Julian Alaphilippe 8th on Mont Ventoux

After the final rest day of the Tour de France, the peloton returned to racing on Tuesday for a grueling Stage 16 from Montpellier to Carcassonne, capped by a summit finish on the legendary Mont Ventoux. In a show of strength and resilience, Julian Alaphilippe powered to an 8th-place finish on the iconic climb, signaling promising form as the race enters its decisive final week.

22.07.2025

The 171.5-kilometer stage opened aggressively, with Tudor Pro Cycling taking initiative early. The team placed two riders - Marco Haller and Marc Hirschi - in the day’s first breakaway of three riders. The front group swelled to 34 riders, including teammates Julian Alaphilippe and Matteo Trentin, giving Tudor Pro Cycling a strong presence in the move.

As the stage wore on, the large break fractured under pressure. A smaller lead group emerged and started the final climb with a narrow advantage, setting the stage for a dramatic finale.

Although Julian couldn’t respond to the sharpest attacks on the climb, he rode a determined pace to secure 8th on the day, an encouraging sign after recent concerns about a shoulder injury.

"I’m happy with today’s stage" Julian said. "It didn’t necessarily go as planned, but I followed my instinct, knowing the final would be complicated for me. As a Team, we were well represented at the front with Marc, Marco, and Matteo whom I really want to thank. He did an incredible job helping the break start the Ventoux with a good advantage. After that, it became too difficult for me against the pure climbers."

Julian's performance, alongside Tudor’s aggressive racing bodes well for the remaining stages of the Tour de France.

Photo credit: Sprint Cycling