Tadej Pogacar stands on the verge of claiming a fourth Tour de France title, maintaining a commanding lead over Jonas Vingegaard after the final mountain stage. With a gap of nearly four and a half minutes, Pogacar needs only to navigate the final day safely to secure the yellow jersey once again.
The final stage, traditionally a celebratory ride into Paris, has been given a dramatic twist this year with the addition of cobbled climbs through Montmartre. This has raised concerns, especially with the forecast threatening rain, which could turn the slick Parisian roads into a dangerous “ice rink.” Organisers have stated that a decision to neutralise the stage due to weather conditions may be taken on the day or even during the race itself.
Despite the tension surrounding the final stage, Pogacar appeared calm, choosing not to promise a final push for glory. His focus seems to be on arriving in Paris safely and celebrating the overall victory rather than contesting the stage win.
Saturday’s penultimate stage saw a solo victory from Australian Kaden Groves, who attacked in the final kilometres after a crash and tight descent opened a window of opportunity. Having previously won stages in the Giro and the Vuelta, Groves demonstrated his sprinting pedigree with a convincing finish in Pontarlier.
After more than 3,000 kilometres of relentless racing, fatigue is deeply felt across the peloton. Riders have expressed frustration with the demanding early stages and poor logistical planning, including long and tiring transfers. Many are feeling drained and frustrated, with the final days of the Tour proving especially taxing.
The inclusion of the Montmartre climbs in Sunday’s finale has also been questioned. Riders have voiced concern over the narrow roads and high stakes, especially with 150 riders jostling for position. While the picturesque setting worked well during the Olympic Games, its suitability for a full peloton in a high-stress situation is debatable.
Should rain fall in Paris, the general classification standings will likely be frozen to prevent dangerous racing on slick cobbles. While the race will still be run, the focus will shift from competition to safety. As the Tour nears its conclusion, all eyes are on Pogacar as he prepares to step into history once again.
