João Almeida Edges Vingegaard for Stage 4 Win at Paris-Nice

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Vingegaard Moves into Lead After Aggressive Attack, But Almeida Surges to the Win

In a dramatic finish on a rain-drenched Stage 4 of the Paris-Nice, João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates) narrowly defeated Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) in a thrilling showdown to take the win at La Loges des Gardes.

Vingegaard, who had been lurking just behind the leaders, launched a fierce attack with two kilometers to go, rapidly distancing Lenny Martinez (Bahrain Victorious), who was the only rider able to initially respond. The Danish champion swiftly overtook Tobias Foss (Ineos Grenadiers), the last rider standing from an earlier breakaway, and set a blistering pace toward the finish.

However, Almeida and his teammate Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates) were hot on Vingegaard’s tail. As Vingegaard began to tire, Almeida made his move, surging past the Danish rider just before the line. The victory marked Almeida’s 14th career win, and his celebration was one of relief and triumph after a challenging day in the saddle.

“I’m super happy. It was a hard day. We faced snow, and the conditions were tough. But we never gave up, and I think we deserved it,” Almeida said after the race. “I wasn’t in the best position when Jonas attacked, but I gave my best, and I’m really happy now.”

Although Vingegaard crossed the line in second, his strong performance was enough to push him into the race lead, taking over from Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike). However, losing out to Almeida for the second year in a row on this climb, after being beaten by Tadej Pogačar in 2023, will likely sting.

Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) rounded out the top three, while Jorgenson finished sixth, trailing Almeida by six seconds.

Challenging Weather Forces Race Neutralisation

The stage was marked by extremely challenging weather conditions, including torrential rain, sleet, and ice that formed on the roads. At the 45-kilometer mark, the race was neutralised to allow riders to navigate a particularly hazardous section of the course at a safer pace. Riders also briefly stopped to don additional cold-weather gear and seek shelter in team vehicles.

The weather’s toll was evident when a race motorbike was caught on the ice and upended in a ditch. The early breakaway, which had gained nearly two and a half minutes over the peloton, was also halted during this neutralisation period. The breakaway included nine riders, including three from Ineos Grenadiers—Ben Swift, Tobias Foss, and Josh Tarling.

Once the race resumed, it continued at a slower pace as riders adjusted to the treacherous conditions. After another brief pause, the tempo picked up again with 28 kilometers to go, and Andreas Leknessund (Uno-X Mobility) broke free from the breakaway, only to be swiftly chased down by a determined peloton.

As the riders neared the final climb to La Loges des Gardes, Foss made another attempt to push the pace. However, it was Vingegaard’s explosive attack on the steep gradients that saw him surge ahead, only for Almeida to power past him in the final moments.

Stage 4 Results – 2025 Paris-Nice (Vichy > La Loge des Gardes, 163.4 km)

1. João Almeida (POR), UAE Team Emirates – 3:37:06
2. Jonas Vingegaard (DEN), Visma-Lease a Bike – +1s
3. Mattias Skjelmose (DEN), Lidl-Trek – +2s
4. Lenny Martinez (FRA), Bahrain Victorious – Same time
5. Florian Lipowitz (GER), Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe – +6s
6. Matteo Jorgenson (USA), Visma-Lease a Bike – Same time
7. Brandon McNulty (USA), UAE Team Emirates – +9s
8. Harold Tejada (COL), XDS-Astana Team – +17s
9. Thymen Arensman (NED), Ineos Grenadiers – Same time
10. Clement Champussin (FRA), XDS-Astana Team – +21s

General Classification After Stage 4

1. Jonas Vingegaard (DEN), Visma-Lease a Bike – 11:50:59
2. Matteo Jorgenson (USA), Visma-Lease a Bike – +5s
3. Mattias Skjelmose (DEN), Lidl-Trek – +33s
4. Florian Lipowitz (GER), Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe – +36s
5. João Almeida (POR), UAE Team Emirates – +37s
6. Thymen Arensman (NED), Ineos Grenadiers – +56s
7. Brandon McNulty (USA), UAE Team Emirates – +58s
8. Tobias Foss (NOR), Ineos Grenadiers – +1:06
9. Lenny Martinez (FRA), Bahrain Victorious – +1:09
10. Pablo Castrillo (SPA), Movistar – +1:22

With the race set to intensify in the coming days, Vingegaard’s lead is slim, and Almeida, along with other strong contenders, will be looking to capitalize on any opportunity to move up in the general classification.

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