Tadej Pogačar has once again captivated the cycling world, securing his fourth coveted Tour de France title in a display of exceptional versatility and resilience. This monumental victory not only marks his second consecutive yellow jersey but firmly cements the 26-year-old Slovenian’s place among cycling’s all-time greats. His latest triumph propels him to an elite group, just one victory shy of matching the legendary record of five Tour de France wins.
The thrilling three-week race culminated in a hard-fought final stage on the iconic Champs-Élysées in Paris. Pogačar masterfully navigated the challenging course, safely crossing the finish line to claim the overall victory. This win, adding to his previous successes in 2020, 2021, and 2024, underscores his status as the most dominant rider of his generation. For the sixth consecutive year, he has graced the Tour podium, a testament to his unwavering consistency and competitive spirit.
A Riveting Rivalry: Pogačar vs. Vingegaard
The 2025 Tour de France was largely defined by the intense strategic battle between Tadej Pogačar and his formidable rival, two-time Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard. Throughout the gruelling race, the Danish rider launched relentless attacks, particularly during the demanding third week, in an attempt to dislodge Pogačar from his leading position. However, Pogačar proved consistently capable of matching every surge, demonstrating incredible strength and tactical acumen.
A pivotal moment that ultimately sealed Pogačar’s victory unfolded on Stage 12, deep in the Pyrenees. At the foot of the legendary Hautacam climb, Pogačar unleashed a blistering, brutal acceleration that no other rider, not even Vingegaard, could counter. This explosive move allowed him to gain more than two minutes on his chief competitor in a single day. Coupled with his commanding performances in both individual time trials, these gains provided Pogačar with an effectively unassailable lead, with a full week of racing still ahead. By Paris, he had extended his advantage to four minutes and 24 seconds over Vingegaard in the General Classification.
Dominance Across Every Terrain
Pogačar’s near-flawless performance throughout the first two weeks showcased his unparalleled versatility. He dominated across all terrains, securing an impressive four stage victories and tightening his iron grip on the yellow jersey. While he appeared capable of winning stages and threatening every classification at will, he reportedly eased off in the latter part of the race, appearing “mentally, if not quite physically, exhausted.” Despite this, he successfully coasted through the remaining stages to secure his overall triumph.
In a rare demonstration of comprehensive cycling mastery, Pogačar didn’t just win the prestigious yellow jersey for the General Classification. He also clinched the polka-dot jersey, awarded to the race’s best climber, often referred to as the King of the Mountains. This dual jersey victory highlights his exceptional climbing prowess alongside his overall strength, a feat that distinguishes him even further among cycling’s elite.
Etching His Name in Cycling History
Tadej Pogačar’s fourth Tour de France title places him in exclusive company. He now stands alongside Britain’s Chris Froome with four wins, and is just one victory shy of the all-time record of five titles. This legendary group includes Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Induráin, names synonymous with Tour de France greatness. This achievement solidifies his burgeoning legacy as a rider destined for the very top tier of cycling history.
Furthermore, Pogačar’s 2025 win marks a significant historical milestone: he is the first reigning world champion to win the Tour de France since USA’s Greg LeMond accomplished the feat in 1990. This adds another layer to his already impressive resume, showcasing his ability to excel under the immense pressure that comes with holding the rainbow jersey.
The Grueling Parisian Finale
The final stage in Paris, traditionally a celebratory procession, transformed into a fiercely competitive spectacle. Despite organizers freezing general classification times approximately 50 kilometers from the finish due to hazardous, rain-slicked road conditions, the battle for the stage win remained intense. Pogačar himself attempted to claim the stage victory, initiating relentless attacks on the ascents of the Butte Montmartre. However, in an epic duel, Belgium’s Wout van Aert delivered a powerful counterpunch, going solo to win the 21st stage. Pogačar finished a strong fourth in the sprint, acknowledging van Aert’s exceptional strength on the day. Reflecting on the entire event, Pogačar described it as “one of the hardest Tours I’ve ever been in,” expressing relief that the final day’s general classification times were neutralized, making it “more relaxed.”
Beyond the Yellow: Other Jersey Winners
While Pogačar’s dominance was undeniable, other riders also shone brightly in the 2025 Tour de France. Germany’s Florian Lipowitz rounded out the podium, securing third place overall, 11 minutes behind Pogačar. Lipowitz also impressively claimed the white jersey for the best young rider on his Tour debut. Meanwhile, Italy’s Jonathan Milan was awarded the green jersey, typically worn by the race’s best sprinter, for his prowess in the points competition. The significant time gaps in the general classification, with no one apart from Vingegaard finishing within 10 minutes of Pogačar, further underscore the Slovenian’s commanding performance.
The Future of a Cycling Icon
Tadej Pogačar’s fourth Tour de France triumph is more than just a win; it’s a powerful statement of intent. His age, combined with his unparalleled all-around capabilities—from explosive climbing and time trial prowess to tactical intelligence and sheer resilience—positions him uniquely in the sport. Many now anticipate that he will not only match but potentially surpass the five-win record, cementing his status as the greatest ever. As cycling enthusiasts eagerly watch his journey, Pogačar continues to redefine the limits of what’s possible in Grand Tour racing, setting the stage for an extraordinary career that promises to deliver many more thrilling moments and historical achievements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Tour de France titles has Tadej Pogačar won?
Tadej Pogačar has won four Tour de France titles. His victories came in 2020, 2021, 2024, and now 2025. This achievement places him in an elite group of riders, including Chris Froome, who also have four wins, and positions him just one title shy of the record held by cycling legends like Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Jacques Anquetil, and Miguel Induráin, who each have five wins.
What made Pogačar’s 2025 Tour de France victory stand out?
Pogačar’s 2025 victory was characterized by his overall dominance and versatility across all terrains. A key moment was his brutal acceleration on the Hautacam climb during Stage 12, which allowed him to gain significant time on his main rival, Jonas Vingegaard, effectively sealing his win. He also showcased his all-round talent by winning four stages and additionally securing the polka-dot (mountains) jersey, a rare feat for a General Classification winner. He described it as one of his hardest Tours, highlighting his mental and physical resilience.
Who are the legendary five-time Tour de France winners Tadej Pogačar is approaching?
Tadej Pogačar is now just one victory shy of joining the exclusive group of cyclists who have won the Tour de France five times. These legendary riders are Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Induráin. These individuals are considered the most successful cyclists in the history of the Tour, and Pogačar’s pursuit of this record underscores his burgeoning status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
