As the 2025 Tour de France enters second weekend, Tadej Pogacar is not only dominating the general classification but also making a compelling case for the green jersey, the coveted prize of the points classification.
While his primary focus remains the yellow jersey, Pogacar’s versatility, relentless form, and knack for collecting points across diverse stages have sparked discussions: can he become the rare rider to claim both the yellow and green jerseys in the same Tour? Let’s break down his chances, the challenges, and what lies ahead.
Pogacar’s all-around talent makes him a unique contender for the points classification. After stage 13, Pogacar’s 203 points place him second in the points classification, just 28 points behind Milan’s 231, with Mathieu van der Poel (173 points) and Biniam Girmay (154 points) also in the mix.
His stage 13 victory, a 10.9km mountain time trial, added 20 points to his tally, showcasing his ability to capitalize on stages where pure sprinters struggle.The Tour’s points system, which awards 50 points for flat stage wins, 30 for medium-mountain stages, and 20 for mountain stages, plus points at intermediate sprints, favors riders like Pogacar who can compete consistently across stage types.
His wins on stage 4 (a hilly finish in Rouen), stage 7 (Mûr-de-Bretagne), stage 12 (Hautacam), and stage 13 (Peyragudes) demonstrate his knack for securing high-point finishes.
With eight stages remaining, including mountain-heavy routes and a few sprint-friendly stages, Pogacar has multiple opportunities to close the gap. Stages like 14 (featuring the Tourmalet), 16 (Mont Ventoux), 18 (Courchevel) and 19 (La Plagne) offer 20 points for wins, where Pogacar is a clear favorite. If he maintains his current form, winning two to three mountain stages and targeting some points in hilly stages could net him enough points to overtake Milan.
