In a move that has sent shockwaves through the cycling world, the 2025 Tour de France route has been unveiled, featuring a brutal lineup of climbs that revisit some of Tadej Pogačar’s rare moments of vulnerability. The Col de la Loze, Hautacam, and Mont Ventoux—three ascents where the Slovenian superstar has faltered in past editions—are prominently featured, sparking widespread speculation that the course has been deliberately designed to level the playing field against the two-time Tour champion.

Cycling pundits, including former Dutch pro Thijs Zonneveld, have been quick to label the 2025 route as an “Anti-Pogi Tour,” accusing the organisers of crafting a course that amplifies Pogačar’s weaknesses while catering to his chief rival, Jonas Vingegaard. But in true Pogačar fashion, the UAE Team Emirates leader has responded with defiance and determination.

“They want to get me a little, but they only add oil to the fire,” Pogačar said in a post-route announcement interview. “I see it as a challenge, not a trap.”

The ‘Anti-Pogi Tour’? Examining the 2025 Route

The 2025 Tour de France promises to be one of the most challenging editions in recent memory, with parcours that seem almost designed to exploit the weaknesses of its reigning champion. Among the 21 stages, the inclusion of three infamous climbs stands out:

1. Col de la Loze (Stage 17): The highest point of the 2025 Tour, this punishing ascent in the French Alps features irregular gradients that disrupted Pogačar’s rhythm in 2020, costing him precious time against Vingegaard.
2. Hautacam (Stage 19): A climb where Pogačar faltered in 2022, unable to respond to a decisive attack by Vingegaard in the Pyrenean heat.
3. Mont Ventoux (Stage 15): The Giant of Provence, where Pogačar showed rare signs of fatigue in 2021, has returned to haunt him yet again.

In addition to these specific climbs, the route also features fewer time trial kilometres than in previous editions, a disadvantage for Pogačar, who excels in the race against the clock.

“It’s clear that the organisers are trying to create more suspense by targeting the strongest rider,” said Zonneveld. “They have thought about the Anti-Pogi Tour: a course that suits him as little as possible.”

Pogačar’s 2024 Dominance and the Need for Drama

The speculation around the “Anti-Pogi Tour” stems from Pogačar’s near-flawless 2024 campaign. Dominating the spring Classics, he won Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Tour of Flanders before clinching the Tour de France in commanding fashion. His victories weren’t just about raw power; they displayed a tactical maturity and an almost untouchable aura that left rivals scrambling for answers.

Jonas Vingegaard, who had challenged Pogačar in the two previous Tours, was outclassed in 2024, finishing over two minutes behind in the general classification. As a result, Tour organisers appear to have leaned into unpredictability for 2025, crafting a route that forces Pogačar to face his kryptonite while offering opportunities for rivals like Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel, and Jai Hindley.

A Calculated Risk or Unfair Targeting?

The decision to revisit Pogačar’s “problem climbs” has ignited debate across the cycling community. Critics argue that the move undermines the integrity of the competition by tailoring the race to disadvantage one rider.

“It feels a bit unfair,” said former pro and Eurosport commentator Alberto Contador. “Yes, Pogačar has shown weaknesses on these climbs, but he’s also overcome them before. The Tour should challenge everyone equally, not single out one rider.”

Others, however, see it as a necessary step to prevent the Tour from becoming a foregone conclusion. “Pogačar’s dominance is incredible, but it risks making the race predictable,” Zonneveld argued. “This route brings uncertainty back into the equation.”

Pogačar: Undeterred and Defiant

True to his reputation as a smiling assassin, Pogačar has taken the route announcement in stride. While acknowledging the challenges, his response has been marked by quiet confidence.

“Every Tour is hard. This one will be harder, but I like hard races,” Pogačar said. “The Col de la Loze, Hautacam, Mont Ventoux—these are climbs that have hurt me in the past, but they’ve also taught me valuable lessons. I’m not afraid of them. If anything, I’m excited to go back and conquer them.”

Pogačar’s team manager at UAE Team Emirates, Mauro Gianetti, echoed his leader’s sentiments. “Tadej thrives under pressure,” Gianetti said. “He sees this as an opportunity to prove he can win anywhere, under any circumstances.”

Jonas Vingegaard: A Renewed Hope

For Jonas Vingegaard, the 2025 route represents a chance to reclaim the title he won in 2022 and 2023. The Danish climber has often excelled on high-altitude, irregular ascents like the Col de la Loze, and he will undoubtedly see this as his best opportunity to dethrone Pogačar.

“The route suits Jonas,” said Jumbo-Visma directeur sportif Grischa Niermann. “He has the endurance, the pacing ability, and the mental toughness to thrive on these climbs. The key will be staying close to Tadej in the other stages and delivering decisive blows when the opportunity arises.”

Remco Evenepoel and Other Contenders

While much of the focus remains on Pogačar and Vingegaard, the 2025 Tour de France is also shaping up to be a proving ground for other GC hopefuls, including Remco Evenepoel. The Belgian superstar, known for his explosive climbing and time trial abilities, has struggled to translate his Vuelta a España success into Tour de France dominance.

“The route is hard, but it’s also fair,” Evenepoel said. “There are opportunities for everyone, not just the climbers. It will be a race of attrition, and I’m ready for that.”

The Stakes for the 2025 Tour

The 2025 Tour de France promises drama on every level. For Pogačar, it’s a chance to cement his legacy by overcoming a course designed to challenge his limits. For Vingegaard, it’s an opportunity to reclaim the throne. And for cycling fans, it’s shaping up to be a battle for the ages with a route that promises unpredictability and high-stakes action.

“I don’t see this as the Anti-Pogi Tour,” Pogačar concluded with a grin. “I see it as the ultimate test. Bring it on.”

Whether the course succeeds in dethroning Pogačar or simply adds another chapter to his growing legend, one thing is clear: the 2025 Tour de France will be a spectacle that keeps fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish.