Tadej Pogacar has solidified his place in cycling history by winning his fifth Tour de France title. At 27, the Slovenian cyclist showcased his excellent skills and composure throughout the race. His victory places him alongside cycling legends such as Eddy Merckx, Miguel Indurain, Jacques Anquetil, and Bernard Hinault.
“I’m speechless. It’s incredible,” Pogacar expressed after his win. “I’ve participated in seven Tours and always finished on the podium. It feels unreal.”
In the final stage in Paris, Pogacar ended the race 6 minutes 26 seconds ahead of Belgian competitor Remco Evenepoel. Jonas Vingegaard, a two-time Tour winner and Pogacar’s main rival, withdrew after a crash on stage 15. “It’s unfortunate Jonas and others couldn’t finish,” Pogacar remarked. “I hope we compete again next year.”
Pogacar’s teammate, Isaac Del Toro from UAE Team Emirates XRG, ranked third, trailing 9 minutes 42 seconds behind Pogacar. They celebrated together on the Champs-Élysées, marking a proud moment for their team.
Despite his triumphs, Pogacar continues to seek new challenges. “I need a new goal to chase,” he mentioned. “We’ll see about La Vuelta in a few weeks.” Pogacar previously won the Giro d’Italia in 2024 but has yet to secure a victory in the Spanish Vuelta starting on August 22.
Impressive Performance
Pogacar secured five stage wins, raising his overall tally to 26. Although he aimed to win the final stage on Sunday, Dutch rider Mathieu van der Poel managed to hold off the competition, claiming his second stage win of this year’s race.
The final 88.7-kilometer stage looped around Paris. Designed to be shorter than previous years, its course was adjusted due to wildfires. This year’s stage introduced an uphill climb through Montmartre, challenging riders with its sharp ascent.
“I fought hard to win this jersey,” commented Richard Carapaz, who donned the polka-dot jersey for best climber. “It’s a great achievement.”
Competitive Spirit
Van der Poel and green jersey holder Mads Pedersen stood out as strong contenders for the final stage. Fans were thrilled as riders climbed Rue Lepic, with Montmartre’s Sacré-Coeur in the background.
Van der Poel’s decisive attack on the Montmartre climb set the pace. Despite Pogacar’s strong response, Van der Poel maintained his lead, ultimately finishing ahead of Jasper Philipsen and Pedersen. “I thought the sprinters would catch up,” Van der Poel stated. “I pushed hard, and it paid off.”
Legacy and Pedigree
Van der Poel is a prominent name in cycling, known for his successes in one-day classics and cyclo-cross. His family boasts a rich cycling history. His father, Adri van der Poel, won two Tour stages in the 1980s, and his grandfather, Raymond Poulidor, was a renowned cyclist known for consistently placing in the top ranks.
Women’s Tour Upcoming
The women’s Tour de France begins on August 1 in Lausanne, Switzerland, concluding on August 9 in Nice, France. French cyclist Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt, last year’s winner, is among the competitors anticipated to participate.
For further updates and information on sports, visit AP Sports.