Valentin Paret-Peintre Triumphs on Mont Ventoux in Tour de France 2025
Valentin Paret-Peintre delivered a spectacular performance in Stage 16 of the Tour de France 2025, capturing the imagination of French cycling fans by claiming a historic victory atop the legendary Mont Ventoux. This triumph not only marked his first stage win of the Tour but also gave France its first victory in this year’s prestigious race.
Racing for Soudal Quick-Step, the 23-year-old rider surged ahead in a dramatic uphill sprint to outpace his rivals at the summit of the Ventoux—a mountain steeped in Tour de France lore. His resilience and tactical mastery in the final kilometers helped him secure a defining career moment.
A French Victory Long Awaited
This win ends a drought for French riders in the 2025 edition of the Tour. Despite strong performances from veterans like Julian Alaphilippe, who finished third in Stage 15, no French cyclist had been able to stand atop a stage podium—until now.
Paret-Peintre’s performance is already being compared to Jonas Vingegaard’s legendary attack on Mont Ventoux in 2021, when he cracked Tadej Pogacar. Though the Dane and Slovenian remain top contenders for the yellow jersey, today’s focus was all on the young Frenchman and his symbolic victory on home soil.
Rising Star in French Cycling
Valentin Paret-Peintre, the younger brother of fellow pro cyclist Aurélien Paret-Peintre, has shown consistent growth in recent seasons. His victory at Ventoux confirms his status as one of France’s rising stars in international cycling.
With his name now etched into the history of one of the Tour’s most iconic climbs, fans and analysts alike are eager to see what lies ahead for the Alpine-born rider in the remaining stages.
What’s Next for the Tour?
As the peloton heads toward the punishing Col de la Loze in the coming days, the battle for the general classification will intensify. Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, and Remco Evenepoel remain locked in a fierce duel for the yellow jersey.
But for today, France celebrates its mountain conqueror—Valentin Paret-Peintre—the hero of Ventoux.
