Stage 20 Breakdown: Groves' Tactical Brilliance Meets Pogacar's Calculated Defense

Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck) delivered a career-defining performance on the 184.2km stage from Belfort to Saint-Vulbas, executing a daring solo attack at 16km remaining to claim his maiden Tour de France stage victory. The Australian powerhouse now joins cycling's elite club with stage wins across all three Grand Tours.

Key Stage Statistics

• Avg. Speed: 44.8 km/h
• Elevation Gain: 2,150m
• Peloton Time Gap: +54 seconds

General Classification Drama

Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) maintained his 7:22 advantage over second-placed Jonas Vingegaard, completing the stage safely in the main bunch. The Slovenian phenom now requires only Sunday's ceremonial Paris stage to secure:

• 4th Tour de France title
• 3rd consecutive yellow jersey
• Youngest four-time winner in Tour history

Team Dynamics

Alpecin-Deceuninck's strategic gamble paid dividends:

1. Stage Wins: 3 (Philipsen, Van der Poel, Groves)
2. Breakthrough: First team since 2012 with three different stage winners
3. Redemption Arc: Overcame early exits of star riders through tactical adjustments

Historical Context

Groves' victory marks:

• 5th Australian stage winner in 2025 Tour
• First rider since Alessandro Petacchi (2003) to complete Grand Tour stage win trilogy in single season
• Alpecin-Deceuninck's 12th Grand Tour stage win since 2023

Final Stage Preview

Sunday's traditional processional to Paris features:

• Champs-Élysées sprint showdown
• Yellow jersey confirmation ceremony
• Team classification final standings

Expert Analysis: "Pogacar's controlled aggression throughout mountain stages created an insurmountable gap. Groves' win proves sprint specialists can still triumph in transitional stages against GC favorites." - Philippe Gilbert, Eurosport

Next: 2026 Tour de France route announcement expected November 15