Tadej Pogacar is set for Tour de France glory in a shortened finale, as stage 20 was won by Richard Carapaz. The final stage on Sunday will be only 89km, starting on the Champs-Élysées due to wildfires forcing security redeployment. This year's race has seen three stages altered by extreme weather and fire risks.
Pogacar's Dominance and Stage 20 Highlights
On Saturday, Richard Carapaz claimed stage 20, a mountain stage that saw Pogacar concede 39 seconds to Remco Evenepoel. Despite that, Pogacar retains a commanding lead of six minutes and 26 seconds heading into Paris. His record-setting climb on Alpe d'Huez the day before cemented his status as the race's strongest rider.
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The Slovenian champion is now poised to secure a record-equalling fifth Tour de France title. The shortened final stage, originally a longer procession, now features two laps of the Champs-Élysées followed by circuits of the Butte Montmartre.
Why the Finale Was Shortened
Wildfires near Arcachon and Biscarrosse have destroyed over 36,000 hectares of forest. The Ministry of the Interior redeployed security forces from the race to firefighting efforts. This marks the third stage this year altered by wildfires or heatwaves, highlighting growing climate challenges for major sporting events.
Comparison: Pogacar vs Evenepoel – Key Stats
| Rider | Stage 20 Time Gap | Overall Lead | Yellow Jersey Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tadej Pogacar | +39 sec | +6:26 | Multiple |
| Remco Evenepoel | Winner of stage? No | 2nd place | 0 |
| Richard Carapaz | Stage 20 winner | N/A (not GC contender) | 0 |
Safety Concerns on Alpe d'Huez
Friday's climb was marred by dangerous crowd behavior. In-race motorbikes were blocked by spectators, stalling an Evenepoel attack. Einer Rubio of Movistar abandoned after crashing into a fan. These incidents have reignited debate about crowd control and rider safety on iconic mountain stages.
Key Takeaways
- Pogacar is set to win his fifth Tour de France on Sunday after a dominating performance.
- Stage 20 win went to Richard Carapaz, while Evenepoel closed the gap slightly.
- The final stage is shortened to 89km due to wildfires in southwestern France.
- Safety issues on Alpe d'Huez highlight the need for better crowd management.
- Climate factors continue to impact the Tour de France route and logistics.
FAQ
Why was the final stage of the Tour de France shortened?
The stage was shortened from its traditional distance to 89km because wildfires near Bordeaux and Biscarrosse required the redeployment of security forces to firefighting efforts. The race organisers and police made the joint decision to ensure public safety.
Who won stage 20 of the Tour de France?
Richard Carapaz of Ecuador won stage 20, a mountainous stage. Tadej Pogacar finished second, 39 seconds behind, while retaining the overall lead.
What safety concerns arose during the 2025 Tour de France?
During Friday's stage on Alpe d'Huez, dangerous crowd behavior blocked motorbikes and caused rider Einer Rubio to crash. This sparked renewed calls for better crowd control and rider protection on the Tour's most iconic climbs.
As Pogacar prepares to ride into Paris, all eyes are on the shortened finale. Will he celebrate a historic fifth title? Tune in Sunday for the final showdown on the Champs-Élysées.
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