Tadej Pogacar has cemented his place in cycling history by winning the 2024 Tour de France, his third victory in the prestigious race. The 25-year-old Slovenian cyclist dominated the competition, winning six stages including the final time trial in Nice. Pogacar finished with a commanding lead of 6 minutes and 17 seconds ahead of second-placed Jonas Vingegaard, with Remco Evenepoel completing the podium in third place.This victory marks a historic achievement for Pogacar, as he becomes the first rider since Marco Pantani in 1998 to complete the Giro-Tour double, having won the Giro d’Italia earlier this year. Pogacar’s exceptional performance throughout the tour has drawn comparisons to cycling legend Eddy Merckx, with Merckx himself calling Pogacar his ‘true heir’.Reflecting on his victory, Pogacar said, ‘I’ve never felt so good on the bike before. To take the double is incredible. To win the tour is a step higher (than Giro d’Italia). To win both is the next level.’. His dominance was evident across various terrains, particularly in the Pyrenees and Alps stages.The Tour de France 2024 concluded in Nice instead of the traditional finish in Paris due to the upcoming Olympic Games. As Pogacar basks in his Tour victory, he has already set his sights on future goals, including the World Championships and potentially the Olympics road race, where he will be a top favorite.
Key points
- Tadej Pogacar won his third Tour de France, dominating with six stage victories.
- Pogacar completed the Giro-Tour double, a feat not achieved since 1998.
- He finished 6 minutes and 17 seconds ahead of second-placed Jonas Vingegaard.
- At 25, Pogacar is being compared to cycling legend Eddy Merckx.
