Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Jeremy Whittle in Boulogne-sur-Mer

Tour de France 2025: Van der Poel denies Pogacar in sprint finish and takes yellow jersey

Mathieu Van Der Poel celebrates after crossing the line to win stage two
Mathieu Van Der Poel celebrates after crossing the line to win stage two. Photograph: Sarah Meyssonnier/Reuters

Mathieu van der Poel won stage two of the 2025 Tour de France into Boulogne-sur-Mer for Alpecin-­Deceuninck, claiming the race lead from his teammate Jasper Philipsen after a quick succession of short climbs inside the final kilometres exploded the peloton on the approach to the Channel port.

The Dutchman thwarted Tadej Pogacar’s attempt to take the 100th win of his career, outsprinting the defending champion on the steady final climb of the Boulevard Auguste Mariette.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.