Milan Fretin of Cofidis emerged victorious on February 22, 2025, clinching the fourth stage of the Volta ao Algarve held between Albufeira and Faro, Portugal. The race showcased thrilling competition as Fretin’s win was achieved under controversial circumstances, raising questions about the legality of his sprint over rival Wout van Aert from Team Visma | Lease a Bike.
On this fateful day, as the riders tackled the 175-kilometer stage, Fretin displayed remarkable endurance and strategy, timing his final sprint to perfection. The stage included difficult climbs and technical descents, challenging competitors and making teamwork integral.
This stage opened with sporadic showers yet warm temperatures, creating conditions ripe for competition. A notable early development involved four riders forming the day’s breakaway, including German Nicolás Tivani, who led the King of the Mountains classification. Companions of the break were Warre Vangheluwe, Johan Jacobs, and Gorka Sorarrain, making for an interesting dynamic as they gained nearly eight minutes on the peloton.
Team Visma's approach saw them intensifying the chase, reigniting excitement among fans as they began to close the gap during the final climbs. With about 17 kilometers remaining, the breakaway was caught, leading to renewed focus among the peloton as they geared up for the sprint.
The race drew palpable tension as all General Classification (GC) riders navigated successfully through the safety zone of the final kilometers, paving the way for the climactic sprint finish. A notable hiccup occurred when Jonas Vingegaard faced mechanical problems but managed to regain pace without losing time.
When the finish line loomed, Fretin, having conserved energy, launched his sprint with just 100 meters to go, swiftly overtaking fading rivals and taking the stage win. He crossed the line, securing first place just ahead of Jordi Meeus and Filippo Ganna, completing the sprint strategy with acumen.
While Fretin celebrated his second win of the season — following his triumph at the Clásica de Almería — the aftermath of his victory was marred by controversy. Observers noted he appeared to obstruct Wout van Aert as he made his sprint effort. The incident sparked debate among fans and commentators alike about the legality of Fretin's tactics.
Van Aert expressed his feelings about the finish, stating, "I still have to watch it back, but I did feel he passed me," during his post-race interview with Eurosport. While he acknowledged feeling obstructed, he refrained from casting blame on Fretin, saying, "A gap was created, and I had to sprint for a very long time afterwards. But in the end, I just wasn't strong enough." His commendation, "Hats off to Fretin," reflected mutual respect between competitors.
Fretin, faced with the scrutiny, responded, "This victory is fabulous. It's my second victory in a week, it's completely crazy." He elaborated on the controversial sprint, asserting, "If you feel you're in front of him, it’s automatic you try to find the shortest way and yeah, I tried to stay full sprinting. I asked after the race, and yeah, nothing much happened. I mean that's also just part of sprinting." This frank reflection indicates the fine line racers walk between aggressive tactics and unsportsmanlike conduct.
Looking forward, Fretin’s victory holds significant weight for Cofidis, as they aim to secure and retain their World Tour status. Meanwhile, the race continues to draw attention as the overall competition remains tight. Jan Christen, wearing the yellow jersey, stands four seconds clear of teammate João Almeida, and seven seconds ahead of Laurens De Plus as they head toward the penultimate time trial.
This stage added another chapter to the thrilling saga of the Volta ao Algarve 2025. With the remaining races promising to be equally tense, fans and competitors alike await to see if Fretin’s momentum will carry him through the next stages, or if rival teams will just be quick enough to respond to the challenges posed by this impressive young sprinter.