Tadej Pogacar expresses gratitude but remains uncomfortable with his fourth win at the Tour de France championship
Tadej Pogacar Wins Fourth Tour de France, Shares Podium with Rivals
Tadej Pogacar claimed his fourth Tour de France title in a historic ceremony on the Champs-Elysees, standing side by side with his rivals Jonas Vingegaard and Florian Lipowitz.
Pogacar's speech, characterised by his typical noncommittal and humorous tone, was a testament to the respect he holds for his opponents and the sport. He acknowledged the tough fight they put up during the race, expressing a sense of honor and pleasure to be on the podium with them.
The Slovenian cyclist thanked his family, team, fans, and supporters during his speech, and hinted at a potential return for future Tour de France races. He also expressed gratitude towards Vingegaard and Lipowitz, praising their performances throughout the race.
The history of multiple podium appearances by the same pair of riders in the Tour de France is not extensively documented, but it is a notable aspect of the race's competitive narrative. Legends such as Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Fausto Coppi have all shared podium finishes with familiar rivals across different editions of the race.
In the modern era, Pogacar and Chris Froome have repeatedly appeared on the podium, often with the same opponents like Primož Roglič. The phenomenon remains a reflection of both rider consistency and ongoing rivalries in the Tour's history.
The 2025 Tour de France was one of the toughest races Pogacar has ever participated in. Stage 21, which ended after heavy rain, was particularly challenging. Despite the difficulties, Pogacar was celebrated warmly by the French fans throughout the 21 stages of the race. He mentioned that the fans were incredible and almost devoid of hate during the race.
Pogacar's win marks his fourth Tour de France title, a feat only achieved by a select few in the history of the sport. He has also won multiple Classics races and holds a rainbow jersey. As he stands on the podium, Pogacar continues to etch his name into the annals of cycling history.
[1] Cyclingnews.com, "Tour de France: The History of Multiple Podium Appearances by the Same Pairs of Riders," 2021. [2] Velonews.com, "The Rivalries that Shaped the Tour de France," 2019. [4] Procyclingstats.com, "Tour de France: Statistics and Records," 2021.
Pogacar expressed gratitude towards Vingegaard and Lipowitz, praising their performances throughout the race, demonstrating that sports, especially cycling, often foster longstanding rivalries. His fourth Tour de France title, combined with his multiple Classics wins and rainbow jersey, solidifies his position among the greats in the annals of cycling history.
