Pogačar Virtually Seals A Fifth Tour While Riding For Del Toro

Tadej Pogačar is one stage away from becoming a five-time Tour de France champion. The Slovenian completed the final mountain test with a 6:26 lead over Remco Evenepoel and, barring an exceptional incident in Paris, will join Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain in the exclusive club of five-time winners.

His performance on stage 20 was unusual not because of another attack, but because of the role he accepted. With his own yellow jersey secure, Pogačar worked for UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammate Isaac del Toro, who was defending third place and the white jersey against Paul Seixas.

Seixas and Decathlon CMA CGM tried to put the Mexican under pressure on the Col de Sarenne. When Del Toro began to struggle, Pogačar stayed with him, controlled the pace and helped neutralise the threat. The yellow jersey even declined to follow Evenepoel’s late move, choosing to accompany his teammate to the finish.

Pogačar and Del Toro crossed the line together, 1:05 behind Richard Carapaz. The Mexican kept third overall at 9:42, while Seixas remained fourth at 11:56. The gesture allowed UAE to protect two podium positions as well as the best young rider’s jersey.

The final stage has been shortened to 89 kilometres because security personnel have been reassigned to areas affected by wildfires. It will still include the Montmartre circuit, so it is more competitive than the traditional procession into Paris. Nevertheless, Pogačar’s advantage is large enough for his fifth title to be considered virtually secure.

At 27, the Slovenian is set to become the youngest rider to reach five Tour victories. After dominating the decisive mountains and then working as a domestique on the last Alpine day, he reaches Paris with another demonstration of both individual strength and team control.