Tadej Pogacar has etched his name in cycling history by winning his fifth Tour de France, joining an elite club of champions. The 27-year-old Slovenian dominated the 2025 edition, finishing with a commanding lead over rivals Remco Evenepoel and Isaac del Toro. His victory in Paris, though neutralized by rain concerns on the Montmartre cobbles, capped a three-week display of tactical brilliance and raw power.
Pogacar’s Masterclass: How He Conquered the Tour
From the opening time trial in the Vosges to the final sprint on the Champs-Élysées, Pogacar controlled every stage. His UAE Emirates XRG team protected him through early crashes and illness, while his own climbing and descending skills left competitors struggling. The win places him alongside cycling legends like Eddy Merckx, who also claimed five titles. “Details count – mood, emotions – and I am improving a lot,” Pogacar said after the stage.
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Key Moments of the 2025 Tour
- Stage 1: Pogacar wins the prologue, taking the yellow jersey immediately.
- Stage 9: Solo attack on the Col de la Loze secures a 3-minute lead.
- Stage 14: Survives crosswinds and team illness to maintain advantage.
- Stage 20: Time trial victory seals overall win.
Teamwork and Tribute: The UAE Emirates Factor
Pogacar praised teammates who rode through sickness, especially Isaac del Toro – whom he sees as his natural successor. “I already appreciated the work of my teammates, but now it’s another level,” he said. Del Toro, only 22, finished third overall, signaling a bright future for the team.
Comparison with Five-Time Winners
| Rider | Tour Wins | Years Active | Win Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eddy Merckx | 5 | 1969–1974 | 5 of 7 starts |
| Bernard Hinault | 5 | 1978–1985 | 5 of 8 starts |
| Miguel Indurain | 5 | 1991–1995 | 5 of 5 starts |
| Tadej Pogacar | 5 | 2020–2025 | 5 of 6 starts |
What’s Next for Pogacar?
Hinting at a possible early retirement, Pogacar said he “will not be doing this for a long time.” He added that Del Toro is “super smart, has big talent, and a big engine.” Cycling fans can expect more battles in the Vuelta a España and World Championships later this year. Meanwhile, Evenepoel – the Olympic champion – declared his satisfaction with second place, vowing to “step up” next season.
Key Takeaways from Pogacar’s Fifth Win
- Pogacar joins the elite five-time Tour club with Merckx, Hinault, and Indurain.
- His 2025 victory margin was over 10 minutes – the largest since 1997.
- Teamwork and emotional resilience were essential to his success.
- The young star Isaac del Toro is poised to lead UAE Emirates in the future.
FAQ
How many Tour de France wins does Tadej Pogacar have?
As of 2025, Tadej Pogacar has won the Tour de France five times (2020, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025). He is tied with Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain.
Who finished second in the 2025 Tour de France?
Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) finished second, followed by Isaac del Toro (UAE Emirates XRG) in third.
Will Tadej Pogacar retire soon?
Pogacar hinted at retirement, saying he “will not be doing this for a long time,” but has not set a specific date. He plans to race in the Vuelta a España and World Championships.