Evenepoel Confirms His Place Among The Elite As Del Toro Makes History In Paris

Remco Evenepoel and Isaac del Toro completed the final podium of the 2026 Tour de France behind Tadej Pogačar, concluding three weeks in which both riders strengthened their status among the leading figures of the international peloton. The Belgian finished second overall, 6:26 behind the winner, while the Mexican took third place at 9:42.

Evenepoel reached Paris with more than a podium place. His victory at Plateau de Solaison and his dominant performance in the following time trial gave him back-to-back stage wins during the decisive final week. Those results allowed him to secure second place and confirmed that his strongest terrain extends well beyond racing against the clock.

Pogačar remained out of reach in the fight for yellow, but Evenepoel reacted strongly whenever the race offered him an opportunity. His consistency, two stage victories and ability to defend his position in the mountains produced a convincing second place in one of the most demanding races on the calendar.

Del Toro’s third place carries an even greater historical significance. At the age of 22 and on his Tour debut, he became the first Mexican rider to stand on the final podium. He also won the white jersey as the best young rider, adding that classification to a campaign that included his stage victory in Montjuïc.

The Mexican combined his personal ambitions with an important role in UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s collective strategy. He worked for Pogačar during key moments of the race, while the yellow jersey later returned the favour by helping him defend his podium position in the Alps.

Paris therefore crowned more than the winner of the Tour. Evenepoel consolidated his position as one of the main Grand Tour contenders, while Del Toro completed a breakthrough performance that opens a new chapter for Mexican cycling. Their challenge from now on will be to turn this podium into a step towards the yellow jersey.