In an exhilarating finale to the Tour de France, Wout van Aert claimed victory in the final stage, showcasing his prowess on the iconic climb of Montmartre. Celebrating alongside him was Tadej Pogacar, who secured his fourth Tour de France title, solidifying his status as one of cycling's greats.
The podium ceremony saw Florian Lipowitz donning the white jersey, a significant moment as he became the first German to wear it since Jan Ullrich. Reflecting on his journey, Lipowitz shared, "I learned a lot. It’s my second Grand Tour. Racing three weeks is something special. I have a lot of ups and downs but everyone believed in me." This touching sentiment resonated with fans as the riders approached the podium.
Van Aert radiated joy as he received applause for his stage win, while Ben Healy was honored with the combativity award. The team award for best overall performance went to Visma–Lease a Bike, underscoring their remarkable teamwork throughout the race.
The day was marked by stunning performances, particularly by Mavi García, the oldest competitor at the Tour de France Femmes, who executed a solo attack to clinch a dramatic second-stage win. This stage was a testament to the resilience and talent of the riders, showcasing the unpredictability of the race.
Pogacar, reflecting on the race, stated, "It was a nice race. Great from the organisers to neutralise the GC times so nobody had to risk anything." He praised Van Aert's strength, emphasizing, "Wout was incredibly strong at the top of the climb, and he deserves this big win." Pogacar expressed his mixed feelings about the race concluding, stating, "I will miss it next week. It was a pleasure to be here, to wear this yellow jersey."
Matej Mohoric, who finished third in the stage, shared his thoughts on the challenging conditions. "It felt like the spring classics," he remarked. Despite disappointment over a missed opportunity the previous day, Mohoric highlighted the importance of resilience in cycling, saying, "I didn’t give up or blame it on bad luck." He acknowledged Van Aert's strength and congratulated him on a well-deserved victory.
Ben Healy, walking his dog Olive post-race, celebrated his achievements with a notable two stage wins and a stint in yellow, reflecting on a successful campaign.
The final stage of the Tour de France was a thrilling spectacle. With just 1 km to go, Pogacar had dropped off the chase, leaving Ballerini, Jorgenson, and Mohoric to contest for the remaining podium spots as Van Aert surged ahead. Despite the challenging weather conditions, Van Aert's strategy and team support played a pivotal role in his stage win.
As the riders approached the final climb, Van Aert's decisive attack left Pogacar struggling to keep pace for the first time in the race, marking a significant moment for both riders. The atmosphere was electric, with fans cheering as Van Aert crossed the finish line, securing his stage win while Pogacar celebrated his overall victory.
The Tour de France not only celebrated the individual brilliance of its riders but also highlighted the spirit of teamwork and resilience throughout the competition. With Pogacar's historic fourth title and Van Aert's stunning stage win, this year’s Tour will be remembered for its thrilling moments and the remarkable athletes who competed. As the dust settles over Paris, the cycling world eagerly awaits the next season's battles on the road.
