Paris, France – Tadej Pogačar powered his way to a fourth Tour de France victory on Sunday, crossing the Champs-Élysées finish line with a dominant lead over Jonas Vingegaard, who finished 4:24 behind.
The victory is especially sweet for Pogačar, who faced a series of challenges in this year’s race and conquered past demons, including the notorious Hautacam, Mont Ventoux, and Col de la Loze climbs, where he had previously lost significant time to Vingegaard in previous Tours.
“Just speechless to win the Tour de France,” Pogačar said in an emotional post-race interview. “This one feels especially amazing. Just super proud that I can wear this yellow jersey.”
Vingegaard’s Struggles
Jonas Vingegaard, who was aiming for his second Tour de France victory, faced difficulties right from the beginning of the race.
A poor performance during the Stage 5 time trial cost him valuable time, and he was unable to make up the difference as Pogačar continued to build a steady lead. Vingegaard finished 1:20 behind Pogačar and, despite numerous attacks, couldn’t catch up.
“Battling against Jonas was a tough experience,” Pogačar said. “I must say to him, respect and big, big congratulations to him for his fight and incredible race.”
Vingegaard’s Future
This marks the third consecutive year Vingegaard has finished as the runner-up to Pogačar in the Tour de France. Vingegaard, who rides for Visma–Lease a Bike, will now shift his focus to the Vuelta a España in August.
Wout van Aert’s Stage Win
Wout van Aert, Vingegaard’s teammate, won the final stage on Sunday, overcoming rainy conditions and tough climbs around Montmartre in Paris. Van Aert, known for his incredible versatility, attacked in the last kilometer, stunning the crowd and dropping Pogačar in the steepest section.
“We came to this tour with ambition to also win the yellow jersey, but the strongest rider in the race and biggest rider on the road won,” van Aert said. “I’m proud of how we raced as a team, how we kept trying every day.”
Rising Stars Shine
Florian Lipowitz, a German climber from Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe, finished third in the general classification, just 11:09 behind Pogačar. Lipowitz, who was expected to play a supporting role for teammate Primož Roglič, shocked many by securing the white jersey for the best young rider in his Tour debut.
Ben Healy, the Irish climber from EF Education-EasyPost, became one of the most exciting revelations of the Tour, briefly wearing the yellow jersey after his aggressive attacks and taking Stage 6.
His team rewarded his bold approach by awarding him the Super Combative prize, recognizing his fearless efforts throughout the race.
“It is one thing to achieve what you set out to achieve; it is another to do it with a smile,” said team sports director Charly Wegelius.
Points Classification
In the points classification, Jonathan Milan, an Italian sprinter with Lidl–Trek, dominated the competition, edging out Pogačar. Milan’s win became more impressive after the reigning green jersey champion, Jasper Philipsen of Alpecin–Deceuninck, was forced to abandon the race following an accident in Stage 3.
Milan’s strong performances throughout the race, along with the support of Quinn Simmons, earned him the green jersey in his Tour debut.
Simmons, known for his iconic mustache and American flag road champion jersey, played a crucial role as Milan’s lead-out man, often at the front of the peloton. After the race, Simmons proposed to his girlfriend — and she said yes!
Tadej Pogačar’s fourth Tour de France victory solidifies his place as one of the greatest riders in the history of the sport. He faced fierce competition, especially from Jonas Vingegaard, but ultimately demonstrated superior strength and endurance.
With an exciting mix of emerging talent and established champions, this Tour will be remembered as one of the most thrilling in recent years.
