NEW DELHI: Tadej Pogacar emerged victorious in the 2024 Tour de France on Sunday, securing his third overall title following his triumphs in 2020 and 2021.
The 25-year-old Slovenian dominated the final day's time-trial, with defending champion Jonas Vingegaard finishing second, 1 minute and 3 seconds behind, to claim the runner-up spot overall.
Remco Evenepoel, who had been disappointed with his performance, finished third on the day and third overall.
Pogacar's incredible feat included winning six stages in this year's Tour de France, matching his achievement in the 2024 Giro d'Italia.
The globally televised event featured a unique finale on the French Riviera due to the Olympic Games in Paris, with the race avoiding the Olympic sites and concluding in Nice instead of the traditional Champs Elysees.
The Slovenian star took the overall lead on day four as the race entered France from Italy via the Alps. By the time the race returned to the Alps, Pogacar had a commanding 3-minute lead, while Vingegaard struggled due to the effects of a major crash in March.
After the Queen stage on day 19, Pogacar's victory was assured, and Vingegaard and his team shifted their focus to securing second place.
Despite Vingegaard's strong start in the final time-trial, he ultimately finished a distant second to Pogacar.
Evenepoel, the pre-race favorite, settled for third place and was visibly emotional at the finish line.
In addition to the coveted yellow jersey, Evenepoel claimed victory in the first time-trial in week two and won the white jersey for best young rider.
Other standout performances included Eritrean rider Biniam Girmay, who won three stages, the sprint points green jersey, and became a national hero in his homeland.
Girmay narrowly beat Jasper Philipsen, the 2023 sprint king, who won three stages but never held the lead in the points race. Olympic champion Richard Carapaz was recognized as the most combative rider of the 2024 Tour, winning a stage, briefly wearing the yellow jersey, and competing in the polka dot best climber's jersey on the penultimate day.
Mark Cavendish also made history, claiming his record-breaking 35th stage win and receiving a special podium presentation for his career achievement.
When asked if this was his last race he replied: "Likely so, yeah".
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