Milan triumphs at Tour de France stage 17 while Pogacar faces criticism

Jonathan Milan won stage 17 amidst controversy for race leader Tadej Pogacar.

Pogacar faces criticism while Milan secures stage 17 win

Jonathan Milan secured his second stage victory in the 2025 Tour de France with a win in Valence. The rain-soaked finish brought challenges as several riders fell during the slippery stretch. Race leader Tadej Pogacar and his main competitor Jonas Vingegaard remained unscathed, but Pogacar faced growing criticism from team manager Jean-René Bernaudeau of Total Energies. Bernaudeau accused Pogacar's UAE Team Emirates of arrogance, a claim Pogacar brushed off, stating their focus on winning the race. Meanwhile, as pro-Palestinian demonstrations occurred alongside the route, the atmosphere around the Tour intensified with political undercurrents.

The unfolding drama of the Tour de France reveals more than just athletic competition. Pogacar's dominance raises questions about perceptions of conduct in the sport, especially amid claims of arrogance from rivals. He portrays himself as a disciplined racer, yet the backlash indicates a wider divide within the peloton. The presence of political protests along the route adds another layer, reminding viewers that this race transcends mere sport. As the stages progress, both performers and their teams must navigate not only physical challenges but also public sentiment, which could impact their legacies in the sport.

Highlights

As the Tour nears its conclusion, tensions are high both on and off the bike.