A Monumental Win on Cycling’s Most Iconic Climb
Valentin Paret-Peintre (Soudal Quick-Step) delivered a standout performance on Stage 16 of the 2025 Tour de France, seizing a historic victory atop Mont Ventoux. The French climber’s aggressive racing and smart teamwork paid off with a dramatic win, marking France’s first Tour stage triumph on Ventoux in over two decades.
Strategic Breakaway on the Road to Victory
The stage featured a large breakaway group that gained significant time over the peloton. Paret-Peintre, representing Soudal Quick-Step, remained attentive as the group began to splinter approaching the base of the climb. With support from teammates Pascal Eenkhoorn and Ilan Van Wilder, he positioned himself for a decisive move on the lower slopes.
Early Attack and Determined Chase
As the race hit the steeper gradients of Mont Ventoux, Paret-Peintre launched an early attack in pursuit of Enric Mas (Movistar Team), who had gone clear. He bridged across with five kilometers remaining, forming a select lead group that continued to work together under pressure from the chasing general classification contenders.
Ilan Van Wilder’s Timely Comeback
With the peloton closing in, Ilan Van Wilder (Soudal Quick-Step) made a critical move, bridging to the front with less than a kilometer to go. His perfectly timed effort allowed him to take up pacemaking duties and help control the race into the final meters—setting the stage for Paret-Peintre to strike.
Final Sprint and French Glory on Ventoux
In the closing moments, Paret-Peintre countered an attack by Ben Healy (EF Education–EasyPost), overtaking the Irish rider on the final bend and crossing the line first. The victory was emotional and symbolic, not only for the rider but also for the French fans who had waited years to see one of their own conquer the “Giant of Provence.”
Reflections on a Career-Defining Day
After the finish, Paret-Peintre acknowledged that winning on Mont Ventoux hadn’t been part of the team’s initial strategy, but the opportunity to join the breakaway proved too good to pass up. Supported by his Soudal Quick-Step teammates and buoyed by strong legs, he capitalized on the moment and delivered one of the most memorable wins of the race.
Soudal Quick-Step’s Fourth Stage Win of the Tour
Soudal Quick-Step CEO Jurgen Foré praised both Paret-Peintre and Van Wilder, calling the performance a masterclass in teamwork and execution. With four stage victories so far in the 2025 Tour de France, the Belgian-based squad continues to assert itself as one of the most dominant teams of this year’s race.
Video: 2025 Tour de France Stage 16
Watch the epic battle on Mont Ventoux with the NBC Sports extended highlights of Stage 16.
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Photo Credit – ©Soudal Quick-Step – ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images
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