Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar showcased his dominance in the Tour de France by claiming victory in the 20th stage, setting himself up for a potential historic achievement in the prestigious race. Pogacar's triumph on the challenging Col De La Couillole marked his fifth stage win in this year's Tour, a feat that puts him on par with cycling legend Gino Bartali, who achieved a similar milestone back in 1948.
With a commanding lead over his closest rival, defending champion Jonas Vingegaard, Pogacar looks poised to secure his second Tour de France title. The yellow jersey holder extended his lead to an impressive 5 minutes and 14 seconds after outpacing Vingegaard in the penultimate stage.
Despite his remarkable success, Pogacar expressed humility and gratitude for his achievements, stating, 'If you told me this before the Tour I would not have believed you. It’s out of this world actually. I'm so happy.' The Slovenian rider's exceptional performance has positioned him as a strong contender to clinch both the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France titles in the same year, a rare feat last accomplished by Marco Pantani in 1998.
The final stage of the Tour de France will see Pogacar navigating a 34-kilometer time trial from Monaco to Nice on the French Riviera. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Pogacar is on track to secure his status as the Tour champion, capping off a remarkable display of skill and determination throughout the race.
Pogacar's sportsmanship was evident as he crossed the finish line and waited for Vingegaard, who had made a remarkable comeback after a challenging recovery from a previous injury. Vingegaard, acknowledging Pogacar's superior performance, reflected on his own efforts, stating, 'I'm just happy with how I performed today and how I could come back from yesterday.'
The cycling world eagerly anticipates the final outcome of the Tour de France, as Pogacar stands on the brink of etching his name in the annals of cycling history with a potential double victory in two of the sport's most prestigious races.
