Pogačar seeks fifth Tour de France title as rivals sought

Tadej Pogačar is poised to dominate the Tour de France, aiming for his fifth victory and solidifying his place among cycling's all-time greats. The Slovenian defending champion has enjoyed a phenomenal first half of the season, winning prestigious races like the Strade Bianche, Milan-Sanremo, Tour of Flanders, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and the Tour de Suisse. His only significant challenge came from Wout van Aert at Paris-Roubaix, where he finished second.

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If everything goes normally from his perspective, it will be damn hard to even challenge him.

Many in the sport believe that only an unforeseen event, such as a crash or illness, could prevent Pogačar from securing another Tour de France title. "If everything goes normally from his perspective, it will be damn hard to even challenge him," said Red Bull team principal Ralph Denk. Pogačar himself acknowledges the unpredictable nature of the Tour, stating that "everything can happen in three weeks," which makes the race special and highly motivating.

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Every year you know at the start that everything can happen in three weeks.

Pogačar's potential fifth win would place him in an exclusive club with cycling legends Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Jacques Anquetil, and Miguel Indurain. This would also mark his third consecutive Tour de France victory, further cementing his dominance. He has already worn the yellow jersey 50 times and is expected to add significantly to that tally during this edition. He will be supported by a strong team, including young star Isaac del Toro and British rider A.

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The Tour de France is the biggest challenge of the season every year and at the same time the race that motivates us the most.