Remco Evenepoel Wins Time Trial; Tadej Pogacar Takes Yellow Jersey

CAEN, France — Belgian cyclist Remco Evenepoel won the individual time trial in Stage 5 of the Tour de France on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, solidifying his status as a race favorite. Evenepoel, riding for Soudal Quick-Step, covered the 33-kilometer course in 36 minutes and 42 seconds, finishing 16 seconds ahead of Tadej Pogacar, who took second place and claimed the race lead.

Pogacar, racing for UAE Team Emirates, clocked in at 36 minutes and 58 seconds, allowing him to move ahead of Mathieu van der Poel in the General Classification. Evenepoel’s victory also moved him up the standings, placing him in second overall, 42 seconds behind Pogacar.

The time trial in Caen featured flat terrain, making it ideal for time trial specialists like Evenepoel. “I paced it perfectly, and everything was on point,” Evenepoel said after the race. He managed to gain speed in the final kilometers, showcasing a strong finish against the clock.

Italy’s Edoardo Affini from Visma-Lease a Bike finished in third place, clocking 37 minutes and 15 seconds. Despite starting strongly, he was unable to fend off the two top competitors.

Jonas Vingegaard, the Danish rider for Visma-Lease a Bike and two-time Tour champion, struggled throughout the time trial, finishing in 13th place and losing over a minute to Pogacar. Vingegaard now stands fourth in the general standings, 1 minute and 13 seconds behind Pogacar.

The time trial’s results reshuffled the overall standings significantly. “Today was tough, but the real battle is still ahead,” said Vingegaard. The next stage promises to be challenging with six categorized climbs on the route from Bayeux to Vire Normandie.

As Pogacar enjoys his lead in the General Classification, he emphasized the importance of teamwork in the upcoming stages. “It’s all about having the legs and pushing through,” Pogacar added. The competition remains fierce as the Tour de France continues into its next stages.