Groenewegen Frustrated by Missed Chances in a “Weird” First Tour Week: “Even in a Flat Stage, Mathieu Wants to Attack”
The 2025 Tour de France has unfolded as one of the most unpredictable and unconventional editions in recent memory. From the opening stages, riders, teams, and fans alike have been caught off guard by the race’s erratic nature. The traditional expectations of how the Tour will develop—particularly for sprinters contesting flat stages—have been upended, leading to frustration for many and a renewed sense of excitement for others.
Among the most vocal critics of this chaotic start is Dutch sprinter Dylan Groenewegen, who has experienced both near-misses and tactical headaches as he seeks his first Tour stage win of the year. His words highlight the unique and “weird” nature of this first week, characterized by aggressive attacks, tactical misdirection, and an overall lack of the straightforward sprint finishes that fans have come to expect.
The “Weird” First Week: An Overview of the Unpredictability
The initial stages of the 2025 Tour de France have defied many conventional norms. Traditionally, flat stages—often the most anticipated for sprinters—are predictable affairs. Teams set up their lead-out trains, and the fastest sprinter claims the victory in a high-speed dash to the finish. However, this year’s race has been anything but predictable.
Crosswinds and Wind-Split Tactics
One of the most defining features of this edition has been the influence of unpredictable wind conditions. Several stages have featured crosswind sections that have caused chaos within the peloton. Gusts have split the bunch into smaller groups, forcing riders and teams to make split-second decisions. The result has often been a fragmented race, with some groups gaining seconds or minutes, and others being caught behind.
This wind-induced chaos has played directly into the hands of aggressive riders like Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, and others who have been willing to attack in these moments of disarray. These attacks have often resulted in breakaway groups that manage to stay ahead, making the expected bunch sprint either impossible or highly contested.
Tactical Breakaways and Early Attacks
Beyond the wind, early-stage tactics have been marked by ambitious breakaway attempts. Riders are testing each other’s limits, trying to gain time, or simply to keep the race lively. Many of these breakaways have succeeded temporarily but have ultimately been reeled back in by organized chasing teams.
These tactical plays have made it difficult for sprinters’ teams to establish a dominant lead-out train. When the peloton is constantly shifting, attacking, and re-grouping, the standard sprint train approach becomes less effective. Instead, teams like Jumbo-Visma, UAE-Team Emirates, and Alpecin-Deceuninck have had to adapt on the fly, often chasing in the final kilometers without a perfect lead-out.
The Inclusion of Rolling and Short Climb Stages
Another element that has contributed to the unpredictability is the inclusion of rolling terrains and short climbs even in stages that are nominally flat. These climbs have been used strategically by breakaway specialists and punchers to shed sprinters or gain precious seconds. The traditional allure of a straightforward flat sprint stage has been diminished, replaced by a more tactical and aggressive style of racing.
Attacks by Non-Sprinters
Perhaps most surprising has been the willingness of riders like Mathieu van der Poel to attack even in stages seemingly designed for sprinters. Van der Poel, Wout van Aert, and other versatile riders have launched attacks in moments when the peloton seemed content to settle into a sprint train. Such attacks have kept the peloton on edge and disrupted the expected flow of the race.
Dylan Groenewegen’s Experience: Frustration and Determination
Dylan Groenewegen, a rider celebrated for his explosive speed and classic sprinting ability, has found himself caught in this whirlwind of chaos. His comments after Stage 7 encapsulate the frustration felt by many sprinters:
> “It’s been a really strange week. Even on stages that should be perfect for sprinters, the race has been so unpredictable. Today, even in a flat stage, Mathieu wanted to attack. It’s like nothing is safe anymore. We’re just trying to stay focused and be ready for our opportunities.”
This statement reflects the core challenge faced by Groenewegen and his team: adapting to a race where the traditional expectations no longer hold true. Instead of straightforward sprints, they are contending with tactical attacks, wind chaos, and constantly shifting race dynamics.
Missed Opportunities and Near Misses
Groenewegen’s first week has been punctuated by close calls. In Stage 3, he was positioned well but was caught behind a late breakaway, missing out on what could have been a straightforward victory. In Stage 5, technical issues and a chaotic final kilometer prevented him from executing his lead-out, relegating him to a lower finish.
Despite these setbacks, Groenewegen remains resolute. “We’ve shown good speed, and I feel strong,” he said. “It’s just about timing and luck. When the chance comes, we’ll be ready.”
