The favourites for the white jersey - Domestique Stars

The competition's existence was becoming more and more insignificant due to the emergence of riders such as Egan Bernal and Tadej Pogačar, who continuously won the general classification alongside the youth classification from 2019 to 2021. For a while, the competition was completely dominated by the Slovenian who claimed the white jersey for four years running until he no longer qualified for the classification. Last year, it was Remco Evenepoel who stepped into the white jersey, with the Belgian also finishing on the third step of the general classification podium on Tour debut, and this year's battle for the best under 25 rider in the general classification looks set to be an intriguing one.

Once more, Evenepoel is eligible for the white jersey since, for 2025, the competition is open to riders born from January 1, 2000, onwards. However, unlike last year where the Belgian finished 15:46 ahead of Carlos Rodríguez (INEOS Grenadiers), it's expected that the battle for white could be closer with the likes of Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe), Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek), and Rodríguez set to take to the start line in Lille on July 5.

So what do our creators think? Who holds the upper hand, and could a dark horse come closer than expected?

We already saw the first act of this battle at the Critérium du Dauphiné between Florian Lipowitz and Remco Evenepoel – then the German rider of Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe, who, to some surprise, managed to win against Evenepoel in the end. Now, with two TTs and more experience, and considering that Evenepoel is the sole leader in the race, while Lipowitz is a Tour de France debutant and one of the options in a two-captain system (which is always more challenging to manage), Evenepoel is currently the main contender for the white jersey. The third place on the imaginary podium currently belongs to the always-reliable Carlos Rodríguez (INEOS Grenadiers), but this is the classification where a very competitive race can bring anyone close to the podium, even if the rider finishes in 10th to 12th place in the general classification. For this reason, riders marked with three stars also have a chance to achieve an outstanding result.

*****  Evenepoel
****  Lipowitz, Rodríguez
***  Martinez, Onley, Skjelmose
**  Vauquelin, Romeo, Van Eetvelt
*  Healy, Plapp, Van Wilder

Not a long list of contenders for this jersey. I give Remco the highest chance to succeed himself in his final year as a "young rider". Lipowitz could come close, But that would mean Remco has to be below his level from the last Tour, and I think it's more likely that he's at least as good or better than he was back then. That said, if there’s one rider who still occasionally struggles in the high mountains, it is Remco. Lipowitz is a top 5 contender, even in his role as super domestique. I like the progress he's making.

Carlos Rodríguez: waiting for his real breakthrough feels like waiting for Godot. I’m done waiting. He’ll be fighting for a top 10 finish and he should be happy if he achieves that. The same applies to Lenny Martinez, although he doesn’t have the intention to ride for the general classification. He makes this list because of his form, you never know if he might change his mind during the Tour, or maybe he’s just saying that to start without pressure.

Skjelmose is the last name on the list. I would rate him higher if he'd had a flawless preparation, which is far from the case. And the Tour demands proper preparation, especially for someone with limitations in the high mountains. He recently said in an interview the GC is not the goal, that's smart, going for a stage win is a more realistic goal. We'll have to wait and see how his Tour evolves.

*****  Evenepoel
****  Lipowitz
***  
**  Carlos Rodriguez, Lenny Martinez
*  Skjelmose

An obvious favourite with Remco. Lipowitz also showed huge form, but three weeks is a different game, so I don't place him besides Remco (yet). Beyond that, I’ve kept the list short. In my view, only a few riders are genuine contenders for the white jersey.

*****  Evenepoel
****  Lipowitz
***  Carlos Rodriguez
**  Skjelmose
*  Martinez, Van Eetvelt

Evenepoel leads the predictions, with all three creators backing him as the clear favourite for white. The Belgian has the form, experience and leadership to succeed himself in his final year of eligibility. Lipowitz is the unanimous number two, though questions remain about his role and Tour durability. Carlos Rodríguez and Skjelmose are on the radar but carry more uncertainty — either through form, team role or Tour ambitions. The fight for white may be closer than last year, but Evenepoel still sets the standard.