Tadej Pogačar confirmed his status as one of the greatest cyclists of all time by winning a record-equalling fifth Tour de France title in commanding fashion.
Bold attacks in the mountains, multiple stage wins, and a cool-headed demeanor helped the 27-year-old Slovenian seal the victory on Sunday. He joins Belgium’s Eddy Merckx, Spain’s Miguel Induráin, and Frenchmen Jacques Anquetil and Bernard Hinault as the only riders to have won five Tours.
“I’m speechless. It’s an incredible day; the atmosphere was amazing,” said Pogačar. “I’ve ridden seven Tours now and always finished on the podium. You might think it’s a fairytale, but for me, it’s incredible too.”
After a strong performance on the 21st and thrilling final stage in Paris on Sunday, Pogačar finished 6 minutes and 26 seconds ahead of Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel in the general classification.
Two-time Tour champion Jonas Vingegaard was Pogačar’s main rival heading into the race, but the Dane dropped out on Stage 15.
“It’s a shame that Jonas and others were forced out of this Tour,” said Pogačar. “I hope we can all battle it out again next year.” Pogačar’s UAE Team Emirates teammate Isaac Del Toro—a 22-year-old Mexican making his Tour debut—finished third with a time of 9:42, trailing Pogačar, who smiled and raised his hand to signal his victories. His teammates then joined him, standing proudly on the Champs-Élysées.
“I don’t know how I do it,” Pogačar said. “Now I need to find a new goal to chase. What goal? Let’s just not get ahead of ourselves and enjoy this moment.”
Pogačar won the 2024 Giro d’Italia but has not won the Vuelta a España, which starts on August 22.
“Will I be at the Vuelta in a couple of weeks?” he said. “We’ll see.” Pogačar celebrates on the podium in the yellow jersey after winning the Tour de France, alongside Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates) and Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe). Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters
Unrivaled Pogačar
Pogačar won five stages this year, bringing his career total to 26.
He attempted to win on Sunday as well, but the victory ultimately went to Dutchman Mathieu van der Poel; he narrowly held off the chasing group on the home straight to claim his second stage win of the year and his fourth overall.
Sunday’s 88.7-kilometer (55-mile) stage circled Paris and was largely ceremonial—though less so than in previous years, which were typically completely flat affairs designed for sprinters rather than the rest of the peloton.
The stage was shortened from 133 kilometers, and its starting point was moved from Thoiry, west of the capital, to Paris itself to ease the burden on emergency services battling wildfires in the southwest. Some security personnel originally deployed to Paris were reassigned to assist with the emergency response.
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A firefighter works at the scene of a wildfire in Andernos-les-Bains, Gironde department, amidst worsening drought conditions following a heatwave and water shortages in France, July 26, 2026. REUTERS/Florion Goga
A firefighter works at the scene of a forest fire in Andernos-les-Bains, in the Gironde department, amidst worsening drought conditions following a heatwave and water shortages in France, July 26, 2026. REUTERS/Florion Goga
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For the second consecutive year, the stage featured the hugely popular climb through the Montmartre district—a sharp, 1-kilometer ascent that riders tackled three times before finishing on the Champs-Élysées.
It proved too tough even for Pogačar, who could not match van der Poel’s power in the closing stages.
Shortly before 6:00 p.m. local time, Pogačar shook hands at the starting line with Evenepoel and Ecuadorian veteran Richard Carapaz, who was wearing the polka-dot jersey as the best climber.
“I fought hard for this jersey; it was a great battle,” said 33-year-old Carapaz. “It’s the best feeling to win it.” A Thrilling Finish
Van der Poel and Denmark’s Mads Pedersen—the green jersey holder as the best sprinter—were among the expected contenders for the stage win.
The crowds roared as the riders began the first ascent of Rue Lepic in Montmartre, overlooked by the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
After the second climb of Montmartre, Pogačar moved to the front, flanked by van der Poel, Evenepoel, and Pedersen.
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Tadej Pogačar of UAE Team Emirates, wearing the yellow jersey, celebrates winning Stage 20 REUTERS/Manon Cruz
Cycling – Tour de France – Stage 20 – Nice to Col de la Couillole – Col de la Couillole, France – July 20, 2024 Tadej Pogačar
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