In a dramatic finale on the iconic "Giant of Provence," Paret-Peintre surged past Ben Healy (EF Education–EasyPost) in a brutal sprint to the line, with Santiago Buitrago (Bahrain Victorious) taking third from what remained of a 40-rider breakaway group. After four hours of relentless racing from Montpellier to the summit finish, the stage was decided by mere metres—one of the most chaotic and explosive days of this year’s Tour.

But behind the breakaway, a second race was unfolding—one for the general classification. Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard lit up the upper slopes, distancing every other contender and going head-to-head in a display of raw power and pride. The pair not only dropped their rivals but shattered the Mont Ventoux ascent record in the process, cementing their dominance in this Tour and adding another chapter to their growing rivalry.

Stage 16 will be remembered not only for a French victory on home soil, but also for the seismic battle behind—the kind of day the Tour de France is built on.