Pogacar: "Entering the club of five was an objective"

Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar has voiced his immense satisfaction after securing his fifth Tour de France victory, an achievement he described as a long-held objective. Pogacar now joins an elite group of cyclists, including Jacques Anquetil, Bernard Hinault, Eddy Merckx, and Miguel Indurain, who have also won the prestigious race five times.

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For me, it was an objective to have five Tours and enter that club. Now it is a fulfilled objective.

"For me, it was an objective to have five Tours and enter that club. Now it is a fulfilled objective," Pogacar stated, expressing his pride in his fifth crown in what he considers the "best race in the world." He confirmed his intention to return next year, aiming for another victory, while acknowledging that "every Tour has its own story."

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I am happy to be here for the fifth time, I am very proud to have this fifth crown in the best race in the world.

Pogacar elaborated on his experience during this year's race, noting that he enjoyed it more than previous editions. He attributed this to having a "wonderful group" of teammates and experiencing "not a single bad day." The atmosphere among spectators, he added, was "extraordinary" and improved each year, contributing to his enhanced enjoyment.

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I think the most intense moments I lived in this Tour de France are when I accompanied Isaac on the finish line in Barcelona. My skin crawled then. Also when I crossed the finish line of Alpe d'Huez next to him this Saturday, with which he won the white jersey.

He also highlighted specific moments that resonated with him, particularly supporting his teammate Isaac del Toro. Pogacar expressed deep emotion seeing Del Toro cross the finish line in Barcelona and alongside him on Alpe d'Huez, where Del Toro secured the white jersey as the best young rider and finished third overall. Pogacar also spoke of the honor of competing in the final stage with Mathieu van der Poel, with whom he anticipates further "battles" in future races, including a continued desire to win the Paris-Roubaix.

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The Roubaix remains an objective, it has been since last year, I have put it on my letter to Santa Claus. I will try again, but if I don't win it, it won't be painful.