in last place in the combined season standings, you did not finish last in the France leg:p
I tried really hard LOL