The 16th stage of the Tour de France 2025 ended with a French stage victory on the legendary Mont Ventoux. Valentin Paret-Peintre from Team Soudal Quick-Step crowned an impressive performance with a stage win on the "Giant of Provence". The 24-year-old Frenchman beat Ben Healy (EF Education - EasyPost) and Santiago Buitrago (Bahrain - Victorious) by a wafer-thin margin in a thrilling finale. It was the first French stage win in this year's Tour and also the first French triumph on Mont Ventoux for 23 years. The 171.5 kilometre stage from Valence to the summit of Mont Ventoux was characterised by high speed and numerous attacks right from the start. A breakaway group of almost 40 riders was able to break away from the peloton and reached the foot of the 15.7 kilometre long final climb as a group. A dramatic battle for the stage win developed on the steep ramps of Mont Ventoux, which was only decided a few metres before the finish.

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Valentin Paret-Peintre prevails against Ben Healy

Valentin Paret-Peintre showed a tactically clever riding style in the final kilometres and benefited from the support of his team-mate Ilan Van Wilder. The Belgian caught up with the leading group in the final phase and provided valuable leadership for his French captain. Paret-Peintre then showed nerves of steel in the final sprint and prevailed over Ben Healy with a spirited attack.

Tour de France 2025 - Results of the 16th stage

Tadej Pogačar defends yellow jersey

Behind the breakaway group, the favourites in the battle for the yellow jersey fought a thrilling duel on Mont Ventoux. Overall leader Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates - XRG) had to parry several attacks from second-placed Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma | Lease a Bike). However, the Slovenian was in impressive form and confidently countered all of the Dane's attacks. Pogačar reached the finish on the summit of Mont Ventoux 43 seconds behind stage winner Paret-Peintre and was even able to extend his lead in the overall standings by two seconds.

Florian Lipowitz extends his lead in the podium battle

Behind the leading duo of Pogačar and Vingegaard, the battle for third place on the podium flared up. Florian Lipowitz from Team Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe put in a strong performance and consolidated his third place overall. The young German crossed the finish line shortly behind Primož Roglič, who improved to fifth place overall. Oscar Onley, on the other hand, lost time to Lipowitz and now has Roglič breathing down his neck.