Tadej Pogacar wins fifth Tour de France, equaling historic victory record

Tadej Pogacar cemented his legendary status by claiming his fifth Tour de France victory on Sunday, drawing level with cycling icons Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Induráin. The Slovenian rider dominated the race, finishing with an impressive 6 minute and 26 second lead over Belgium's Remco Evenepoel in the general classification.

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With a fifth title, Tadej Pogacar equaled the record for victories in the Tour de France this Sunday in Paris, at the end of a 21st and final stage won by Mathieu van der Poel on the Champs-Élysées.

The final stage, a reduced 89 km route due to security concerns from fires in France, delivered a dramatic conclusion on the Champs-Élysées. Pogacar and Van der Poel launched a daring breakaway on the Butte Montmartre, showcasing their classic racing prowess. They worked together, resisting the peloton of sprinters, only to be caught meters from the finish line.

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The Slovenian, who broke away with Van der Poel after a great exhibition on the climb of the Butte Montmartre, won with a 6 minute and 26 second lead in the general classification over Belgian Remco Evenepoel and 9:42 over his Mexican teammate Isaac Del Toro.

Mathieu van der Poel ultimately claimed the stage victory in a photo finish, narrowly beating Jasper Philipsen and Mads Pedersen. Despite the sprint finish, the day belonged to Pogacar, who not only secured his fifth overall win but also claimed five individual stages in this edition. At 27, he becomes the youngest rider to achieve five Tour de France victories, further solidifying his remarkable career.

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With this fifth victory, Pogacar reaches Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Induráin.