Mathieu van der Poel achieved a remarkable victory in the 2026 Tour de France by winning stage 21 on the Champs-Élysées. In a daring move, Van der Poel and yellow jersey holder Tadej Pogačar broke away during the final ascent of Montmartre. They managed to maintain their lead despite the close pursuit by the sprinters’ teams.
Pogačar was caught with 700 meters remaining, yet Van der Poel continued and found a final burst of speed to cross the finish line first. Pogačar finished 30th overall, becoming a five-time Tour de France winner. Mads Pedersen, Richard Carapaz, and Isaac del Toro won the green, polka dot, and white jerseys respectively.
The Brilliance of Van der Poel
Van der Poel and Pogačar pushed their limits in the final moments of the race. The combination of the greatest classics rider and an exceptional all-time performer collaborated on the Champs-Élysées. They sought to claim one of the elusive prizes.
On the third Montmartre ascent, Van der Poel attacked, bringing Pogačar along. They worked together, crossing Parisian cobbles as a Visma-led group chased them. Just a 12-second lead with 10 kilometers left made the conclusion thrilling.
In the final kilometers, Pogačar faltered, allowing Van der Poel to sprint heroically with 800 meters to go. Jasper Philipsen and Mads Pedersen attempted to challenge him, but Van der Poel’s effort secured the victory. His emotion showed at the finish, supported by the barriers.
Final Stage Innovation
The Tour de France continuously adapts its routes, and recent changes to the final stage on the Champs-Élysées include the narrow cobbled Côte de la Butte Montmartre. These modifications, inspired by the 2024 Paris Olympics, offered a new dynamic to the race’s conclusion.
This year, organizers introduced a four-kilometer stretch between Montmartre’s end and the finish line, giving sprinters a better chance. Ultimately, Van der Poel’s collaboration with Pogačar created an unforgettable finish.
U.S. and British Cyclists’ Performances
American riders played crucial roles as superdomestiques in teams. Despite setbacks, they showcased their prowess throughout the race. Brandon McNulty, Sepp Kuss, and others contributed significantly. Meanwhile, British cycling saw Tom Pidcock finishing ninth overall but without a stage victory.
Farewell to Alaphilippe and Others
Julian Alaphilippe, one of cycling’s modern greats, completed his final Tour. A two-time World Champion, his presence has defined the sport for years. Several other riders also concluded their Tour careers, each with memorable achievements. The uncertainty of future participation adds special value to each race.
As the barriers on the Champs-Élysées come down, attention shifts to the Tour de France Femmes, beginning in Switzerland. This race promises more captivating stories on its course.
Top 10 finishers of stage 21 included:
- Mathieu van der Poel | Alpecin – Premier Tech (1:58:49)
- Jasper Philipsen | Alpecin – Premier Tech (same time)
- Mads Pedersen | Lidl Trek (same time)
- Max Kanter | XDS Astana Team (same time)
- Olav Kooij | Decathlon CMA CGM Team (same time)
- Matej Mohoric | Bahrain Victorious (same time)
- Rick Pluimers | Tudor Pro Cycling Team (same time)
- Anthony Turgis | TotalEnergies (same time)
- Milan Fretin | Cofidis (same time)
- Clement Russo | Groupama – FDJ United (same time)
The final general classification top 10 were led by:
- Tadej Pogačar | UAE Team Emirates – XRG (73:56:26)
- Remco Evenepoel | Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe (+6m 26s)
- Isaac del Toro | UAE Team Emirates – XRG (+9m 42s)
- Paul Seixas | Decathlon CMA CGM Team (+11m 56s)
- Lenny Martinez | Bahrain – Victorious (+13m 02s)
- Mattias Skjelmose | Lidl Trek (+14m 59s)
- Juan Ayuso | Lidl Trek (+17m 48s)
- Richard Carapaz | EF Education-Easypost (+20m 00s)
- Tom Pidcock | Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling (+29m 28s)
- Jordan Jegat | TotalEnergies (+33m 21s)