Tour de France Review
STAGE 1 REVIEW by AHHA Media
Lille Métropole → Lille Métropole | 184.9 km | Flat Stage | Saturday, 5 July 2025
🔄 STAGE OVERVIEW
Stage 1 was a loop starting and finishing in Lille Métropole, designed as a classic flat Tour opener. But it was anything but relaxed. As anticipated, crosswinds wreaked havoc in the final 60km, splitting the peloton and creating early GC drama. Riders scrambled for position, and teams like UAE, Visma, and INEOS were constantly on high alert.
🏁 STAGE WINNER
🇧🇪 Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin–Deceuninck) powered through the mayhem to claim Stage 1 victory and take the yellow jersey. His sprint was perfectly timed after avoiding a late split caused by the winds.
🥇 TOP 10 STAGE 1 FINISHERS
- Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin–Deceuninck)
- Biniam Girmay (Intermarché–Wanty)
- Søren Waerenskjold (Uno-X Mobility)
- Anthony Turgis (TotalEnergies)
- Matteo Trentin (Tudor Pro Cycling)
- Clément Russo (Groupama–FDJ)
- Paul Penhoët (Groupama–FDJ)
- Matteo Jorgenson (Visma | Lease a Bike)
- Marius Mayrhofer (Tudor Pro Cycling)
- Sam Watson (INEOS Grenadiers)
🧥 JERSEY LEADERS AFTER STAGE 1
- 💛 Yellow Jersey (GC): Jasper Philipsen
- 💚 Green Jersey (Points): Anthony Turgis – (3rd in Points)
→ Biniam Girmay (2nd in Points) will wear White in Stage 2 - 🔴 Polka Dot Jersey (KOM): Benjamin Thomas
- ⚪ White Jersey (Young Rider): Biniam Girmay
⚠️ GC FAVOURITES WHO LOST TIME
- Remco Evenepoel
- Primož Roglič
- Carlos Rodríguez
- Lennert Lipowitz
- These 3 all got caught out with the wind and lost 39 seconds on the day. This happened in the last 30 km. As a GC contender you need to be focused for the complete stage.
🚑 RIDER ABANDONS
Two early casualties:
- ❌ Filippo Ganna (INEOS Grenadiers)
- ❌ Stefan Bissegger (Decathlon AG2R)
Both teams now face strategic challenges with key riders out. Ganna was one of the favourites for a time trial result.
🗣️ DS INSIGHT
Stage 1 prediction delivered as predicted, crosswinds caused damage, especially in the closing 30 km of the stage.
The GC drama on Day 1 is rare but significant. Philipsen’s sprint win shows Alpecin’s form, while Girmay’s strength signals a real green jersey threat. How close was Africa to getting that yellow jersey?
This wasn’t just a sprint stage, it was a tactical minefield. A real test that Tadej and Jonas and their teams passed with flying colours. They are looking ready for the next 20 days of challenges that lie in wait.
