Groves avoids crash to win Tour Stage 20, Pogacar retains lead

Groves avoids crash to win Tour Stage 20, Pogacar retains lead

Australian cyclist Kaden Groves of Alpecin-Deceuninck secured his second victory in the 2025 Tour de France, winning Stage 20 on Saturday, July 26. Groves navigated the penultimate stage of the race, which covered 184.2 kilometers from Nantua to Pontarlier, with remarkable skill and determination. Despite challenging conditions, including slippery roads, Groves avoided a crash and maintained his composure to cross the finish line first [1].

Groves' victory was particularly notable for his ability to stay upright during a critical descent 21 kilometers from the finish, where he managed to avoid a crash that affected several other riders, including Spain's Ivan Romeo and France's Romain Gregoire. This display of bike-handling prowess allowed Groves to attack from a reduced breakaway group and secure his triumph with a powerful solo effort in the final 17 kilometers [1].

Groves' victory was significant for his team, marking their third win in this year's Tour de France after Jasper Philipsen and Mathieu van der Poel also claimed stages. This performance further cements Groves' status as a formidable competitor in the world of cycling, with a total of nine stage wins across the Vuelta and Giro d'Italia [1].

Meanwhile, defending champion Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates XRG maintained his overall lead in the race, retaining the yellow jersey despite a quiet day in the main peloton. Pogacar's lead over Denmark's Jonas Vingegaard increased to 4:24, as the Slovenian continues to solidify his fourth overall Tour de France title [1].

The final stage of the 2025 Tour de France is scheduled for Sunday, July 27, with a 132.3-kilometer ride from Mantes-la-Jolie to Paris. The riders will cycle up the famous Butte Montmartre three times before completing laps on the Champs-Elysees, where the race will conclude [1].

References:
[1] https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/groves-avoids-crash-to-win-tour-stage-20-pogacar-retains-lead