PARIS –Imperious Pogacar- In yet another display of cycling brilliance, imperious Pogacar stormed to his fourth Tour de France victory on Sunday, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest riders of the modern era. Braving wet and slippery conditions on the final day in Paris, the Slovenian superstar completed a commanding performance, finishing atop the general classification with a lead of over four minutes.
While Belgian rider Wout van Aert snatched the final stage victory with a late surge around Montmartre, it was Tadej Pogacar, the undisputed star of the race, who captured the headlines and the yellow jersey.
With this latest win, imperious Pogacar has now claimed four Tour de France titles in six years, finishing second on the other two occasions. His control throughout this year’s race was never in serious doubt, and his dominant performances in the mountains, time trials, and sprints reaffirmed his unmatched versatility and power.
Imperious Pogacar Leaves Rivals Behind as He Secures Fourth Tour de France Victory in Six Years
“It’s six years in a row on the podium, and this one feels especially amazing,” Pogacar said after crossing the finish line. “I was really happy they neutralised the times due to the rain. That allowed us to race more freely in the finale.”
The weather forced organisers to suspend time gaps for safety reasons on the slippery cobblestones of Paris. This meant Pogacar was free to enjoy the final stage without threat to his overall lead. Yet, he remained active and thrilling to watch, racing near the front and engaging with the enthusiastic crowds packed along Montmartre.
Despite his clear dominance, imperious Pogacar was gracious in victory, paying tribute to his long-time rival, Jonas Vingegaard, who finished second overall.
“We’ve been racing each other for five years now,” said Pogacar. “I think we’ve both pushed each other to be better every time.”
Vingegaard, who had previously won the Tour in 2022 and 2023, struggled to match Pogacar’s form this year. Two difficult stages, including a brutal time trial and the punishing Hautacam climb, saw the Danish rider lose crucial time and momentum. He finished 4 minutes and 24 seconds behind the Slovenian.
“I had some of my worst days here, and some of the best,” Vingegaard admitted, hinting at his plans to regroup ahead of the Vuelta a España.
The third step on the podium belonged to German newcomer Florian Lipowitz, who impressed in his Tour debut. At just 24 years old, Lipowitz showed tactical maturity and physical endurance, finishing a distant third overall but marking himself as a future contender.
Another standout performer was 22-year-old Scot Oscar Onley, who pushed Lipowitz all the way for the best under-26 rider title. Onley ultimately finished fourth overall, setting the stage for what could be the next great rivalry.
From the moment the peloton departed Lille, imperious Pogacar was the man to beat. He won four stages in total, asserting his authority early with victories in Rouen and on the Mur de Bretagne.
In the second week, the Pyrenees proved decisive. Pogacar dismantled his rivals on the mountain stages, while Vingegaard faltered in both the stage-five time trial and the daunting Hautacam ascent.
By the time the Alps arrived, Pogacar rode conservatively, content to manage his lead. His mature race strategy – a blend of controlled aggression and tactical awareness – showcased his growth as both athlete and strategist.
“Everybody celebrates differently,” he said. “For me, it’s peace and quiet. I’m going to enjoy some calm days at home.”
Beyond Pogacar’s supremacy, the 2025 Tour de France delivered its fair share of drama. Ireland’s Ben Healy lit up the race with a stage win, a stint in the yellow jersey, and a gallant battle on Mont Ventoux. His efforts earned him the fan-voted combativity award.
France’s Valentin Paret-Peintre brought home a rare French stage win, triumphing in an intense duel on the iconic Ventoux summit.
Meanwhile, the return of famed team director Dave Brailsford to Ineos Grenadiers stirred interest, though his plans were dented by Filippo Ganna’s withdrawal due to a concussion. Dutch climber Thymen Arensman salvaged pride for the team with two impressive mountain stage victories.
With four Tour victories, two runner-up finishes, and still only 26 years old, imperious Pogacar is building a legacy that may one day rival the greatest cyclists in history. His combination of explosive climbing, strong time trialing, and fearless racing makes him a complete rider — and one that fans and competitors alike admire.
As the cycling world looks to the 2026 season, all eyes will remain firmly fixed on Pogacar. With no signs of slowing down, the Slovenian sensation continues to redefine what dominance looks like in modern cycling.
Source- EWN
