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The champion of the 112th Tour de France in 2025 is the Slovenian rider **Tadej Pogačar** from the UAE Team Emirates XRG. This victory marks his fourth Tour de France title, following his wins in 2020, 2021, and 2024, cementing his status as one of the most legendary riders in the race's history. Below is a detailed account of his championship journey:
1. **Overall Performance and Core Achievements**
Pogačar claimed the yellow jersey with an overall time of 76 hours, 0 minutes, and 32 seconds, finishing 4 minutes and 24 seconds ahead of his arch - rival, two - time Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark. Besides the general classification victory, he also secured the polka - dot jersey for the mountains classification, showcasing his all - round strength in both flat and mountainous stages. During the 21 - stage race, he claimed four stage wins, boosting his total number of stage victories in the Tour de France to 21, which also helped him exceed 100 career victories across all races.
2. **Key Stages That Secured the Championship**
Pogačar's path to the title was built on consistent and dominant performances from the early stages. After Stage 5, he sensed he had the form to compete for the overall victory. He took the initiative in the fourth stage by winning in Rouen and finished second in the first individual time trial, which laid the foundation for his leading position. In the second week, he further expanded his advantage in the Pyrenees. He dominated the first mountain stage to Hautacam and the subsequent mountain time trial to Peyragudes, dealing a heavy blow to Vingegaard, who lost more than three minutes to him in these two crucial stages. By the final week, Pogačar had firmly held the lead and successfully fended off all challenges from other contenders.
3. **Dramatic Finale and Post - Race Remarks**
The 21st and final stage from Mantes - la - Ville to the Champs - Élysées was marred by heavy rain. To ensure rider safety, race officials froze the general classification times when there were 50 kilometers left. Even so, Pogačar didn't ease up and joined a six - rider leading group, bringing excitement to the race. Eventually, Wout van Aert of Belgium made a late sprint to win the stage, while Pogačar finished fourth in the stage.
After the race, Pogačar spoke highly of Vingegaard, stating that their five - year rivalry had pushed both of them to higher levels. He also expressed his relief at the time freeze, admitting that it allowed him to race more relaxed. He also praised Van Aert's strong performance in the final stage, calling it an excellent race.
4. **Historical Significance of the Victory**
At just 26 years old, Pogačar has claimed four Tour de France titles in six years. This achievement ties him with British rider Chris Froome. His consistent top - tier performances and versatility have established him as a dominant force in modern road cycling. Additionally, his victory this year further solidifies his status as a top contender to challenge the record of five Tour de France titles, and he is even hailed by the cycling industry as a generational talent who defines the current era of the sport. |
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