Are Visma's Tactics Pressuring, or Helping, Pogačar? | Tour de France 2025 Stage 18 | THEMOVE

Jul 24, 2025

Ben O'Connor's breathtaking win at the Queen Stage of the Tour de France is the talk of the day, revealing intricate team strategies amidst tough Alpine conditions. The crew analyzes how Visma-Lease a Bike's tactics seem to backfire against Tadej Pogačar's continued lead. Insights on the Green Jersey race and clever listener queries keep the energy high, while a call from Steve Cummings sheds light on O'Connor's team dynamics. Join them in anticipating the challenges ahead and the evolving landscape of competitive cycling!

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ANECDOTE

Steve Cummings on O'Connor's Win

Steve Cummings described the brutal weather and the stage strategy leading to Ben O'Connor's Queen stage win.
O'Connor's precise effort and team's coordination made the win remarkable on a challenging climb.

INSIGHT

Visma's Loud Strategy Backfires

Visma-Lease a Bike's tactic to loudly declare intentions to crack Pogačar on Stage 18 backfired.
Pogačar's ease on steep climbs showed their strategy might be ineffective and even counterproductive.

ADVICE

Keep Tactics Secret

Teams should avoid openly revealing tactical plans to maintain unpredictability in the race.
Surprising the competition on the road can be more effective than public declarations.

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Lance, George, Sir Bradley Wiggins, and Spencer Martin (aka “The Professor”) break down Ben O'Connor's incredible ride to win the Queen Stage of the 2025 Tour de France atop the Col de la Loze, finishing ahead of the lead GC group, which was led in by Tadej Pogačar, with the race leader continuing to extend his advantage over Jonas Vingegaard after yet another day in which Visma-Lease a Bike’s tactics failed to put meaningful pressure on his comfortable lead. During the show, Steve Cummings—director of O'Connor's Jayco–AlUla team—calls in to discuss the team’s strategy going into the stage. The crew also examines the remaining possibilities in the Green Jersey battle, with Jonathan Milan scooping up more intermediate sprint points, before previewing tomorrow’s short but brutal day in the Alps and answering a few listener questions.

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