Despite not having to, Tadej Poga attempted to win the last stage on Sunday and won his fourth Tour de France victory by a wide margin.
The Tour was won by the 26-year-old Slovenian cyclist in 2020, 2021, and 2024.
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The two-time Tour winner Jonas Vinegaard ended the race 4 minutes, 24 seconds behind Pogaar, who finished in second position, and Florian Lipowitz, who finished in third place, 11 minutes behind.
The 21st and last stage, which defied convention and included three climbs of Montmartre hill, was won by Belgian rider Wout van Aert.
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The organizers had already chosen to negate the times 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the end, thereby handing Poga the victory, but only if he reached the finish line, due to the possibility of heavy weather and wrecks.
Given the risk of a collision on icy roads, Poga Ar had no reason to challenge the stage victory. Even so, he demonstrated his unwavering will for victory by attacking in spite of the heavy rain, setting a fantastic speed during the Montmartre climbs while spectators applauded.
On the third climb of the 1.1-kilometer Montmartre hill, Poga Ar was alone with just five riders.
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Van Aert’s spectacular attack to drop—yes, drop!—caught him cold near the top after he had repelled American Matteo Jorgenson. On the steepest part is Poga Ar, the best climber in the world.
For a major stage victory, Van Aert rolled back down. Poga Ar appeared exhausted as he finished 19 seconds back in fourth place.
However, it was time to enjoy winning the fourth crown.
