Tadej Pogacar celebrated his fifth Tour de France victory in Paris, joining an elite group of cycling legends. The dominant performance over three weeks left rivals far behind and sparked comparisons to Eddy Merckx.
Pogacar's Historic Fifth Win
The 27-year-old Slovene crossed the final stage on the Champs-Élysées with a specially designed yellow kit bearing the number five. Only Remco Evenepoel and teammate Isaac del Toro finished within ten minutes of his winning time, underscoring the scale of his dominance.
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Improvement and Experience
“You get more experience, you deal with things differently,” Pogacar said. “It’s the details that sometimes count—the mood and emotions. I think this is where I am improving a lot.” He credited his UAE Emirates XRG teammates, many of whom battled sickness during the second half of the race.
Comparison to Cycling Greats
Pogacar now ranks alongside Eddy Merckx, Jacques Anquetil, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain as five-time Tour champions. A comparison of their careers highlights his astonishing pace:
| Rider | Tour Wins | Active Years | Best Win Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tadej Pogacar | 5 | 2020–2025 | 7 min 26 sec |
| Eddy Merckx | 5 | 1969–1974 | 12 min 0 sec |
| Bernard Hinault | 5 | 1978–1985 | 14 min 34 sec |
| Jacques Anquetil | 5 | 1957–1964 | 4 min 53 sec |
| Miguel Indurain | 5 | 1991–1995 | 5 min 0 sec |
Key Takeaways from This Year's Tour
- Pogacar equals the all-time record of five Tour de France victories.
- His winning time was nearly ten minutes faster than most competitors.
- Teammate Isaac del Toro is being groomed as a potential successor.
- Remco Evenepoel silenced skeptics by finishing second overall.
- Pogacar hinted at early retirement, saying he won't ride for many more years.
Retirement Hints and Future Plans
Pogacar surprised fans by suggesting he might retire sooner than expected. “I will definitely not be doing this for a long time,” he said, adding that Del Toro is a “quick learner, super smart, and has a big talent.” The young Mexican rider finished third on the podium in just his second Tour.
Evenepoel, the Olympic road and time trial champion, reflected on his performance: “I knew I wanted to step up, starting from the Vosges. I’m happiest with the performances I delivered over the last two weeks.” He had faced heavy skepticism before the race but proved his climbing ability on the highest peaks.
FAQ
How many Tour de France wins does Tadej Pogacar have?
Tadej Pogacar has won the Tour de France five times (2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025), equaling the record held by Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Jacques Anquetil, and Miguel Indurain.
Who are the other five-time Tour de France winners?
The five-time winners are Eddy Merckx (Belgium), Bernard Hinault (France), Jacques Anquetil (France), Miguel Indurain (Spain), and now Tadej Pogacar (Slovenia).
What did Pogacar say about retirement after his fifth win?
Pogacar hinted that he might retire early, stating, “I will definitely not be doing this for a long time.” He praised teammate Isaac del Toro as a natural successor.
How did Remco Evenepoel perform in the 2025 Tour?
Evenepoel finished second overall, earning the runner-up spot and proving his climbing capabilities after facing doubts from the media and fans.
Pogacar’s fifth victory cements his legacy as one of the greatest cyclists in history. With retirement looming, fans will cherish every remaining ride from the champion. Explore more cycling news and celebrity athlete stories on GrandGoldman.com.