“He certainly won't let it go" - Pogacar poised for Mont Ventoux attack says Wellens

UAE Team Emirates – XRG are on a roll, and Tim Wellens is still savoring his part in it. After winning Stage 15, Wellens gave the team their fifth stage victory of the 2025 Tour de France. As Stage 16 heads toward the legendary slopes of Mont Ventoux, the team’s momentum shows no sign of slowing, with Tadej Pogacar reportedly ready to launch an attack on the mountain that once gave him trouble back in 2021.

"There's still a lot of euphoria in me, and my body is pretty much ready for what's to come," Wellens said ahead of today’s stage.

Ventoux may not be his kind of terrain, but he knows where his strengths lie. "Today is a beautiful ride. Mont Ventoux isn't for me, but everything before it is, of course."

Asked about how much control the team will assert over the race heading into the climb, Wellens was realistic. "Saying we have total control is an exaggeration."

Still, there’s no doubt about Pogacar’s mindset as the peloton approaches one of the most iconic climbs in cycling. "I thought he was very motivated this morning on the bus," Wellens said. "If he can, he certainly won't let it go."

A headwind may complicate any ambitions for a decisive move on Ventoux, but Wellens pointed to tougher days ahead. "It will be difficult to make a difference on the Ventoux because of the headwind, but the Alps will still be very tough on Thursday and Friday."