PARIS: Slovenia’s cycling superstar Tadej Pogacar etched his name into the history books on Sunday by claiming a record-equalling fifth Tour de France title after safely completing the final stage in Paris, where Dutch rider Mathieu van der Poel sprinted to stage victory.

The 27-year-old UAE Team Emirates XRG leader secured his third consecutive Tour de France championship, joining cycling legends Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain as the only riders to win the prestigious race five times.

Pogacar entered the final stage with a commanding overall lead and needed only to avoid any late mishap on the traditional ride into Paris to seal another historic triumph.

Pogacar Continues Cycling Dominance

Widely regarded as one of the greatest cyclists of his generation, Pogacar delivered another exceptional performance throughout the three-week race, showcasing consistency in mountain stages, time trials, and overall race management.

His fifth Tour de France title further cements his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats while extending his remarkable dominance in professional road cycling.

Speaking after securing the yellow jersey, Pogacar thanked supporters and fellow competitors.

“Thank you to all the fans and to all of France for hosting this great race,” Pogacar said.

“Thank you to my competitors for putting on a great show. We fought hard over the last three weeks.”

Van der Poel Wins Final Stage

Although Pogacar celebrated the overall championship, Dutch cyclist Mathieu van der Poel claimed victory in the final stage, finishing first on the iconic Paris circuit after an impressive sprint finish.

The final stage traditionally serves as a celebration for the overall race winner while providing sprinters with one last opportunity to compete for a prestigious stage victory.

Evenepoel and Del Toro Complete the Podium

Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel finished second in the overall general classification after another strong Tour campaign, while Mexico’s Isaac del Toro secured third place to complete the overall podium.

Del Toro’s impressive performance marked one of the biggest breakthroughs of this year’s race, highlighting his growing status among cycling’s elite riders.

Historic Achievement for Pogacar

Pogacar’s fifth Tour de France crown places him among the greatest champions in cycling history. His achievement matches the all-time record held by four legendary riders and strengthens his position as the dominant force in modern professional cycling.

Having now won three consecutive Tours, the Slovenian star continues to redefine excellence in the sport and will likely enter future editions as the overwhelming favorite to break the historic record.