In the 2024 Tour de France, Tadej Pogacar emerged as the winner, securing his third overall title after victories in 2020 and 2021. The 25-year-old Slovenian rider dominated the final day’s time-trial, with defending champion Jonas Vingegaard coming in second overall, followed by a disappointed Remco Evenepoel in third. Pogacar’s exceptional performance included winning six stages during the race, mirroring his success in the 2024 Giro d’Italia.
The Tour de France route featured a unique finish on the French Riviera due to the proximity of the Olympic Games in Paris. Instead of the traditional final day on the Champs Elysees, the race ended in Nice, with Pogacar celebrating his victory with his team on the city’s iconic Promenade des Anglais. Pogacar took the overall lead early on in the race and maintained a significant advantage throughout, outclassing his rivals in both the mountains and time trials.
Despite facing challenges from Vingegaard and Evenepoel, Pogacar’s dominance was evident as he stormed to victory in the Tour de France. Vingegaard, who had overcome a major crash to compete in the race, showed resilience but fell short of challenging Pogacar for the top spot. Evenepoel, the pre-race favorite, settled for third place overall and won the white jersey for best young rider, showcasing the talent and depth of the competition in the race.
Throughout the Tour de France, several riders distinguished themselves with impressive performances. Eritrean rider Biniam Girmay claimed three stage wins, the green jersey for sprint points, and became a national hero in his homeland. Olympic champion Richard Carapaz was hailed as the most combative rider for his stage victory, yellow jersey stint, and strong climbing abilities. Veteran rider Mark Cavendish made history with his record 35th stage win, capping off an illustrious career in professional cycling.
As Pogacar celebrated his triumph on the podium in Nice, speculation arose about the future of the reigning champion. With rumors swirling about his potential retirement, Pogacar remained noncommittal, indicating that this could indeed be his final race. The 2024 Tour de France showcased the resilience, determination, and talent of the world’s top cyclists, captivating audiences around the globe with its thrilling competition and memorable moments on the road.
