Tadej Pogačar Wins Historic Fifth Tour de France Title
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Slovenian cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar has won the 2026 Tour de France, securing his fifth overall victory in the world’s most prestigious cycling race. The UAE Team Emirates-XRG leader sealed the yellow jersey in Paris after three demanding weeks of racing, finishing 6 minutes and 26 seconds ahead of Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel
Foto: Posnetek Zaslona
A Place Among the Greatest
Pogačar’s latest triumph places him among the greatest riders in Tour de France history. With five overall victories, the Slovenian now joins Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain in the exclusive group of five-time Tour winners.
It was also Pogačar’s third consecutive Tour de France success, following his victories in 2024 and 2025. The 26-year-old first won the race in 2020 and successfully defended his title in 2021, before returning to the top of the podium with an extraordinary run of dominance over the past three years.
Control, Attacking Power and a Strong Team
Pogačar took control of the 2026 edition through a combination of powerful mountain performances, tactical awareness and the support of his UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammates. He claimed several stage victories during the race, including a memorable triumph on Alpe d’Huez, where he set a new record time on one of cycling’s most iconic climbs.
Heading into the final stage in Paris, Pogačar held a comfortable advantage in the general classification. The final stage was shortened to 89 kilometres due to wildfires in south-west France, but the celebrations in Paris still delivered a fitting conclusion to another historic Tour.
Van der Poel Wins the Final Stage
While Pogačar celebrated the overall victory, Mathieu van der Poel took the Stage 21 win on the Champs-Élysées after a thrilling sprint finish. Jasper Philipsen finished second, while Mads Pedersen completed the stage podium.
Pogačar remained focused until the end and even joined Van der Poel in a late breakaway on the final circuit. However, the Slovenian’s main objective had already been achieved: another yellow jersey and a fifth Tour de France title.
Final General Classification – Tour de France 2026
1. Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia / UAE Team Emirates-XRG)
2. Remco Evenepoel (Belgium / Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) +6:26
3. Isaac del Toro (Mexico / UAE Team Emirates-XRG)
Stage 21 – Paris Champs-Élysées
1. Mathieu van der Poel (Netherlands)
2. Jasper Philipsen (Belgium)
3. Mads Pedersen (Denmark)
Pogačar has once again confirmed his status as the leading rider of his generation. Five Tour de France victories at the age of 26 is an exceptional achievement, and Slovenia can proudly celebrate another historic chapter written by its greatest cycling champion.
Sources: Euronews, The Guardian