Wærenskjold erases Cipollini’s 1999 record with fastest Tour stage ever

The Norwegian completed the 161.3 kilometre stage from Vichy to Nevers at an average speed of 50.91 kilometres per hour, surpassing the record set by Mario Cipollini in 1999.

Cipollini’s mark had remained untouched since Stage 4 of that year’s Tour, when the Italian sprinter beat Erik Zabel and Stuart O’Grady in the sprint between Laval and Blois, completing the stage at an average speed of 50.36 kilometres per hour.

Wærenskjold has now removed Cipollini’s name from the top of the record books after a stage raced at a relentless pace from the opening kilometres.

A strong tailwind contributed to the high speed, while an active breakaway ensured the peloton never had an opportunity to slow down. Wærenskjold’s Uno-X Mobility teammate Anthon Charmig spent much of the day at the front of the race.

The sprint teams kept the breakaway firmly under control, reeling in the final attackers with just a few kilometres to go. That set the stage for a fast finish in Nevers, where Wærenskjold caught the established sprinters off guard with an early launch to claim a historic victory.

Wærenskjold’s record breaking ride also pushed Stage 9 of the 2025 Tour down to third place on the all time list. The stage from Chinon to Châteauroux saw Mathieu van der Poel and his Alpecin-Deceuninck teammate Jonas Rickaert spend almost the entire day in a two man breakaway, only to be caught inside the final kilometre. It was completed at an average speed of 50.01 kilometres per hour.