Pogačar Enters Cycling History With A Fifth Tour De France Victory

Tadej Pogačar has entered the most exclusive circle in Tour de France history. At 27, the Slovenian secured his fifth yellow jersey in Paris and joined Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain as the only recognised riders to have won the race five times.

Pogačar completed the Tour in 73:56:26, beating Remco Evenepoel by 6:26. Isaac del Toro finished third at 9:42, giving UAE Team Emirates-XRG two places on the final podium. Paul Seixas ended his impressive debut in fourth, while Juan Ayuso was the best Spanish rider in seventh at 17:48.

The champion did not settle for a ceremonial final day. With the general classification protected by the neutralisation of the times before Montmartre, Pogačar attacked on the cobbles and went clear with Mathieu van der Poel. The pair entered the closing kilometres with a small advantage, although the Slovenian finally ran out of strength and finished 30th as the Dutchman took the stage.

That final offensive effort reflected how Pogačar controlled the race. He collected five stage victories, took the yellow jersey in the opening week and repeatedly increased his advantage in the mountains. His attacks on the Tourmalet and Alpe d’Huez removed any doubt about the strongest rider, while his time losses were always limited and manageable.

His Tour also included an unusual display of teamwork. On the queen stage, with his own victory already secure, Pogačar rode for Del Toro and helped the Mexican defend third place and the white jersey against Seixas. UAE therefore finished the race with the overall title, two riders on the podium and the best young rider classification.

Pogačar’s five victories have come in 2020, 2021, 2024, 2025 and 2026. He is the first rider in the 21st century to reach the historic record and the youngest to achieve five Tour wins. His next challenge is no longer simply to equal the legends, but to decide how far beyond them he can go.

With five Tours, a Giro d’Italia, two world road titles and four different Monuments already in his palmarès, the Slovenian reaches another level in the history of the sport. Paris did more than celebrate another yellow jersey: it confirmed the defining rider of his generation.