J asper Philipsen took a while to get off the mark at last year's Tour de France, his first win not arriving until stage 10, but the Belgian fastman wasted no time this time around, powering to victory on the opening day of the 2025 edition to pull on the yellow jersey for the first time in his career.

Jasper Philipsen has won the opening stage of the Tour de France in a sprint to the line in Lille. Defending champion Tadej Pogačar finished safely.

Philipsen will probably have to contend with Merlier and Milan this time, but he looks to be peaking for the time of the season which matters most. A second Tour de France stage win of 2025, and an 11th overall, could be coming for the 28-year-old.