Magnus Cort’s Hard Work Pays Off in Aggressive Tour de France Stage as Protests Momentarily Halt the Race
June 3, 2025 – France
In a dramatic and eventful stage of the Tour de France, Magnus Cort (EF Education-EasyPost) showcased the grit, determination, and racing instinct that have long made him a fan favorite. His relentless effort throughout the day finally earned him a well-deserved stage win after weeks of aggressive riding, breakaway attempts, and near-misses. For Cort, a rider known for his never-say-die attitude and explosive finishes, Tuesday’s victory was more than just a stage win—it was a payoff for persistence.
From the start, the stage was animated by fierce riding, with multiple breakaways and tactical battles. Cort, ever the opportunist, jumped into an early move and quickly marked himself as one of the most determined riders on the road. He rode with signature flair—aggressive, fearless, and unyielding—controlling the break and eventually distancing his companions in the final kilometers.
EF Education-EasyPost has had a relatively quiet Tour so far, but Cort’s ride lit a spark for the American team. His win was not just a morale boost for the squad, but a symbolic reminder that fortune still favors the brave. This stage marks Cort’s third career Tour de France stage win and one of his most hard-earned to date. At the finish line, he was visibly emotional.
“It’s been a long Tour with a lot of attempts and not much to show for it,” Cort said. “Today, I felt good, the legs were there, and I just kept believing. Finally, it worked.”
UAE Team Emirates Keeps the Yellow, Against Expectations
While Cort celebrated a deserved solo victory, the general classification picture saw little change at the top, but not for lack of opportunity. UAE Team Emirates, led by Tadej Pogačar in yellow, was expected to perhaps ease off the gas pedal slightly and let another team shoulder the burden of controlling the peloton. That wasn’t the case.
Instead, UAE continued to set the pace, managing the gap to the breakaway and ensuring no major GC threats slipped away. Despite predictions that they might relinquish the responsibility of defending the yellow jersey, the Emirati team opted to maintain control. Their strategy underscores Pogačar’s confidence and the team’s form—calculated, composed, and uncompromising.
Still, questions linger about whether this consistent pressure could wear down UAE’s domestiques later in the Tour. The Alps loom, and with them come increasingly brutal terrain and fierce GC battles.
Protest Delays Riders: A Familiar and Frustrating Scene
As if the racing drama wasn’t enough, the stage was halted abruptly for over 12 minutes due to a protest on the route. Climate activists blocked the road, forcing ASO officials and law enforcement to intervene. Riders were brought to a complete standstill, with some dismounting and sitting on the tarmac.
It was an all-too-familiar sight at the Tour, recalling recent years when such disruptions have peppered key stages. The peloton’s mood ranged from amused to frustrated.
“Where’s Bernard Hinault when you need him?” one fan joked on social media, referring to the five-time Tour winner’s infamous manhandling of a protester during the 1984 Tour.
Though the delay ultimately had no major impact on the GC, it once again raised safety and logistical concerns for organizers. The riders, while largely understanding of the protesters’ motives, were clearly irked by the interruption.
Looking Ahead
As the Tour moves into more mountainous terrain, the battle for yellow is far from over. Cort’s victory serves as a reminder that amid the tactical GC struggles, there’s still room for boldness and breakaway brilliance.
With UAE continuing to shoulder the load and teams like Jumbo-Visma and Ineos Grenadiers lurking in the wings, the race is poised for explosive showdowns in the coming days. But for now, the spotlight rightly belongs to Magnus Cort—a man whose hard work, at long last, turned into triumph.
