Tour de France Stage 4 gave fans a big moment. Tadej Pogacar won the stage and marked his 100th career win. The 174-kilometer ride from Amiens to Rouen was not easy.
The finish tested strength, timing, and team support. Stage 4 was more than just a sprint. It was a major day for the general classification and the race as a whole.
The Route: Amiens to Rouen
Tour de France Stage 4 covered 174 kilometers in northern France. The start was smooth and flat. Riders took it easy at first. But things changed in the last 50 kilometers.
The final part had five short but sharp climbs. These hills broke up the field. They made it hard for pure sprinters. The final climb, Rampe Saint-Hilaire, led into Rouen. This was a steep finish that needed power and timing.
The weather stayed dry. That helped riders avoid major accidents in early parts of the stage. But tension rose as teams fought for front positions near the end.
Early Action and Breakaways
Breakaway riders tried to make a move early in tour de france stage 4. As usual, smaller teams sent riders out front. They wanted TV time and a shot at the stage win.
But the main teams stayed alert. UAE Team Emirates, Jumbo-Visma, and Alpecin-Deceuninck kept the breakaways under control. The lead never grew too much. The peloton stayed close behind.
With 30 kilometers left, the breakaway group began to fall apart. The hills were too hard for them to stay ahead. By 15 kilometers, the peloton caught everyone.
Pogacar’s Big Win
Tadej Pogacar showed why he is one of the best. In tour de france stage 4, he timed his final sprint perfectly. With strong help from his teammate João Almeida, he launched with 200 meters left.
Mathieu van der Poel tried to respond. So did Jonas Vingegaard. But Pogacar was too strong. He crossed the line first and raised his arms in joy. This was his 100th career victory—a big milestone for any cyclist.
Pogacar thanked his team right after the race. He said João Almeida did a perfect lead-out. The plan worked. It was clear and simple: stay safe, stay up front, and attack on the final climb.
Van der Poel Keeps Yellow
Even though Pogacar won tour de france stage 4, Mathieu van der Poel kept the yellow jersey. Both riders have the same time overall. But Van der Poel leads on countback thanks to earlier results.
He said after the stage that he was happy to keep the jersey. He also said Pogacar was stronger today. Still, he knows the time trial in Stage 5 will change things.
Vingegaard Stays Close
Jonas Vingegaard finished third in tour de france stage 4. He rode smart and stayed out of trouble. He now sits just eight seconds behind in the overall standings.
His team, Jumbo-Visma, is watching every move by Pogacar and Van der Poel. Vingegaard did not lose time, which was his main goal. His real shot will come in the mountains and time trials.
Other Standings After Stage 4
Here are the key jersey holders after tour de france stage 4:
- Yellow Jersey (Overall Leader): Mathieu van der Poel
- Polka Dot Jersey (Mountains): Tadej Pogacar
- Green Jersey (Points): Jonathan Milan
- White Jersey (Young Rider): Kévin Vauquelin
Jasper Philipsen, who led the green jersey race, is out after a crash in Stage 3. That opened the door for Jonathan Milan.
Crashes and Safety
Tour de France Stage 4 had fewer crashes than earlier stages. But there were still a few. Several riders went down in the last 20 kilometers. None had serious injuries, but a few lost time.
In a separate event near the finish, local police dealt with a knife incident. A man approached officers with a blade. Police shot him in the leg. No one else was hurt. Race officials said the scene was safe, and the race continued as planned.
Stage 4 Reactions
Fans cheered Pogacar’s win. Many called it one of the best finishes so far. Riders praised the route and the crowds. Rouen turned out in full. The streets were packed, and the noise was loud.
Commentators said this stage showed Pogacar’s all-around skills. He’s not just a climber or time trial expert. He can win sprints too—especially on uphill finishes.
Looking Ahead: Stage 5 Time Trial
Stage 5 will be a big test. It’s the first time trial of the 2025 Tour de France. Riders will go one by one against the clock. It’s about power, pacing, and focus.
Pogacar, Vingegaard, and Van der Poel are all strong time trial riders. But this stage could shake up the general standings. Even a 20-second gap could change who wears yellow.
The course is flat to rolling, about 30 kilometers long. It suits riders who can hold a high speed for 40 minutes or more.
What Tour de France Stage 4 Tells Us
Tour de France Stage 4 was a key day. It didn’t have high mountains, but it shaped the race. Pogacar is in top form. Van der Poel is holding on. Vingegaard is close and waiting.
The big teams showed control. The smaller teams tried but couldn’t break through. Riders are tired already, and we’re only four days in.
The stage also showed how small moments can matter. Pogacar didn’t win by much. But one well-timed move gave him the win, the mountain jersey, and a big confidence boost.
Final Words
Tour de France Stage 4 had everything—speed, strategy, and a big milestone. Pogacar’s 100th win was the highlight. Van der Poel kept yellow. Crashes didn’t stop the action. Fans got a great show in Rouen.
The Tour moves on to Stage 5, but this day will be remembered. For now, Pogacar celebrates. But he knows the race is far from over.
