Ronchamps, France
In an incredible climax to the Tour de France, Tadej Pogacar crushed his fellow Slovenian, Primoz Roglic, in the last stage Saturday before the finish in Paris.
The win all but guarantees that Pogacar will become the youngest post-World War II winner of cycling’s showcase race.
“Unbelievable, unbelievable,” the 21-year-old Pogacar said after Roglic labored to the finish, no longer in the race lead.
Pogacar not only secured the yellow jersey in the time trial, he won the stage too. Roglic, who had started with a 57 second lead over Pogacar, could manage no better than fifth.
Pogacar will roll into Paris on Sunday, the eve of his 22nd birthday, with a lead of 59 seconds over Roglic in what is traditionally a ceremonial stage.
Australian Richie Porte will complete the podium, having written his way from fourth to third overall in the time trial to the Planches des Belles Filles ski station in eastern France.
“I don’t know what to say, it’s a dream,” said Pogacar, who now leads second-placed Roglic by 59 seconds ahead of Sunday’s final stage, a largely processional ride to the Champs Elysees in Paris where only the final sprint is contested.
“Getting the yellow jersey on the final day, we were dreaming of it since the start. I knew every corner on the road, thanks to the work of my team.”—Reuters
