Pogacar wins fifth Tour de France, equals all-time record

Tadej Pogacar has clinched his fifth Tour de France title, joining Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Induráin as the only riders to achieve the feat Source: lavozar. At 27 years old, he is the youngest to reach five wins Source: abces. The 2026 edition, shortened by wildfires, saw Pogacar dominate with five stage victories and a final margin of 6 minutes 26 seconds over runner-up Remco Evenepoel Source: clarin. Mexican Isaac del Toro completed the podium, riding in support of his UAE Team Emirates leader Source: elcolombiano. Pogacar sealed the overall victory early, but the final stage in Paris offered a thrilling sprint finish won by Mathieu van der Poel, who outsprinted Pogacar and the bunch on the Champs-Élysées Source: excelsiormx. The stage was reduced to 89 km due to police resources diverted to firefighting Source: mileniomx.

Key performances

Pogacar broke the ascent records on both the Tourmalet and Alpe d'Huez, the latter in 35 minutes 27 seconds Source: elcolombiano. Jonas Vingegaard, the 2022–2023 champion, withdrew after a crash in stage 15, removing the main challenger Source: lavozar.

Legacy and future

Belgian legend Eddy Merckx predicted Pogacar will eventually surpass his record of 11 Grand Tour victories Source: infobae. Pogacar, who has already won the Giro d'Italia, hinted at targeting La Vuelta later this season Source: diariolibree. He expressed pride in joining the 'club of five', saying: "I'm writing a book of history and I don't believe it" Source: lavanguardia.