Lanterne Rouge Cycling Podcast Tour de France 2025 - Stage 5 (ITT)
Wind Impact on Time Trial Performance
- Early starters in the individual time trial had a wind advantage affecting performance.
- Wind conditions shifted mid-race, benefiting late starters in the second half of the course.
Remco Evenepoel Dominates Flat Time Trial and Shakes Up Tour de France GC
Remco Evenepoel won the stage 5 individual time trial in Cannes with a commanding performance, averaging about 54 km/h over 33 kilometers. He paced the race perfectly, going slower in the first half and much faster in the second, capitalizing on changing wind conditions to gain significant time on his rivals.
Tadej Pogacar delivered a strong time trial, reminiscent of his 2021 performance, finishing only 16.6 seconds behind Remco and outperforming expectations. However, Jonas Vingegaard surprisingly underperformed, losing over a minute to Pogacar, which significantly impacted his GC standing.
Kevin Volklund impressed by finishing in the top five and moving up to third in GC, marking him as a key contender. The TT results reshaped the GC leaderboard: Pogacar took the yellow jersey with a 42-second lead over Remco, Volklund sits third, and Vingegaard falls further back.
This time trial underscores the importance of aerodynamic efficiency (CDA) on flat courses and pacing strategy, while setting the stage for a tactical battle in the mountains. The insight reveals how changing wind conditions and rider positioning can meaningfully affect TT outcomes and overall race dynamics.
Aerodynamics and Pacing Key to TT
- Remco Evenepoel was the favorite due to his low aerodynamic drag (CDA).
- Pogacar improved his TT position and pacing but was still second to Remco in the flat time trial.