Ecuador’s Carapaz Takes Stage Victories as Pogacar Defends Yellow Jersey with Solid Support
Tadej Pogacar is on the brink of history, poised to secure a record-equalling fifth Tour de France title. The Slovenian star will clinch the achievement in Paris if he avoids race-ending crashes and secures a six-minute margin over Remco Evenepoel.
On Sunday's closing stage, Pogacar aims to ride defensively after leading his teammate Isaac Del Toro up Alpe d'Huez, ensuring Del Toro finishes third. “I did my best to help Isaac,” said Pogacar, appreciating the work of teammates and team strategy that elevated Del Toro from a domestique role.
“Massive respect for what all the guys have been doing in the past three weeks.”Pogacar's success comes after an intense stage 20 where Richard Carapaz surprised by clinching victory on Alpe d'Huez, while Sepp Kuss suffered two severe crashes. “Not really scared,” said Kuss, admitting he took a risk and now his wife advises him to be more cautious.
“You've got to have a little adrenaline rush every once in a while.”Crashes and Closeness of Tackling Wildfires
ASO announced a reduced route for the finale, cutting 44% from the traditional length to help emergency services manage wildfires. This year’s race saw drama at Alpe d'Huez where Sepp Kuss' late charge ended in double crashes, with Carapaz winning and securing overall victory.
Trekking up mountains was exhausting for Pogacar but he helped teammate Del Toro hold on to third place in the GC.Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tadej Pogacar's current standings after stage 20?
Pogacar leads the general classification with a six-minute and twenty-six-second margin over Remco Evenepoel as they prepare for the Tour de France finale in Paris.
Could Pogacar’s fifth title match historic names?
If Pogacar manages to avoid race-ending crashes, he will tie records with Eddy Merckx and Miguel Indurain in becoming one of just four riders to win the Tour five times.