‘You wouldn’t even write it in a storybook’ - Pogacar stunned by fifth Tour de France victory

The Slovenian may have missed out on victory in a spectacular final stage in Paris, but the yellow jersey still crossed the line with another piece of cycling history secured.

While Mathieu van der Poel powered to an unforgettable stage win after a fierce battle on the cobbles of Montmartre, Pogačar completed his fifth overall Tour de France victory. The result places the Slovenian alongside Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain as the only riders to have won the race five times.

After three weeks of heat, pressure and suffering, even Pogačar appeared overwhelmed by the significance of the moment.

“I’m speechless,” he said. “It was an incredible day and an incredible atmosphere. I’m happy that it’s over and that we won for the fifth time.”

Pogačar arrived in Paris with the general classification effectively decided, but there was nothing ceremonial about the racing on the final afternoon. He repeatedly attacked on the Montmartre circuit and eventually escaped alongside Van der Poel on the final ascent.

The pair came agonisingly close to staying clear, only for the chasing peloton to close rapidly inside the final kilometre. Van der Poel produced one final acceleration to distance Pogačar and hold off the sprinters, while the yellow jersey was swallowed by the bunch just before the finish.

For Pogačar, the aggressive performance was a fitting conclusion to another dominant Tour. He finished 6 minutes and 26 seconds ahead of Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), with UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammate Isaac del Toro completing the podium in third.

The numbers underline the extraordinary consistency of Pogačar’s career. He has now competed in seven editions of the Tour de France, finished on the podium in every one of them and won five.

“Seven Tours already, seven times on the podium and five wins,” he said. “It’s something you maybe wouldn’t even write in a storybook. It’s unbelievable for me as well.”

Asked how he had built such a remarkable record, Pogačar pointed beyond physical ability and race tactics. For the 27-year-old, sustained success has been shaped by enjoyment, ambition and the people around him.

“The most important thing is that you enjoy what you’re doing and that you have people around you who you trust,” he explained. “They help you and they are there for you when you are at your lowest. Then you can build yourself and chase your dreams.”

Pogačar also acknowledged the strength of his rivals, describing the final podium as “magnificent” and expressing his regret that Jonas Vingegaard and several other riders had been forced out of the race.

“I wish them a quick recovery so that next year we can fight again,” he said.

His victory immediately raised questions about what might come next. Another Tour title would move him clear of cycling’s five time champions, while a possible appearance at the Vuelta a España could provide his next major target. Victory there would also earn him a place in the history books as only the ninth rider to win all three Grand Tours.

Pogačar, however, was in no mood to make promises.

“We finished one dream now, so let’s not jump ahead,” he said. “Let’s enjoy this moment.”

After one of the most dramatic Tour finales Paris has witnessed, few could blame him.