Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) was not idle on Sunday, July 27, last stage of the Tour de France. The yellow jersey tried to win this stage and, once again, marked the history of cycling by winning alone on the Champs-Élysées. Unfortunately for him, he was beaten by the impressive Belgian Wout van Aert (Team Visma | Lease A Bike), who twisted the world champion in the Montmartre hill. Despite this, Tadej Pogacar wins his fourth Tour de France at just 26 years old. He lacks only one victory in the general classification to join the legends that are Jacques Anquetil, Miguel Indurain, Bernard Hinault or Eddy Merckx. The Slovenian spoke to the microphone of the organization on this last stage and on his fourth coronation on the Large loop.
“To have a big winner, you need a big dolphin …”
“In the end, I found myself at the front, even if I really had neither the energy nor the motivation to run today”begins the world champion. “But I was very happy that the times for the general classification were neutralized, it made the race more relaxed, and from there, it was enough to have good legs to be in front. I tried to run, but hat in Wout (Van Aert), it was incredibly strong, it was ultimately a very good race. Winning the Tour de France for the fourth time, I have no words. Six consecutive years. Special flavor, and I am very proud to wear this yellow jersey.
We just continued to fight. The second week was decisive, we took the advantage, and we entered the third week with more confidence. To have a big winner, you need a big dolphin, and what a duel it was with Jonas Vingegaard. We even discussed earlier today, during the neutralized departure, of everything that has changed in five years of rivalry. We mutually pushed ourselves up, towards our limits. To face Jonas is always a challenge, but I have only respect and great congratulations to send him, for his fight and his incredible race. And now, yes, it's time to celebrate this. Everyone celebrates in their own way. Me, I want to celebrate this week in peace, with good weather, not like here, and simply enjoy a few quiet days at home “concludes Tadej Pogacarat the microphone of the organization.
