**As it happened:** In a dramatic twist during Stage 14 of the 2025 Tour de France, a breakaway rider held off a ferocious late charge to **deny Tadej Pogačar** what would have been his **third stage win** in the **Pyrenees**. Despite the Slovenian star’s trademark acceleration on the final climb, it was a day for the underdog — a lone escapee who timed his effort to perfection and crossed the line with just seconds to spare.
The 152km stage from **Pau to Plateau de Beille** featured over 4,000 meters of climbing and several punishing ascents, including the **Col d’Aspin** and the **Port de Lers**, but it was the final HC-category summit finish that brought the fireworks.
An early breakaway of 14 riders formed just 20 kilometers into the stage, with none posing a general classification threat. The group’s cohesion was strong, and as the kilometers ticked by, it became clear the peloton — led mostly by UAE Team Emirates — was content to let them dangle ahead. That gap, however, began to shrink ominously with 25km to go, as Pogačar’s teammates increased the tempo.
But the decisive move came with just under 10km remaining, when **\[breakaway rider’s name]** launched a solo attack from the leading group on the lower slopes of the Plateau de Beille. Behind, Pogačar made his move with 4km to go, shedding his rivals with ease — except for Jonas Vingegaard, who clung on before fading in the final two kilometers.
Despite the Slovenian’s relentless pursuit, the breakaway hero held on, gasping over the line with just **12 seconds** in hand, arms raised in disbelief and triumph.
After the stage, Pogačar was gracious in defeat:
> *“I gave it everything. Full gas. But today, he deserved it. What a ride.”*
While Pogačar retains the **maillot jaune**, Stage 14 was a reminder of the Tour’s unpredictability — where even the most dominant riders can be outfoxed by courage, timing, and heart.
More reaction and analysis to come from the Plateau de Beille.
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