📊 Who’s the Fastest Sprinter at the 2025 Tour de France? Stage-by-Stage Sprint Speeds Compared
While the fight for the yellow jersey captures headlines at the Tour de France, there’s a high-octane battle playing out at terrifying speeds in the bunch sprints. With finishes regularly topping 70 km/h, this year’s Tour has already delivered some blistering top speeds — and it’s time to see who’s really the fastest man in France so far.
From Jonathan Milan’s searing burst in Lille to Tim Merlier’s gritty Stage 3 victory in Rouen, we’ve crunched the numbers from the sprint finishes to rank the peloton’s quickest men.
📊 Fastest Sprint Speeds at the 2025 Tour de France (After Stage 3)
| 🥇 Position | Rider | Top Speed (km/h) | Stage | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Jonathan Milan | 70.2 km/h | Stage 1 (Lille) | 2nd (behind Philipsen) |
| 2️⃣ | Jasper Philipsen | 69.8 km/h | Stage 1 | 1st |
| 3️⃣ | Tim Merlier | 66.4 km/h | Stage 3 (Rouen) | 1st |
| 4️⃣ | Phil Bauhaus | 65.9 km/h | Stage 3 | 2nd |
| 5️⃣ | Arnaud De Lie | 65.7 km/h | Stage 1 | 4th |
Jonathan Milan — The Unofficial Fastest Man in France
Even though Milan didn’t win Stage 1, his final 200m burst clocked an eye-watering 70.2 km/h — the fastest recorded sprint speed of this Tour so far. The Lidl–Trek sprinter’s raw power in a straight-line finish turned heads, confirming his status as a serious threat for any flat-stage finish this week.
With Philipsen’s unfortunate crash and exit from the race, Milan now inherits both sprinting form and opportunity in equal measure.
Tim Merlier’s Tactical Masterclass in Rouen
While the average speed was slightly lower in the rain-affected Stage 3 sprint into Rouen, Merlier’s 66.4 km/h top speed was enough to pip Bauhaus to the line by centimetres.
More than raw velocity, Merlier’s win showcased perfect positioning and acceleration timing — essential when road conditions and nerves play havoc in the peloton.
Why Sprint Speeds Vary Stage to Stage
It’s not just rider legs that dictate sprint speeds — conditions play a huge role:
- Tailwind vs. Headwind: Milan’s 70.2 km/h in Stage 1 was aided by a slight tailwind on a clean, dry run-in.
- Technical vs. Straight Finishes: Stage 3’s Rouen finish involved more turns and road furniture, naturally reducing top speeds.
- Road Surface and Weather: Stage 3’s damp tarmac and gusty crosswinds made top speeds harder to sustain.
Honorable Mentions and Rising Speedsters
Biniam Girmay (Intermarché–Wanty) came close with 65.4 km/h in Stage 3 despite finishing 5th, showing remarkable consistency in bunch gallops. Watch for the Eritrean star to edge closer to the 70 km/h club as the Tour hits the flatter northern stages.
Arnaud De Lie (Lotto Dstny), another Classics-style sprinter, hit 65.7 km/h on Stage 1, confirming his danger in chaotic finishes.
🏆 What These Numbers Reveal About the Green Jersey Fight
Unfortunately, Now with Philipsen sidelined, both Milan and Merlier emerge as favourites for the points classification. Milan’s ability to hit higher top speeds bodes well for pure drag-race finishes, while Merlier’s tactical acumen makes him lethal in scrappy, technical finales.
If upcoming sprint stages feature headwinds or more urban finishes, expect Merlier to have the edge. If it’s a wide, wind-assisted drag strip, Milan could clock a new Tour top speed record.
Thoughts: The 70 km/h Club Is Growing
This Tour has already shown that the new generation of sprinters are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the final 200 metres of a flat stage. As conditions improve and adrenaline surges, don’t be surprised if we see someone crack 71 km/h later this week.
Milan, Merlier, and Bauhaus — the fight for the fastest man in France is just getting started.
