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Van Aert conquers the Champs-Élysées after a gripping final stage, Pogacar wins the Tour for the fourth time

Sunday, July 27


An unnecessary obstacle or a welcome trump card? Opinions were divided beforehand about the addition of Montmartre to the final stage of the Tour. The sprinters saw their traditional ball on the Champs-Élysées snubbed, while the punchers and baroudeurs rubbed their hands with glee. Yet, not all tradition was abandoned in Sunday's final stage. The race got off to a slow start due to the obligatory photo opportunities. Only upon entering Paris did the brakes finally come off.

The first passage over Montmartre, about 40 kilometers from the finish, immediately lived up to expectations. Julian Alaphilippe delighted the French crowd by attacking first, with top favorites Tadej Pogacar and Wout van Aert immediately joining in. A large leading group of 29 riders was able to break away, but sprinters Jonathan Milan and Tim Merlier already knew it wouldn't be theirs.

The second passage over Montmartre, in the pouring rain, also brought a spectacle. Yellow jersey Pogacar pushed hard, Wout van Aert passed the entire pack and rejoined the group. Van Aert's teammate Matteo Jorgenson, Davide Ballerini, Matej Mohoric, and Matteo Trentin were also present, the six of them battling for victory under a dark gray cloud cover.

Van Aert reed op Montmartre iedereen uit het wiel.
Van Aert outpaced everyone on Montmartre. © REUTERS

With Jorgenson, Van Aert had an extra pawn up front, but the American tried to sneak past him a few times. Without success, the decisive moment came during the third climb up Montmartre, 7 kilometers from the finish. Pogacar didn't wait and charged like a madman up the climb, but the Slovenian was met with a powerful counterattack from Van Aert. With an impressive acceleration, our compatriot pulled away from everyone.

Van Aert had to squeeze out a six-kilometer time trial, but it quickly became clear that the chasers were defeated. The gap grew to almost half a minute, and Van Aert was able to enjoy the ride up the Champs-Élysées. He thus won his tenth Tour stage of his career and finally got his revenge after a difficult Tour. Pogacar was the overall winner for the fourth time.

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