Tour de France key takeaways: Impact of Pogacar's dominance, the majesty of Ventoux, hopes for 2026 edition

The dust has settled on another thrilling, if somewhat predictably dominated, edition of the Tour de France, leaving an indelible mark on the cycling landscape. While one name stands head and shoulders above the rest, the race offered a rich tapestry of tactical battles, moments of sheer grit, and the enduring mystique of its iconic climbs. As The Athletic’s cycling correspondents reflect, the narrative was undeniably shaped by Tadej Pogacar’s relentless pursuit of greatness, but beneath the surface, complex team strategies, unsung performances, and notable disappointments added layers to the story.

Pogacar’s performance was nothing short of a masterclass, redefining the parameters of what a Grand Tour leader can achieve. His ability to combine explosive climbing with powerful time trialing and an audacious willingness to attack at any opportunity left his rivals scrambling for answers. This wasn't just dominance; it was a comprehensive dismantling of the opposition, reminiscent of cycling's historical greats. His relentless pace often neutralized the strategic advantages of even the strongest teams, forcing individual riders to respond to his accelerations rather than executing pre-planned team tactics. The sheer margin of his victory, coupled with multiple stage wins, raises questions about the competitive balance at the very top, and whether any current rider possesses the multifaceted talent and mental fortitude to truly challenge him in the near future.

Against this backdrop of individual brilliance, the collective might of teams like Visma Lease-A-Bike found itself tested. Renowned for their meticulous planning and synchronized efforts, their tactics often appeared to be reactive rather than proactive. While they brought a formidable roster designed to control the race, Pogacar's unpredictable attacks and sheer power frequently disrupted their rhythm. Their attempts to isolate him or wear him down on the climbs, though valiant, ultimately proved insufficient. This edition highlighted that even the most cohesive team strategy can be undone by a singular, transcendent talent, forcing a re-evaluation of how to approach a Grand Tour when faced with such an overwhelming force. The struggle to counter Pogacar was perhaps their biggest disappointment, despite securing other notable results within the race.

No discussion of the Tour would be complete without acknowledging the enduring majesty of Mont Ventoux. The "Giant of Provence" once again delivered a brutal, beautiful spectacle, serving as a pivotal battleground where aspirations were forged or shattered. Its barren, lunar landscape, combined with its relentless gradient, stripped away any pretense, exposing the true form of each rider. While it didn't fundamentally alter the overall standings in the way some past Ventoux stages have, it provided a stark reminder of the physical and mental toll exacted by the Tour, a crucible where riders fought not just against each other, but against the mountain itself. Moments of quiet heroism, often from unsung domestiques sacrificing their own ambitions for their leaders, were etched onto its slopes, highlighting the communal effort behind individual glory.