Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar clinched his fourth Tour de France victory with a comfortable lead in the final stage on Sunday, opting to push for the win despite his already secured position. The 26-year-old cyclist had previously triumphed in the Tour in 2020 and 2021.
Expressing his elation, Pogačar stated, “Winning the Tour de France is an incredible feeling, especially this time. I am immensely proud to wear the yellow jersey.” Jonas Vingegaard, a two-time Tour champion, finished the race 4 minutes and 24 seconds behind Pogačar, securing the second position, while Florian Lipowitz claimed third place with an 11-minute gap.
The final stage, won by Belgian rider Wout van Aert, deviated from tradition with three ascents of Montmartre hill. Due to adverse weather conditions and safety concerns, organizers decided to neutralize the times 50 kilometers from the finish, essentially guaranteeing Pogačar’s victory pending his finish line cross.
Despite the unnecessary risk, Pogačar exhibited his relentless pursuit of victory by setting a grueling pace on the Montmartre climbs, cheered on by enthusiastic fans lining the cobbled Rue Lepic. Only five riders managed to keep up with Pogačar on the third ascent of the hill.
In a surprising turn, Van Aert outpaced Pogačar, known as a superior climber, to claim victory on the Champs-Elysées. Pogačar settled for fourth place, crossing the line 19 seconds after Van Aert. Reflecting on the race, Pogačar commended Van Aert’s exceptional performance.
With this win, Pogačar joins the elite club of cyclists who have won the Tour de France four times. He also extended his stage win count to 21 in the Tour and 30 in major races, including the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España.
Acknowledging the support of his team, Pogačar emphasized the significance of the second week in securing his victory. On the other hand, Lipowitz celebrated his first career Grand Tour podium finish, hinting at a promising future in cycling following his recent achievements.
Breaking from tradition, this year’s Tour finale departed from the usual ceremonious Paris laps to incorporate the challenging Montmartre climbs. Pogačar and Vingegaard continued their trend of finishing 1-2 in the Tour for the fifth consecutive year, highlighting their competitive spirit and mutual respect.
Notably, Pogačar’s success extends beyond the Tour de France, with victories in other prestigious races and a world road race championship under his belt. As he looks ahead, Pogačar aims to conquer classics like Paris-Roubaix and Milan-San Remo, setting the stage for future cycling triumphs.