Tadej Pogacar has won his fifth Tour de France, equaling the all-time record held by cycling legends Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Induráin. The relentless Slovene dominated the 2026 edition, winning five stages and finishing over six minutes ahead of his rivals. Here’s a breakdown of his historic achievement and what it means for the sport.
Pogacar’s Dominant Tour de France Performance
From the opening time trial in Montjuïc to the final sprint on the Champs-Élysées, Pogacar was in a league of his own. He shattered records on the Col du Tourmalet and Alpe d’Huez, two of the most feared climbs in cycling. His team, UAE Emirates XRG, provided unwavering support, shepherding protege Isaac del Toro to third place overall.
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Key Stage Wins and Margins
Pogacar’s five stage wins included a dramatic breakaway on the Butte de Montmartre, where he assisted Mathieu van der Poel to take the final stage. The overall victory margin of 6 minutes and 28 seconds was the largest since 2000.
| Statistic | Pogacar 2026 | Previous Record |
|---|---|---|
| Overall win margin | 6:28 | 6:01 (1999) |
| Stage wins | 5 | 5 (multiple) |
| Mountain points | 180 | 160 (2013) |
Comparing Pogacar to the All-Time Greats
Eddy Merckx, the 81-year-old Belgian legend, believes Pogacar will soon surpass the five-win mark. “He’ll soon break our record for Tour victories,” Merckx said. Pogacar now shares the record with Merckx, Anquetil, Hinault, and Induráin, but his versatility and age (27) suggest more titles are ahead.
What Sets Pogacar Apart
- Climbing ability: Record times on Tourmalet and Alpe d’Huez.
- Time trialing: Won both individual time trials.
- Tactical intelligence: Worked with teammates to control the race.
- Consistency: Never finished outside top 3 in a stage.
Impact on Rivals and the Future
Remco Evenepoel, the Olympic road race champion, finished second but acknowledged Pogacar’s superiority. “He may have to retire before I win,” Evenepoel admitted. Jonas Vingegaard, the two-time runner-up, crashed out early. French debutant Paul Seixas climbed onto the podium, but the era belongs to Pogacar.
FAQ
How many Tour de France wins does Tadej Pogacar have?
Tadej Pogacar now has five Tour de France victories (2020, 2021, 2024, 2025, 2026), tying the all-time record held by four other cyclists.
Who are the other cyclists with five Tour de France wins?
Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Induráin each won the Tour de France five times. Pogacar now joins this elite group.
Will Pogacar break the record for most Tour de France wins?
Many experts, including Eddy Merckx, believe Pogacar will win a sixth Tour de France in 2027, breaking the current record. He is only 27 years old.
Conclusion: Tadej Pogacar’s fifth Tour de France victory cements his legacy as one of cycling’s greatest champions. With his blend of power, endurance, and tactical brilliance, the record books may soon need rewriting again.