Tadej Pogacar is on the verge of claiming his fourth Tour de France title in six years after maintaining his commanding lead over Jonas Vingegaard through the final mountain stages. With just the Paris finale remaining, the Slovenian holds an advantage of nearly four and a half minutes. Barring any misfortune on the last day, Pogacar is poised to don the yellow jersey once again.
However, concerns now centre on the revamped final stage, which features a new route incorporating the cobbled climbs of Montmartre instead of the traditional laps of the Champs-Élysées. With rain forecast for Sunday, fears are mounting over the safety of riders on the slick Parisian cobbles. Organisers have indicated that the final stage may be neutralised if conditions worsen, meaning race times could be frozen to prevent accidents and ensure the general classification remains unchanged.
Despite the caution, Pogacar appeared relaxed, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the final day but intent on enjoying his likely triumph in the French capital. He also noted the physically demanding nature of this year’s Tour, calling it one of the hardest editions he has ever experienced. Fatigue has taken a toll on the peloton, with numerous riders expressing exhaustion after a demanding first 10 days and several lengthy, poorly coordinated transfers between stages.
Australian sprinter Kaden Groves claimed victory in the penultimate stage from Nantua to Pontarlier after attacking from a breakaway group in the closing kilometres. His win came after a crash on the descent of the Côte de Longeville created a late race shake-up. Groves powered away solo to secure his maiden Tour stage victory.
While the spotlight remains on Pogacar’s potential coronation, there’s been criticism of the Tour’s logistical planning. Some team officials and riders have expressed frustration at the long transfers and the risks associated with the Montmartre finale. The risk of crashes in wet weather has heightened anxiety, and should rain fall, the final stage may serve more as a celebration than a contest.
With the peloton weary and the yellow jersey all but secured, Sunday’s finale promises drama though perhaps not the kind anyone wants.
