Pogačar poised for fifth Tour de France crown as Carapaz wins penultimate stage

Slovenian cycling star Tadej Pogačar is on the verge of securing his fifth Tour de France victory, effectively sealing the overall win after the penultimate stage. The defending champion showcased his dominance once again on the grueling 170.9 km queen stage leading to Alpe d'Huez, demonstrating no signs of weakness.

On the 20th and second-to-last stage, which featured a demanding 5,450 meters of climbing over legendary ascents like the Col de la Croix-de-Fer, Col du Télégraphe, and Col du Galibier, Ecuadorian rider Richard Carapaz emerged victorious from a breakaway, claiming his second stage win of the race.

Although theoretically Pogačar could still lose the yellow jersey on the final stage into Paris, a strong unwritten code among cyclists dictates that the overall leader is not challenged on this ceremonial ride. This "non-aggression pact," while not a formal rule, has been respected for decades, ensuring the leader reaches the finish line without incident. The final stage, often called the "Tour d'Honneur," typically sees the leading team celebrating with champagne as they ride towards the Arc de Triomphe, a tradition that underscores the near-certainty of Pogačar's fifth title.