Stage 20: Nantua → Pontarlier (184.2 km)

Stage Podium

1. Kaden Groves (Alpecin‑Deceuninck) – 04h 06' 09"

2. Frank van den Broek (Team Picnic‑PostNL) – + 00h 00' 54"

3. Pascal Eenkhoorn (Soudal Quick‑Step) – + 00h 00' 59 

4–10 (at same time margin ~4" to group): Simone Velasco, Romain Grégoire, Jake Stewart, Jordan Jegat, Tim Wellens, Matteo Jorgenson 

Race Recap & Key Moments

• A 13‑rider breakaway formed early; Kaden Groves avoided a serious crash on a wet descent involving Iván Romeo and Romain Grégoire and used impeccable bike-handling to stay upright 

• With 17 km to go, Groves attacked solo from the break, quickly distancing the others who failed to cooperate behind him—particularly Jake Stewart and Van den Broek—choosing to gamble rather than collaborate 

• Despite rainy, treacherous conditions and several crashes, Groves held a comfortable gap to the finish, making this his first Tour de France stage win and completing wins in all three Grand Tours 

Tactical Analysis

• Groves executed a textbook solo move—timed perfectly, fearless on the descent, and strong sustained effort.

• Van den Broek and Eenkhoorn brought home smart second and third places for Picnic and Quick‑Step.

• Crashes reshaped the breakaway dynamics; notably, Iván Romeo's accident ended his chances while impacting the chase group’s collaboration .

🏆 Top 10 General Classification after Stage 20

No change occurred at the very top. Pogacar retained control with a rock-solid ride—tactically defensive but effective, despite fatigue setting in after three weeks of racing. 

Meanwhile, Jordan Jegat snatched a Top 10 spot from Ben O’Connor by dint of a spirited breakaway effort and strong final placing

 Stage 20 Analysis & Tactical Takeaways

• Kaden Groves finally broke through at the Tour—his first stage win here fills a notable gap and cements his versatility across Grand Tours. His solo bid under pressure was brave and smart.

• The rainy conditions and tricky descent significantly influenced the outcome: crashes fractured the chase group and allowed Groves to capitalize.

• GC action remained minimal. Both Pogacar and Vingegaard rode controlled races, ensuring no surprises. Pogacar essentially has the Tour wrapped up barring disaster.

Looking Ahead: Final Stage 21 (Paris)

With GC settled and all jerseys decided, Stage 21 into Paris promises ceremonial grandeur and a final sprint on the Champs‑Élysées. Potential terrain includes the Butte Montmartre climbs, though the GC contenders are expected to ride neutrally. Stay tuned for what’s often the most emotional and prestigious sprint finale in cycling.