Tadej Pogacar has firmly established himself among cycling’s legends with his fifth Tour de France victory, matching the record held by cycling greats Eddy Merckx, Miguel Indurain, Jacques Anquetil, and Bernard Hinault. The Slovenian cyclist, aged 27, secured his win in a commanding manner, with daring mountain attacks and multiple stage victories.
Pogacar expressed his amazement after his latest win, stating, I’m speechless. It’s an incredible day, there was an incredible atmosphere.
Pogacar has consistently performed well in the Tour, finishing on the podium each time he’s competed. You might think this is a fairytale, it’s incredible for me too,
he added.
In the final stage in Paris, Pogacar triumphed with a 6-minute, 26-second lead over Belgian competitor Remco Evenepoel. His main rival, Jonas Vingegaard, had to exit the race during the 15th stage due to a crash. Pogacar commented, Shame that Jonas and others crashed out of this Tour. I hope we can all fight again next year.
Isaac Del Toro, Pogacar’s teammate from UAE Team Emirates XRG, ranked third, 9 minutes and 42 seconds behind Pogacar. Pogacar shared his thoughts on future goals, stating, I now have to find a new goal to chase. Which goal? Let’s just not jump ahead of ourselves, and enjoy this moment.
Pogacar, who won the 2024 Giro d’Italia, has yet to win the Spanish Vuelta starting on Aug. 22.
Peerless Pogacar
This year, Pogacar won five stages, boosting his overall total to 26. Although he aimed for another victory in the closing stage, Dutch cyclist Mathieu van der Poel claimed the win on Sunday. The last stage, covering 88.7 kilometers, included a loop around Paris and deviated from the usual flat terrain formats.
Efforts were made to reduce stage length and pressure on emergency services combating wildfires in the southwest. As a result, the course was shortened and started in Paris rather than Thoiry. The concluding stretch featured a remarkable climb through Montmartre, where riders tackled the steep 1-kilometer incline three times before completing the stage on the Champs-Élysées.
Pogacar gave his best but couldn’t surpass Van der Poel’s power in the race’s final moments. Before the race, Pogacar acknowledged his fellow riders like Remco Evenepoel and Richard Carapaz, the best climber, wearing the polka-dot jersey.
Exciting Finale
Notable contenders for the stage win included Van der Poel and Dane Mads Pedersen, the green jersey winner. Cheering crowds witnessed the riders tackle the climb up Rue Lepic with the picturesque Sacré-Coeur as a backdrop. Pogacar initially advanced after the second ascent of Montmartre. Van der Poel and his rivals led on the third climb.
Though initially caught, Van der Poel persevered and narrowly crossed the finish ahead of his teammate, Jasper Philipsen, and Pedersen. Meanwhile, Pogacar eased off near the end and placed 30th.
Reflecting on the win, Van der Poel said, I thought the sprinters would catch us up so I launched from very far away. I gave everything I had left in my legs and it was just enough.
Cycling Pedigree
Van der Poel is well-regarded globally, boasting numerous victories in one-day races and Cyclo-cross world championships alongside a world road race title. His family has a cycling legacy, with his father, Adri van der Poel, winning Tour stages in the late 1980s and his maternal grandfather, Raymond Poulidor, being a beloved French cyclist.
Women’s Tour
Looking ahead, the women’s Tour includes nine stages and begins in Lausanne, Switzerland, on August 1, concluding in Nice on August 9. French cyclist Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt claimed the title last year in her debut.
Source: AP sports