Tour de France: Who Holds the Most Wins?

The 2025 Tour de France: A Battle for Glory

The 2025 Tour de France is in full swing, with the world’s top cyclists competing for the sport's most prestigious title. Defending champion Tadej Pogačar has proven to be a strong contender, but the race promises to be a thrilling competition from start to finish.

Early on, Olympic gold medalist Remco Evenepoel claimed an impressive stage victory, setting the tone for the race. Mathieu van der Poel briefly wore the iconic yellow jersey before Pogačar reclaimed it after Stage 7. This back-and-forth battle highlights the intense competition that defines the Tour de France.

Pogačar is aiming to join an elite group of riders who have won the Tour four or more times. So far, he has secured victories in 2020, 2021, and 2024. If he manages to win again this year, he would become just the sixth rider to achieve such a feat. This would place him in the same conversation as legendary cyclists like Eddy Merckx and Miguel Induráin.

Other notable participants in this year’s race include Jonas Vingegaard, who has won the Tour twice, and Geraint Thomas, a former champion. These athletes bring a wealth of experience and determination to the event, making it one of the most competitive editions in recent memory.

Historical Overview of Tour de France Winners

To understand the significance of the current race, it's helpful to look at the history of Tour de France winners. Here's a breakdown of the riders who have claimed the most titles:

• Five Wins: Eddy Merckx (Belgium), Bernard Hinault (France), Miguel Induráin (Spain), Jacques Anquetil (France)
• Four Wins: Chris Froome (United Kingdom)*
• Three Wins: Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia)*, Philippe Thys (Belgium), Louison Bobet (France), Greg LeMond (USA)
• Two Wins: 13 racers have won the Tour de France twice.
• One Win: 42 racers have won the Tour de France once.

Note: Riders marked with an asterisk are still active in professional cycling.

It’s worth noting that Lance Armstrong won the Tour seven consecutive years between 1999 and 2005, but those titles were later stripped due to doping violations. This serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and fair play in the sport.

The Significance of the Tour de France Jerseys

Beyond the overall race leadership, the Tour de France features several distinct jerseys that recognize different achievements. Each jersey symbolizes a specific category of performance:

• Yellow Jersey: This is awarded to the overall leader of the race, based on cumulative time across all stages.
• Green Jersey: Given to the best sprinter, determined by a points system that includes stage wins and intermediate sprints.
• Polka Dot Jersey: A white jersey with red polka dots is given to the "King of the Mountains," recognizing the best climber in the race.
• White Jersey: Awarded to the top rider under the age of 26, highlighting young talent in the peloton.

These jerseys add another layer of competition and recognition within the race, making the Tour de France not just a test of endurance, but also of versatility and skill.

How to Watch the 2025 Tour de France

For fans eager to follow the action, live coverage of every stage of the 2025 Tour de France will be available on Peacock. The streaming service will begin coverage at 6 or 6:30 a.m. ET, depending on the stage.

NBC will also provide live coverage of Stage 20 on July 26, starting at 6 a.m. ET. Additionally, NBC will air highlights and analysis shows after Stages 15, 20, and 21, with coverage beginning at 2 p.m. ET.

Whether you're watching from home or following along online, the 2025 Tour de France promises to deliver exciting moments, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable performances. With its rich history and global appeal, the race continues to captivate fans around the world.