Jonathan Milan Triumphs in Rain-Soaked Stage 17 of the Tour de France

Milan’s Victory Amidst Chaos

Jonathan Milan secured his second stage win in the 2025 Tour de France with a thrilling sprint finish in Valence, despite challenging weather conditions that led to a chaotic finale. The rain-soaked roads proved treacherous, but both Tadej Pogacar, the race leader, and Jonas Vingegaard, his closest competitor, managed to navigate the hazards without incident.

A Treacherous Finish

The stage, likely the last opportunity for sprinters in this year’s Tour, was marred by a heavy downpour that made the final kilometers through suburban Valence dangerously slippery. As expected, the wet conditions resulted in a crash that took down several riders, including stage three winner Tim Merlier and Biniam Girmay, who had claimed the points classification in 2024. Girmay’s fall was particularly dramatic, as he somersaulted into the barriers.

Pogacar Faces Criticism

As Milan celebrated his victory, criticism of Pogacar began to mount. Jean-René Bernaudeau, the manager of the Total Energies team, accused Pogacar’s UAE Emirates XRG squad of arrogance. “They’re arrogant towards those who just want to live simply alongside them,” Bernaudeau stated, urging the team manager to address this behavior.

Pogacar’s Response

Pogacar dismissed the accusations, asserting that the desire to win the Tour de France might be perceived as arrogance. “I think a lot of riders would see us as arrogant because we want to control every single kilometer of this race. We don’t try to be arrogant; we just try to make our race as easy as possible,” he explained.

Protests and Human Rights Issues

During the race, pro-Palestinian activists made their presence known in Dieulefit, waving flags and displaying banners as the peloton passed through. Pogacar was questioned about human rights issues in the United Arab Emirates, where his team is based. He defended the UAE’s commitment to promoting cycling and a healthy lifestyle, stating, “Kids love us, the locals love us when we ride with them.”

Recent Incidents

The protests have sparked discussions about free speech and the right to protest. Last week, a protester disrupted the finish line in Toulouse, wearing a T-shirt that read, “Israel out of the Tour.” The individual has been charged with endangering the riders.

The Battle for the Podium

While Pogacar remains a dominant force in the race, the competition for the final podium spot is heating up. Scotland’s Oscar Onley finds himself in a tight race, sandwiched between competitors from Red Bull and Bora Hansgrohe.

Rising Stars and Veteran Champions

Florian Lipowitz, a debutant from the German team, is currently in third place overall, with Onley trailing by two minutes. Meanwhile, Primoz Roglic, a seasoned Grand Tour champion, has made a surprising return to the top five, prompting mixed reactions from fellow competitors.

Weather Changes Ahead

As the race progresses, unpredictable weather is expected in the upcoming mountain stages, including a high-altitude finish on the Col de la Loze and a climb to La Plagne. Race organizer Francois Lemarchand noted that a significant temperature drop is anticipated, with conditions shifting dramatically from hot to cold.

In summary, the 2025 Tour de France continues to deliver excitement and drama, with Jonathan Milan’s victory overshadowed by controversies and the looming challenges of the remaining stages.