Pogacar wins fifth Tour de France, joins cycling legends

July 26, 2026, is a day for the history books of cycling. Tadej Pogacar (27) has become the fifth professional cyclist to win the Tour de France five times, placing himself alongside legends Jacques Anquetil (†53), Eddy Merckx (81), Bernard Hinault (71), and Miguel Indurain (62). None of the other four were as young as the Slovenian at the time of their fifth triumph.

"What an incredible day, I'm speechless. An incredible atmosphere! I'm glad it's over and we've won for the fifth time. Seven times the Tour, seven times on the podium, you can't write that in any script. That's incredible even for me. The most important thing is that you enjoy what you do. If you believe in yourself, you can make your dreams come true," said Pogacar.

Tadej Pogacar celebrates his fifth Tour victory. On the left, three-time Tour winner Greg Lemond (65). Photo: Gonzalo Fuentes/REUTERS

Shortened Final Stage

The 21st and final stage, starting and finishing on the Champs-Élysées, was shortened from 133 to 89 kilometers. There were too few police officers in Paris to secure the originally planned route from the suburb of Thoiry to the French capital. Officers had been deployed to the southwest of the country, where they are helping to fight devastating forest fires.

The party was in full swing at the Sacré-Cœur. Photo: LOIC VENANCE/AFP

The climb up to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica remained on the schedule. Thousands again lined the route on the section that became iconic during the 2024 Olympic Games. This climb is also the reason why the winner's press conference no longer takes place on the penultimate day of the Tour, but after the actual final stage. Dancers from the Moulin Rouge were also present, performing on the street.

Stage Win for van der Poel

The most prestigious stage of the race was won by Dutchman Mathieu van der Poel (31), who broke away with Pogacar a few kilometers from the finish. Both were caught just 50 meters from the line. Pogacar was shuffled back to 30th place, but van der Poel managed to save his second stage win by centimeters across the line.

"Last year I was sick and had to watch the stage on TV. Now I win, it's a dream," said van der Poel.

Mathieu van der Poel (31/r.) wins the stage, teammate Jasper Philipsen (28/3rd from l.) celebrates his buddy's victory. Photo: Stephanie Lecocq/REUTERS

Other Jersey Winners

• Sprint Jersey: Mads Pedersen (30) of Denmark (Lidl Trek)
• Best Climber: Richard Carapaz (33) of Ecuador
• White Jersey (Best Young Rider): Isaac del Toro (22) of Mexico (UAE Emirates), successor to Florian Lipowitz (25)
• Team Classification: Lidl Trek (without a German rider in the squad)
• Best German: German champion Felix Engelhardt (25), finishing 70th overall

What's Next for Pogacar?

Pogacar is said to have given Spanish King Felipe VI (58) his commitment to start at the Vuelta from August 22. The Tour of Spain is still missing from his list of triumphs.

Pogacar's response: "Let me first enjoy today."