Ben O’Connor soared to victory in Stage 18 of the 2025 Tour de France, while Tadej Pogačar tightened his grip on yellow.
Tour de France 2025 – Courchevel, July 24, 2025 – The 2025 Tour de France reached its dramatic crescendo on Stage 18, the infamous Queen Stage, where the Alps tested every rider’s resolve. Amid fog, fatigue, and ferocious climbs, Ben O’Connor of Team Jayco AlUla delivered a masterclass in solo riding, claiming victory atop the Col de la Loze. Behind him, Tadej Pogačar dealt a decisive blow to his rivals, extending his overall lead and inching closer to a fourth Tour title. Meanwhile, Scotland’s Oscar Onley surged into podium contention with a gutsy ride that turned heads across the cycling world.
The Queen Stage: A Beast in the Alps
Stage 18 spanned 171.5 kilometers from Vif to Courchevel, featuring three hors catégorie climbs and a staggering 5,450 meters of elevation gain. Riders faced the Col du Glandon, Col de la Madeleine, and the final ascent to Col de la Loze, the highest point of this year’s race.
The day began under ominous skies, with temperatures plummeting to 10°C at altitude and intermittent rain adding to the challenge. The peloton fractured early as breakaway hopefuls launched attacks on the Glandon’s steep ramps.
Ben O’Connor ’s Redemption Ride
After a turbulent first half of the Tour, Ben O’Connor found his moment. Joining a breakaway group early, he bided his time before launching a solo attack with 16 kilometers to go, powering away from the remnants of the escapees.
O’Connor’s climbing prowess shone on the final ascent, where he danced up the Col de la Loze, unfazed by the thinning air and relentless gradient. He crossed the finish line alone, arms aloft, securing his second career Tour stage win, both in the Alps.
“I just kept going. I didn’t look back. This is what you dream of,” O’Connor said post-race, visibly emotional.
Pogačar’s Tactical Masterstroke
While O’Connor celebrated, the real drama unfolded behind him. Tadej Pogačar, wearing the maillot jaune, attacked on the final 500 meters of the climb, dropping Jonas Vingegaard and finishing second on the stage.
The Slovenian’s acceleration widened his overall lead to 4 minutes and 26 seconds, virtually sealing his grip on the yellow jersey with just three stages remaining.
“I felt strong today. The team was perfect. We’re close now,” Pogačar said, referencing his crash earlier in the Tour and his comeback.
Oscar Onley: Scotland’s Rising Star
One of the revelations of Stage 18 was Oscar Onley, the young Brit riding for Team Picnic PostNL. Onley stayed with the elite group deep into the climb and finished fourth, leapfrogging into fourth place overall, just 11 minutes and 4 seconds behind Pogačar.
His performance has sparked excitement in the UK, with many tipping him as a future Grand Tour contender.
“I just kept my head down and followed the wheels. It’s surreal,” Onley said, grinning at the finish line.
Tactical Breakdown
UAE Team Emirates (Pogačar)
- Controlled the peloton through the early climbs.
- Set a brutal pace on the Madeleine to isolate rivals.
- Pogačar’s late attack was perfectly timed.
Team Jayco AlUla (O’Connor)
- Joined the breakaway early.
- Conserved energy until the final climb.
- Executed a solo move with precision.
Team Picnic PostNL (Onley)
- Rode defensively early.
- Stayed with GC contenders on the Loze.
- Capitalized on Vingegaard’s fade.
General Classification After Stage 18
| Rank | Rider | Team | Time Behind Leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tadej Pogačar | UAE Team Emirates-XRG | — |
| 2 | Jonas Vingegaard | Visma-Lease a Bike | +4:26 |
| 3 | Florian Lipowitz | Red Bull-BORA-Hansgrohe | +9:03 |
| 4 | Oscar Onley | Picnic PostNL | +11:04 |
| 5 | Primož Roglič | Red Bull-BORA-Hansgrohe | +11:42 |
Stage 18 Podium
- Ben O’Connor (Jayco AlUla) – 4h 51m 23s
- Tadej Pogačar (UAE Emirates-XRG) – +1m 46s
- Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) – +2m 03s
How to Watch – Tour de France 2025
- UK: ITVX (free stream)
- US: Peacock Sports
- Global: Eurosport, GCN+
Final Thoughts: The Tour’s Defining Day?
Stage 18 may go down as the defining moment of the 2025 Tour de France. Ben O’Connor’s solo triumph was a testament to perseverance, while Pogačar’s dominance reaffirmed his status as one of the greatest climbers of his generation. Oscar Onley’s rise added a fresh narrative to the GC battle, injecting youthful energy into the final stretch.
With just three stages remaining, including a flat sprint and a ceremonial ride into Paris, the yellow jersey seems destined for Slovenia once again. But in the Tour de France, nothing is ever truly over until the Champs-Élysées.
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