Pogačar Secures Record‑Equaling Fifth Tour de France Title

His victory marks his third successive Tour de France triumph, tying him with the legendary five‑time champions on the sport’s all‑time list

Published On 27 Jul 202627 Jul 2026

On Sunday, Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar clinched a record‑equaling fifth Tour de France title, safely navigating the concluding stage — won by Mathieu van der Poel — to claim his third straight victory in cycling’s preeminent race.

The 27‑year‑old UAE Team Emirates XRG rider, affectionately dubbed “Pogi”, merely needed to avoid a race‑ending incident on the final run into Paris to join the likes of Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain among the five‑time champions.

Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel placed second overall, with Mexico’s Isaac del Toro completing the podium in third.

He thanked the spectators and France for hosting the event and expressed appreciation for his competitors, noting the intensity of the three‑week contest.

He also praised his rivals for delivering a stellar spectacle and highlighted the intensity of the three‑week battle.

Van der Poel takes final stage

Pogacar and van der Poel escaped on the final climb of Montmartre with about 10 km (6 mi) remaining, establishing a modest lead during the final stretch toward the Champs‑Élysées as the peloton pursued relentlessly.

As the final kilometre unfolded, Pogacar’s challenge waned, allowing van der Poel to claim victory in a photo‑finish ahead of his Alpecin‑Premier Tech teammate Jasper Philipsen, while Mads Pedersen of Lidl‑Trek secured third place.

He admitted anticipating a possible chase, focusing on the final 500 metres and giving his utmost effort.

He described the moment as a dream and an incredible feat, noting the difficulty and extending respect to Pogacar, the world’s leading rider.

He concluded that the victory made him delighted, fulfilling one of several races he aimed to win in his career.

Supreme Pogacar

Pogacar reinforced his dominance by capturing five stage wins during the Tour.

His route to a third consecutive yellow jersey was simplified when two‑time champion Jonas Vingegaard, widely viewed as his main rival, withdrew after a crash on Stage 15.

The traditional Paris finale was shortened when security forces were redeployed to tackle wildfires near Bordeaux, reducing Stage 21 from the planned 133 km to 89 km.

Notably, no rider from France, Italy or Spain secured a stage win, marking the first Tour de France without a victory from any of the three nations that founded and host its Grand Tours.

Pogacar’s latest triumph concludes three weeks of competition that began with the Grand Départ in Barcelona and further cements his status as the dominant rider of his generation.

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