Tour de France Tour de France 2025, Stage 16: Montpellier to Mont Ventoux, 171.5 km

[Eyeballs Out]

Politt carries all the authority of a support teacher with his entire class firing paper aeroplanes at him

 

[Samamba]

I think this is becoming personal now. UAE want the three-man group to go and have made it clear they don't let any other riders go. That only spurs on the other teams. That will be one fould mood in the groupetto up the Mont Ventoux.

Exactly, this behavior is going to backfire at some point.

 

[Rackham]

Ironically UAE bullying everyone into submission is making this entertaining.

 

[D. Pecher]

It's hardly a novelty that the team of the yellow jersey stamps its authority on the stage. It's on the other teams to break their iron grip on the proceedings.

 

[DarkBlue]

Exactly, this behavior is going to backfire at some point.

People been saying that about Pogacar and UAE for years now - yet to backfire.

 

[moljoh]

I think this is becoming personal now. UAE want the three-man group to go and have made it clear they don't let any other riders go. That only spurs on the other teams. That will be one fould mood in the groupetto up the Mont Ventoux.

 

[Tim Cahill]

UAE should work for Marc today

 

[Ilmaestro99]

Every single rider not on GC should attack Niels pilott one after the other

 

[Valv.Piti]

I wish we will see such commitment tomorrow from the break

 

[Samamba]

People been saying that about Pogacar and UAE for years now - yet to backfire.

I have a feeling it's backfiring right now...

And I don't really agree, they haven't been this arrogant for years. It's getting worse.

 

[D. Pecher]

Everybody and his dog trying now, despite the fact that UAE have basically gotten what they wanted. With only 90k left, nobody will get enough of a gap until they reach the Ventoux.

 

[search]

I have a feeling it's backfiring right now...

And I don't really agree, they haven't been this arrogant for years. It's getting worse.

Today was pretty bad indeed so far. More like it's not about the (stage) win, but keeping everyone but Politt fresh to set up a new climbing record.

 

[Tricycle Rider]

Amazing shots of Ventoux and how far the peloton still has to go to even get to the bottom of it

 

[D. Pecher]

Folks, the team of the leader deciding whome hánd how many they let go has been part of bike races forever. I can't understand why UAE are accused of arrogance? It has always been that way. The only difference is that other teams of the past have given up earlier in the stage when trying to control the tactic.

 

[Samamba]

It's hardly a novelty that the team of the yellow jersey stamps its authority on the stage. It's on the other teams to break their iron grip on the proceedings.

The fact that we've seen it before doesn't mean it's ok. Politt screaming at riders attacking is straight up pathetic and shouldn't be seen as normal, neither should blocking the road be btw.

 

[Ilmaestro99]

Van welder is free! Come on Ilan the whole forum is behind you!

 

[Samamba]

UAE just gonna get help from another team cause of Healy being in front group. UNO X, Arkea, etc. will start riding at some point.

 

[Krzysztof_O]

Cyclists can see the Giant of Provence on the horizon. Its getting bigger. Despite only 1900 m ASL the mountain has big vertical relief, almost alpine, as terrain to the west of it is barely above the sea level.

The battle is getting closer as well!

 

[D. Pecher]

The fact that we've seen it before doesn't mean it's ok. Politt screaming at riders attacking is straight up pathetic and shouldn't be seen as normal, neither should blocking the road be btw.

Would you be happy if you were the one who has to hunt them down every time? What is he supposed to do? Tell his team where to shove their strategy?

 

[Heston]

UAE just gonna get help from another team cause of Healy being in front group. UNO X, Arkea, etc. will start riding at some point.

Uno X seems like the only team who would do that, and they have some of their heavy guns in the front group.

 

[SafeBet]

Would you be happy if you were the one who has to hunt them down every time? What is he supposed to do? Tell his team where to shove their strategy?

The idea of anger management has been around for some time now.

 

[Tricycle Rider]

Peacock showing and talking about the unforgettable run up the road by Froome back in 2016 - such fine memories.

 

[Rackham]

Get ready for Mas Effect on the Ventoux.

 

[Samamba]

Uno X seems like the only team who would do that, and they have some of their heavy guns in the front group.

They will keep it around 6 minutes is my guess but that should be enough for front group.

 

[ice&fire]

This stage will finish very fast.

I have a work meeting with some French dudes from 15 to 16. Why can't they have Bastille month?