Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar secured a record-equalling fifth Tour de France title on Sunday, joining an elite group that includes Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain. The 27-year-old rider from UAE Team Emirates-XRG crossed the finish line in Paris with a commanding lead of six minutes and 26 seconds over Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel, who finished second overall. Pogacar’s Mexican teammate Isaac del Toro, 22, completed the podium in third place during his Tour debut.
Over the course of the three-week race, Pogacar displayed remarkable dominance, winning five stages and setting new fastest times on two of cycling’s most legendary climbs, the Col du Tourmalet in the Pyrenees and the ascent to Alpe d’Huez in the Alps. His performance on Alpe d’Huez was particularly notable, as he broke Marco Pantani’s 31-year-old record by more than a minute. Despite these achievements, Pogacar downplayed the significance of records, emphasizing that winning the Tour de France remained his primary goal.
The final stage in Paris featured a dramatic and unconventional finish. Traditionally a flat and ceremonial day, organizers introduced a circuit that included a cobbled climb up Montmartre, encouraging aggressive racing. Dutch rider Mathieu van der Poel and Pogacar broke away on the climb, working together to maintain a slim lead over a rapidly closing peloton. Pogacar faded in the final 400 meters, allowing Van der Poel to sprint to a narrow stage victory by a bike length. This marked Van der Poel’s second stage win of the race and added to his reputation as one of the most accomplished classics riders of his generation.
Pogacar’s leadership extended beyond his personal results, as he played a key role in supporting his young teammate del Toro. Notably, Pogacar ceded victory to del Toro on Stage 2 and dedicated effort to helping him secure the White Jersey for best young rider, as well as the overall podium finish. The pair celebrated together in the closing days of the Tour, signaling a potential new generation of talent within the UAE team.
Throughout the race, Pogacar faced occasional criticism and challenges, including the withdrawal of rival Jonas Vingegaard due to a crash following a late-night anti-doping control. Both riders underwent the unprecedented early-morning testing, an event that raised questions and sparked debate among competitors. Despite some boos from spectators, Pogacar remained focused, drawing inspiration from other athletes who faced criticism, and asserting that most fans supported him.
With his fifth Tour title, Pogacar remains under contract with UAE Team Emirates-XRG through 2030, and eyes further milestones, including a possible sixth Tour victory and winning the Vuelta a España to complete the rare achievement of all three Grand Tours. His manager, Mauro Gianetti, compared Pogacar’s aura to that of tennis legend Roger Federer, reflecting his global appeal and status as a cycling icon.
As the 113th edition of the Tour de France concluded, the Slovenian’s blend of raw power, tactical acumen, and team leadership affirmed his place among the sport’s all-time greats, while the emergence of Isaac del Toro promises continued success for the UAE team in the years ahead.