Slovenian cycling star Tadej Pogacar secures his fifth Tour de France crown, joining an elite group of legends in the race’s history.
Tadej Pogacar etched his name deeper into cycling history by claiming his fifth Tour de France title, equaling the all-time record for victories in the prestigious race.
The Slovenian rider safely completed the 21st and final stage in Paris on Sunday to secure another dominant triumph in the world’s most celebrated road cycling event.
The 27-year-old had previously won the Tour de France in 2020, 2021, 2024, and 2025. With his latest success, Pogacar joins an exclusive group of cycling legends that includes Belgium’s Eddy Merckx, Spain’s Miguel Indurain, and French icons Jacques Anquetil and Bernard Hinault, all of whom have won the Tour five times.
Speaking after sealing the title, Pogacar expressed pride in reaching the milestone. He said becoming a five-time champion of the biggest race in the world was a major ambition and one of the key goals of his career. The achievement further strengthens his status as one of the greatest riders of the modern era.
Pogacar completed the 3,197-kilometer race in a total time of 73 hours, 56 minutes, and 26 seconds. He finished six minutes and 26 seconds ahead of Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel, who secured second place in the overall standings.
Mexico’s rising star Isaac del Toro completed the podium in third position after an impressive campaign.
The Slovenian dominated the 2026 edition, winning five stages throughout the three-week race. His career total of 26 Tour stage victories now places him fourth on the all-time list, trailing only Mark Cavendish (35), Eddy Merckx (34), and Bernard Hinault (28).
Pogacar had effectively secured the yellow jersey during the final mountain battles, including the demanding stages that concluded on the famous Alpe d’Huez climb. His commanding performances in the mountains left rivals struggling to challenge his overall lead.
The final stage was shortened to 88.7 kilometers due to wildfires affecting southwestern France. Elsewhere, Denmark’s Mads Pedersen captured the green jersey for the points classification, Ecuador’s Richard Carapaz won the polka-dot jersey as king of the mountains, while Isaac del Toro claimed the white jersey awarded to the race’s best young rider.