Pogačar Joins Cycling's All-Time Greats
Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogačar secured his fifth Tour de France victory on Sunday, cementing his place among the most decorated riders in the history of the prestigious race. The 2026 champion crossed the finish line of the final stage just before 8 p.m. local time on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
His total time for the entire tour stood at 73 hours, 56 minutes, and 26 seconds — nearly six and a half minutes ahead of his closest rival, Belgium's Remco Evenepoel. The commanding margin underscored Pogačar's dominance throughout the competition.
With this fifth triumph, Pogačar became the joint most successful competitor ever in the event. He now stands alongside cycling legends Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Induráin, each of whom also claimed five Tour de France victories during their careers.
Lance Armstrong had previously won seven editions of the race, but all of those titles were stripped after revelations that he had used performance-enhancing drugs.
Wildfires Force Route Changes for Final Stage
The conclusion of this year's Tour was marked by unexpected disruptions caused by wildfires raging across southwestern France. Organizers announced on Saturday that the final stage would be both shortened and delayed as a result of the crisis.
The stage was originally scheduled to begin in Thoiry, approximately 56 kilometers west of Paris, with riders then proceeding into the French capital. However, the route was modified after security personnel and police assigned to the event were reassigned to assist with firefighting efforts.