Three weeks. Twenty-one stages. Countless stories. For most of us, the Tour de France is something we experience from behind a screen. For the riders, it's a mix of unforgettable highs, split-second decisions, and the daily challenge of getting their bodies ready to do it all again the next morning.
Tour de France, Through the Eyes of the Pros
We asked our pro athletes three simple questions about their Tour de France memories. From magical moments on the Champs-Élysées to the less glamorous reality of staying comfortable in the saddle, here's what they had to say.
1. When you think back to your Tour de France days, what's the most unforgettable moment that's stayed with you?
Thomas De Gendt
"I was lucky enough to be part of many successful Tours with my team, but winning a stage myself is something that will stay with me forever.
Another moment I'll never forget was winning a stage while also taking the polka dot jersey. I received polka dot gifts from all the race sponsors, and I still keep them as memorabilia today."
Petr Vakoč
"The most unforgettable moment was arriving on the Champs-Élysées for the first time.
I was chasing the breakaway, so I found myself leading the peloton into Paris. There were thousands and thousands of people lining the streets, the atmosphere was unbelievable, and then the fighter jets flew overhead, painting the French tricolour across the sky.
Even now, I get goosebumps thinking about it."
Ramon Sinkeldam
"The most unforgettable moment has to be Stage 12 of the 2018 Tour de France.
I got dropped together with Arnaud Démare, and we spent the entire day chasing just ahead of a big gruppetto. Later in the stage, almost everyone in that gruppetto abandoned the race.
We had to climb the Col de la Madeleine, the Lacets de Montvernier, the Croix de Fer, and then finish on Alpe d'Huez. We suffered unbelievably, but we made it. And just a week later, we won a stage."
Lars van der Berg
"For me, it was finishing on the Champs-Élysées with my parents there to see it. That was, without a doubt, the biggest highlight of my life."
2. Is there a Tour story you only tell when you're with other cyclists over a beer?
Thomas De Gendt
"To be honest, not really.
During the Tour there's simply no time for crazy stories. You ride your bike, recover, eat, sleep, and then do it all over again. The Tour is probably the one race where there's no room for anything else."
Petr Vakoč
"I'll never forget Stage 9 of the 2021 Tour.
It was one of the longest and fastest days of the race. We averaged over 50 km/h during the first two hours before the breakaway finally formed.
About an hour into the stage, I hit a bump and my chain came off, getting completely tangled. I had to wait for the team car and change bikes, but because my spare bike wasn't immediately accessible, those extra seconds almost ended my Tour.
I managed to chase back behind the convoy and reconnect with the peloton, but I realised afterwards that if the bike change had taken just a few seconds longer, I would have missed the convoy entirely.
Once that happens, you're on your own. Riding solo for another 200 kilometres? Impossible. It's crazy to think that such a small mechanical issue can end your Tour de France."
Ramon Sinkeldam
"It has to be that very same stage (Stage 12 of the 2018 Tour de France).
After climbing the Madeleine together-more than an hour at full gas-we reached the summit and saw a group of Dutch fans standing by the road with a huge JBL speaker.
They were blasting Kind van de Duivel by Jebroer. Right at the moment the beat dropped, we rode past them.
I still get goosebumps every time I think about it."
Lars van der Berg
"I crashed hard the day before a rest day but still managed to finish the stage. After my massage, one of my teammates came over, handed me a beer, and said, 'Everything will be okay.'
We went outside together and drank it. As it turned out, some of the Visma team managers saw us.
A few days later, they made comments about our team not being professional. Then Marc Madiot fired back, and it turned into quite a media battle.
Looking back, it's a pretty funny story."
3. Three weeks in the saddle is brutal. How do pros actually deal with saddle discomfort and sores?
Thomas De Gendt
"I've actually never struggled too much during Grand Tours.
If any irritation appeared, our team doctor would prescribe a cream to reduce the inflammation.
The biggest factors are surprisingly simple: good hygiene, clean cycling kit, and using a quality chamois cream."
Petr Vakoč
"It all starts with having a saddle that truly fits you.
After that, chamois cream is absolutely essential-and I always use plenty of it. Showering immediately after every stage also makes a big difference.
The important thing is to react early. As soon as you notice any signs of irritation, you need to see the team doctor straight away.
It's never particularly comfortable having someone inspect your sitting area, but waiting only makes things worse."
Ramon Sinkeldam
"We've come a long way compared to 15 years ago, when you couldn't ride two days without getting saddle sores.
Today's bib shorts and saddles are so much better that, for most riders, those problems are largely behind us.
And if not... cortisone cream. 😉"
Lars van der Berg
"I was one of the lucky ones-I never had many issues.
But being able to sit comfortably on your saddle is essential if you want to perform at your highest level."
About the Pros
Thomas De Gendt
Belgian former professional cyclist renowned for his fearless breakaways and attacking style of racing. During his 16-year professional career, he won stages at all three Grand Tours, including a memorable solo victory at the Tour de France. Few riders know the demands of a three-week race better than Thomas.
Petr Vakoč
Czech professional cyclist who competed at two editions of the Tour de France with Quick-Step before successfully returning from a career-threatening injury. Today, he races at the highest level of international gravel racing, collecting victories in the UCI Gravel World Series while sharing his experience with riders around the world.
Ramon Sinkeldam
Dutch former professional cyclist who spent more than a decade racing at WorldTour level. A multiple Tour de France finisher, Sinkeldam built a reputation as one of the peloton's most reliable lead-out riders, helping his teammates fight for victories in the world's biggest races.
Lars van den Berg
Dutch former professional cyclist who rode for Groupama–FDJ and made his Tour de France debut in 2023. Known for his dedication as a domestique, he played an important supporting role in some of cycling's biggest races before retiring from professional racing due to health reasons.
