“Ventoux has already made him suffer” – Richard Virenque sees opportunity to dethrone Pogacar in Tour’s final week

Richard Virenque isn’t ready to declare the 2025 Tour de France decided, unlike most other analysts of the race. As the race enters its final week with a punishing return to Mont Ventoux, the seven-time King of the Mountains sees a lot still in play, especially for the polka dot jersey and, possibly, even yellow. As well as Mont Ventoux, the final week also included the Col de la Loze, both climbs where Tadej Pogacar has struggled in the past, which is why Virenque sees opportunities.

“With Ventoux, La Loze, La Plagne... we're getting into the tough stuff,” Virenque told Cyclism’Actu. “Points will count double for the hors catégorie. Lenny Martinez is very well placed to aim for this jersey in his first Tour, but it won't be easy: the general classification favorites will also be fighting on these stages. If I had to make a bet, I'd say Jonas Vingegaard could console himself with this polka-dot jersey. He has the drive to go for big points in the high mountains.”

Martinez is trying to follow in Virenque’s path and win the mountains classification. But with Ventoux back in the race for the first time since 2021, he’ll have to contend with a stage that many riders fear, and one Virenque still reveres.

“For a climber, Ventoux is the absolute summit. I grew up in the south, and for me, it's the most legendary pass. It's twice as difficult as Alpe d'Huez. When you arrive at Chalet Reynard, you're at 1,500 meters, and then the Mistral wind often hits you in the face. And the last kilometer... terrible. But it's also magical: there's a real connection with the public; it's a great cycling celebration. I think tomorrow (today) will be a great moment.”

Despite Tadej Pogacar’s commanding lead in the general classification, Virenque sees no guarantees.

“No, not yet. He's made a good choice, but nothing's decided. Ventoux has already made him suffer, and there are still some very difficult climbs to come. He certainly has a psychological advantage, but Vingegaard is out for revenge.

“He hasn't made a fool of himself, but he's clearly been dominated so far. And a rider whose pride is hurt can be dangerous. Opposite him, Pogacar seems untouchable, but the Tour can always turn around, especially if there's a fall or an incident. He's in a spiral of joy with his team, but there's still a long way to go.”

Virenque isn’t just analyzing the present, he’s also seeing his own past reflected in the Tour’s legacy. One of his old jerseys is now part of a private museum dedicated to cycling.

“It's always a nice nod. Here, it was one of my polka-dot jerseys from 2003 or 2004, worn in a time trial. When you start to appear in a museum, it's because you've made a small piece of history. It's also a pleasure to find yourself alongside other big names like Tom Boonen, Stéphane Goubert, or Laurent Jalabert.

“But we must especially salute the work of Louis-Nicolas, a passionate man who has assembled an extraordinary collection. His children are now trying to transform this private museum into a public one, and frankly, it deserves it: there's nothing like it in the world.”

On Pogacar’s dominance across the season, Virenque sees both brilliance and vulnerability.

“He's well on his way, yes. What he's doing this year is huge. He's present in all the important races. What amazed me was his first Paris-Roubaix: without his crash, he could have won it. He's complete, very strong... but not invincible. One crash, one day without, and everything can change. The suspense remains intact.”