Tadej Pogacar Triumphs for Fourth Tour de France Title

Tadej Pogacar secured his fourth Tour de France title on July 30, 2025, showcasing his dominance in cycling yet again. The Slovenian rider finished the race with a comfortable lead, despite not needing to win the final stage. At just 26 years old, Pogacar has become a formidable force, having previously claimed titles in 2020, 2021, and 2024.

“Just speechless to win the Tour de France, this one feels especially amazing,” Pogacar noted after crossing the finish line. “Just super proud that I can wear this yellow jersey.” His victory came with a significant margin, as two-time champion Jonas Vingegaard trailed behind by 4 minutes, 24 seconds in second place, while Florian Lipowitz finished third, over 11 minutes adrift.

Final Stage Highlights

The final stage of the race, traditionally a celebratory lap around Paris, broke with convention this year. It included three challenging climbs of Montmartre hill, a route inspired by the success of the Paris Olympics road race. With heavy rain threatening crashes, race organizers neutralized the times 50 kilometers from the finish line, ensuring Pogacar’s victory provided he completed the stage.

Despite the risks, Pogacar displayed his relentless competitive spirit. As the rain poured, he attacked the climbs vigorously, captivating fans lining the cobbled Rue Lepic, waving flags and cheering him on. During the final ascent of the 1.1-kilometer hill, Pogacar found himself among only five remaining riders. Even as he fended off American Matteo Jorgenson, he was ultimately outpaced by Wout van Aert, who executed a stunning move just before the peak. “Hats off to Wout, he was incredibly strong,” Pogacar acknowledged.

Van Aert claimed the stage victory on the prestigious Champs-Élysées, while Pogacar crossed the line in fourth, 19 seconds behind. Yet, the celebration for Pogacar was just beginning. “Everyone celebrates in their own way, I just want peace and some nice weather, not like here today,” he remarked, expressing his desire for a quiet celebration after a challenging race.

A Legacy in the Making

Pogacar’s recent triumph adds him to an elite group of cyclists. Only four riders have won the Tour five times: Eddy Merckx, Miguel Indurain, Jacques Anquetil, and Bernard Hinault. This year, Pogacar also marked a milestone by winning four stages, bringing his total to 21 stage wins in the Tour and 30 across major races, which include six at the Giro d’Italia and three at the Spanish Vuelta.

Reflecting on his success, Pogacar highlighted the importance of teamwork. “I think the second week was the decisive moment. We took more advantage and went more comfortably into the third week,” he stated. Meanwhile, Lipowitz celebrated his first career podium finish at a Grand Tour, showing promise for future competitions.

As Pogacar continues to build his legacy, he aims to join the ranks of cycling legends who have conquered all three major tours. While he has already claimed the Giro d’Italia, he has yet to secure a win at the Spanish Vuelta. His recent victories and consistent performances signal that he remains a formidable competitor for years to come.

Looking ahead, Pogacar expressed his ambition to conquer prestigious races like Paris-Roubaix and Milan-San Remo. The Roubaix race, known as “The Hell of the North” for its perilous cobblestone sections, eluded him this year, as he finished behind Mathieu van der Poel, who won for the third consecutive time. Having faced challenges this season, Pogacar’s determination for success in the upcoming events remains unwavering.

As the cycling community reflects on this year’s Tour de France, Tadej Pogacar’s victory serves as a reminder of his exceptional talent and the enduring spirit of competition. The stage is set for more thrilling contests in the future as Pogacar and his rivals prepare for the next chapter in their cycling journeys.