Van Aert wins final stage as Pogacar seals Tour title
Van Aert Steals Show as Pogacar Claims Fourth Tour Title
Belgian Rider Dazzles in Paris Finale, Slovenian Reigns Supreme Overall
Paris - Wout van Aert snatched victory on the final stage of the Tour de France, denying Tadej Pogacar a clean sweep and leaving the French capital buzzing with excitement. Despite pouring rain, the race came down to a thrilling finale on the same circuit used for last year's Olympic Games.
Pogacar, leading by over four minutes heading into the day, had established himself in a six-man breakaway during the exhilarating final stage. However, Van Aert launched a decisive attack on the third and final climb to the Basilica of Sacre Coeur de Montmartre, extending his lead over the remaining kilometers and crossing the finish line on the Champs-Elysees 19 seconds ahead of Pogacar and a group of three riders.
This victory marks Van Aert's 10th stage win at the Tour, adding another chapter to his impressive cycling career.
Meanwhile, Pogacar secured his fourth Tour de France title, equaling Chris Froome's total and placing him alongside the British legend in the all-time rankings. Only Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain boast more victories with five each.
This year's triumph also makes Pogacar the first reigning world road champion to win the Tour since Greg LeMond in 1990, solidifying his position as a cycling powerhouse.
Adding to his accolades, Pogacar secured his third King of the Mountains title throughout the race.
Jonas Vingegaard finished the race four minutes 24 seconds behind Pogacar, with Florian Lipowitz securing third place overall ahead of British rider Oscar Onley.
Lipowitz, at just 24 years old, was crowned the best young rider, while fellow Tour debutant Jonathan Milan, also 24, topped the points classification standings.
Final Stage Results:
- Wout van Aert (Bel/Visma-Lease a Bike) - 3hrs 7mins 30secs
- Davide Ballerini (Ita/XDS Astana) - Same time
- Matej Mohoric (Slo/Bahrain Victorious)
- Tadej Pogacar (Slo/UAE Emirates-XRG)
- Matteo Jorgenson (US/Visma-Lease a Bike)
Final General Classification Standings:
- Tadej Pogacar (Slo/UAE Emirates-XRG) - 76hrs 32secs
- Jonas Vingegaard (Den/Visma-Lease a Bike) +4mins 24secs
- Florian Lipowitz (Ger/Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) +11mins
- Oscar Onley (GB/Picnic PostNL) +12mins 12secs
- Felix Gall (Aut/Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale) +17mins 12secs