The 2025 Tour de Valencia peloton, despite its competitive flair and a lineup of some of the most skilled cyclists in the world, found itself trailing behind the shadow of a single, formidable name once again—Tadej Pogacar. The young Slovenian sensation, who continues to dominate cycling’s elite ranks, made headlines yet again when his KOM (King of the Mountain) record on the infamous Coll de Rates climb remained unchallenged, even after the latest showdown at the 2025 edition of the Spanish stage race. The Tour de Valencia offered yet another chapter in Pogacar’s incredible reign, where his powerful performances and seemingly insurmountable skills left his competitors in awe, yet struggling to mount a serious challenge on his Strava KOM segment.

The race, held annually in the Valencian community of Spain, attracts several top-tier professional cyclists and teams from across the globe, all vying for their share of glory. For many, it represents an early-season litmus test of form before the biggest events of the year. For others, it’s an opportunity to test out strategies and pace for the grueling challenges that await in the days ahead. But for all who lined up this year, the climb of Coll de Rates—one of the most feared ascents in the region—loomed large. And atop that climb, where many dream of making history, stood Pogacar’s Strava KOM—a time that, as of yet, no rider has been able to defeat.

Tadej Pogacar’s Reign Over Coll de Rates

Tadej Pogacar’s name is synonymous with dominance in modern cycling. With his Tour de France victories, Monument wins, and an ever-expanding list of achievements, his prowess is unquestionable. However, it’s not just his accomplishments in the grand tours that make him a force to be reckoned with—his skill in one-day races and his performances in specialized segments have turned him into a cycling legend in the making.

The Coll de Rates KOM has been one of the most coveted climbs in European cycling. Located in the province of Valencia, this grueling mountain pass has become a benchmark for cyclists who seek to test their strength against the elements and their rivals. In 2022, Pogacar set an explosive Strava segment time on this climb that caused shockwaves in the cycling community. His incredible 20-minute time remains untouched, and despite various attempts from rivals across the peloton, no one has yet been able to break it.

For those unfamiliar with the challenge, Coll de Rates is a climb that sits at an average gradient of 7%, with some sections reaching nearly 10%. It is a tough, unforgiving ascent that makes it a perfect testing ground for cycling’s finest climbers. Pogacar’s KOM time remains one of the fastest ever recorded on this climb, and it’s a testament to his ability to explode out of the gate with incredible power. His sheer speed and control have turned the Strava KOM segment into a symbol of his dominance.

The 2025 Tour de Valencia: A High-Stakes Race

The 2025 edition of the Tour de Valencia featured an exciting field of competitors, with some of the world’s top cyclists looking to secure an early-season victory. Names like Remco Evenepoel, Primoz Roglic, and Enric Mas stood out, and with such a competitive roster, the race was primed for fireworks. The tour featured a mix of sprinter-friendly stages, time trials, and difficult mountain segments that would undoubtedly test the riders’ versatility.

On the final stage of the race, riders faced the dreaded Coll de Rates climb, and for many, it was clear that this would be their best shot at dethroning Pogacar’s KOM. As the peloton reached the base of the climb, all eyes were on the riders who had been aggressive throughout the week, hoping to make their move on the slopes.

The ascent, which kicks off at the base of the town of Parcent, is known for its brutal switchbacks and steep grades that punish even the best climbers. As the race entered its final kilometers, a selection of riders was already attempting to break away, with some of the strongest climbers inching towards the front. However, none seemed to have the legs to truly challenge Pogacar’s dominant mark.

The Battle on Coll de Rates

Remco Evenepoel, the Belgian time trial specialist and all-around climbing talent, was one of the first to attempt a break. His form had been promising leading up to the Tour de Valencia, and the climb of Coll de Rates seemed to be a perfect opportunity for him to make a statement. However, as the gradient increased, Evenepoel began to fade, and the gap to the leaders began to widen.

Meanwhile, Primoz Roglic, the Slovenian veteran and Pogacar’s compatriot, also found himself on the offensive, launching multiple attacks. Roglic’s explosive climbing style was well suited to the early ramps of the Coll de Rates, but despite his efforts, he too was unable to match the pace set by Pogacar’s KOM time.

The rest of the peloton struggled to keep pace, and it quickly became clear that Pogacar’s KOM was not in immediate danger. Even though the likes of Roglic and Evenepoel were putting on a brave effort, no one had the combination of strength, consistency, and outright power to challenge the Slovenian superstar.

Pogacar, who had ridden an intelligently controlled race throughout the Tour de Valencia, decided it was time to make his move. As the gradient steepened toward the final kilometers of the climb, Pogacar surged ahead, leaving the others in his wake. His attack was calculated, efficient, and brutal. He maintained a high cadence, conserving energy for the final push, as his rivals slowly fell behind.

By the time Pogacar crossed the summit of Coll de Rates, his time was faster than any of his competitors’ climbs on the day, and it was evident that once again, his Strava KOM was safe. As the rest of the riders trickled across the line, many were left in disbelief—once again, Pogacar had proven that his ability to set the standard in mountain climbing was unparalleled.

A Historic KOM That Cannot Be Toppled

The Coll de Rates KOM remains an iconic piece of cycling history—one that continues to elude any rider who dares to challenge it. Tadej Pogacar’s dominance in this segment reflects his brilliance as a climber, his ability to manage his efforts during crucial moments, and his relentless drive to push the limits of what is possible in professional cycling.

While some of the top cyclists in the world, like Evenepoel and Roglic, may have hoped to seize the KOM in this year’s Tour de Valencia, the fact remains that no one has yet been able to crack Pogacar’s code on Coll de Rates. His combination of strength, intelligence, and control over the toughest climbs is the perfect recipe for success in this particular segment, and it’s likely to remain unchallenged for some time.

As Pogacar continues to pursue even greater victories and his Strava KOM stands the test of time, the question remains: Who will finally break his hold on the Coll de Rates KOM? Until then, the Slovenian wunderkind seems likely to reign supreme, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest cyclists of his generation.

For now, the cycling world will wait for the next opportunity to challenge his KOM, but after another failed attempt in the Tour de Valencia, it’s clear that dethroning Pogacar from the top of Coll de Rates is a monumental task—one that will take something truly special to overcome.