The Psychological Toll
The unpredictability has taken a psychological toll on many sprinters, who rely on consistent lead-outs and straightforward finishes. Groenewegen admitted that maintaining focus in such a turbulent environment is challenging, but he emphasizes that patience and resilience are crucial. “We know the form is there. It’s just about waiting for the right moment.”
The Evolving Race Dynamics and Their Impact on Strategy
The first week’s chaos has forced teams to rethink their entire race strategies. The traditional model—set up a sprint train and go all-in for the stage win—has been less effective. Instead, teams are employing more flexible tactics:
– **Chasing in smaller groups:** Instead of relying solely on a big train, some teams are organizing smaller, more adaptable chase groups to respond quickly to attacks.
– **Targeted breakaways:** Some sprinter-focused teams are allowing breakaways to go, aiming to control the race for a reduced sprint scenario or to set up their sprinter for a final dash.
– **Attacks in the final kilometers:** Riders like Van der Poel and Van Aert have demonstrated that attacking in the last few kilometers can be more effective than traditional lead-outs, especially when chaos reigns.
The Role of Riders Like Mathieu van der Poel
Mathieu van der Poel’s approach exemplifies how the race has shifted from pure speed to tactical versatility. His willingness to attack on stages that seem suited for sprinters keeps the peloton guessing and creates opportunities for breakaway wins or reduced bunch sprints with fewer contenders.
Van der Poel himself has acknowledged the “weirdness” of the race:
> “Even in a flat stage, I want to attack because you never know what can happen. The race is unpredictable, and I like that.”
His aggressive style has added a new dimension to the race, compelling sprinters and their teams to stay alert for attacks at all times.
The Psychological and Physical Toll on Sprinters
The first week has been a test of endurance and mental toughness for sprinters like Groenewegen. The lingering frustration of missed chances, combined with the need to stay vigilant throughout unpredictable stages, has worn on many riders.
Groenewegen’s team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes, adjusting their plans and positioning him for opportunities. The Dutch sprinter remains confident that the upcoming stages—particularly those with more predictable profiles—will present the chance he’s been waiting for.
The Importance of Patience and Adaptability
In modern cycling, especially in an unpredictable Tour, patience and adaptability are as vital as raw speed. Groenewegen’s comments underscore this: the race is no longer a straightforward sprint fest but a complex tactical battlefield.
He emphasized that “when the opportunity presents itself, we’ll be ready. I trust my team and myself. That’s all we can do.”
Looking Ahead: What the Future Holds
Analysts and fans are speculating about how the rest of the Tour will unfold. Will the chaos subside? Or will the race continue to be characterized by attacks, tactical maneuvers, and surprises?
Mountain Stages and Their Potential Impact
As the Tour moves into the high mountains, the dynamics are expected to shift. The pure sprinters may find fewer chances, with climbers and GC contenders vying for the limelight. However, the tactical unpredictability could still produce surprises, with breakaways gaining time or unexpected attacks disrupting the hierarchy.
The Role of Remaining Sprinters and Teams
Sprinter teams will need to adapt their strategies, perhaps focusing more on securing stage wins in reduced bunch sprints or breakaways. Riders like Groenewegen will continue to aim for that elusive victory, knowing that patience and timing will be paramount.
A Race of Resilience
Ultimately, this Tour is shaping up as a test of resilience—not just physical endurance but mental fortitude. Riders are required to stay alert, adapt rapidly, and seize fleeting opportunities.
Conclusion: A “Weird” but Truly Exciting Tour
The first week of the 2025 Tour de France has been unlike any in recent history. With unpredictable weather, aggressive tactics, and a departure from traditional sprint stages, the race has challenged riders, teams, and fans to rethink their expectations.
Dylan Groenewegen’s frustrations mirror those of many sprinters who have found their usual strategies thwarted. Yet, his resilience—and that of other contenders—embodies the spirit of the race: one that is unpredictable, demanding, and exhilarating.
As the race progresses into the decisive mountain stages and beyond, fans can expect even more surprises. The chaos and unpredictability may continue, but one thing is certain: the 2025 Tour de France will be remembered for its unconventional start and the incredible resilience of its participants.
In this “weird” edition, patience, tactical intelligence, and daring attacks are the new norms. For Groenewegen and many others, the hope remains that the coming stages will finally present the opportunities they’ve been waiting for—and that victory, in whatever form, will come to those who stay vigilant and persevere through the chaos.
