{"id":2064653,"date":"2026-07-27T11:35:39","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T08:35:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2064653"},"modified":"2026-07-27T11:35:39","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T08:35:39","slug":"tadej-pogacars-five-star-tour-de-france-performance-was-his-least-stressful-yet-and-paved-the-way-for-his-very-promising-successor-philippa-york-analysis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2064653","title":{"rendered":"Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s five-star Tour de France performance was his least stressful yet, and paved the way for his very promising successor &#8211; Philippa York analysis"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-2000-80.png&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s five-star Tour de France performance was his least stressful yet, and paved the way for his very promising successor &#8211; Philippa York analysis<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-member-label\" data-component-name=\"Article:Hero:KiosqPaywallLabels\"><span class=\"kiosq-member-label-text\"><br \/>\nMEMBER EXCLUSIVE<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-center mx-auto max-sm:text-center max-sm:items-center\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPhilippa York <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta max-sm:justify-center\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-27T11:35:39Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Cyclingnews&#8217; expert columnist marvels at Poga\u010dar&#8217;s fifth Tour victory and searing Alpe d&#8217;Huez ascent, analyses his GC rivals&#8217; progression, and reflects on a memorable final stage<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-center text-center\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-2000-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-1600-80.png.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-750-80.png.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s Tour de France performance was five-stars, says Philippa York<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-bf2ec952-89ab-11f1-a387-67162b0a3f28\">And so at the conclusion of the 113th Tour de France, it\u2019s no great surprise that Tadej Poga\u010dar has joined the exclusive five-time winners&#8217; club. There was little doubt beforehand and little doubt throughout the three weeks that anyone could mount a serious challenge. Once Jonas Vingegaard crashed out of the race on stage 15, the only real interest became who would join the World Champion on the steps of the podium and how many more stages the Slovenian could or would win.<\/p>\n<p>This Poga\u010dar overall victory was probably his least stressful in terms of a rival being at his level on all terrains. When Visma Lease a Bike lost their GC leader Vingegaard, the challenge was never going to be a head-to-head one but potentially an error on the part of UAE Team Emirates-XRG letting dangerous riders be part of an attacking group. Despite illness striking the team in the final week and Brandon McNulty having to abandon, they always had the race situation in hand. The consequence of Poga\u010dar\u2019s dominance at the head of affairs played out between the riders and teams in the fifth to tenth spots in the overall standings as the days counted down in the third and final week. The biggest shock came from a Pinarello-Q36.5 assault, with Tom Pidcock temporarily jumping up to fourth before tumbling back down the rankings as the other teams reacted to being caught out.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"del-toro-had-a-front-row-seat-to-a-grand-tour-masterclass-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Del Toro had a front row seat to a Grand Tour masterclass<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-bf2ecaec-89ab-11f1-8d4b-ebce8030186e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The final step on the podium, like in 2025, came down to the two young riders involved in the white jersey classification. Isaac del Toro versus Paul Seixas. Both future stars once the Poga\u010dar era has ended, but here in their first Tour racing in the lead group and learning vital lessons for later. That Del Toro maintained the third spot was as much due to Poga\u010dar&#8217;s guidance as to the two additional years of maturity he has over his French rival. The Mexican champion had the experience of a Giro d\u2019Italia and a Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in his legs, while young Seixas was in totally unknown territory as soon as he passed a week of racing. Even though the latter rode with increasing patience, there\u2019s no way of knowing how a rider will be in the last week of a Grand Tour when they haven\u2019t been near that level of endurance.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bf2ecb5a-89ab-11f1-9b5a-7f75b96821f2\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar being shadowed by his closest rivals at this year&#8217;s Tour <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-bf2ecbd2-89ab-11f1-94f7-7f1bab483253\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What we have seen is that Paul Seixas merits the hype surrounding him, and the work now is for Decathlon CMA CGA to reinforce their squad around him. That might come at the cost of guys like Olav Kooij being left to do their own thing, but it is probably what France expects. The speculation over Seixas\u2019 future is only going to get more intense after his showing at this year&#8217;s Tour.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bf2ecbd2-89ab-11f1-94f7-7f1bab483253-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Del Toro, on the other hand, is in a more certain situation as Poga\u010dar\u2019s heir apparent, with less stress and a ringside view of how greatness operates.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-716ece0a-89ac-11f1-a8b3-f796c3560a48\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">More Tour columns &amp; opinion<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure \">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Zac Williams\/SWpix.com)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Eight conclusions from the Tour de France \u2013 A new Poga\u010dar, Evenepoel&#8217;s next challenge and questions over racing in July<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Unpopular opinion: Alpe d&#8217;Huez is on the limit, and it wasn&#8217;t even the best atmosphere at this Tour de France<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Mauro&#8217;s stage win was old-school GreenEDGE, and it&#8217;s been like a pressure valve release for the whole team &#8211; Luke Plapp&#8217;s Tour de France diary<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-716ece82-89ac-11f1-a8c5-fd85ef3d6adc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Then there\u2019s Remco Evenepoel, fighting off the doubters and the Belgian media who expect miracles all day, every day. Some seem to forget that Evenepoel was the only GC rider who put time into the yellow jersey. It was to be expected in the individual time trial but not a given, and more surprising on the two mountain-top finishes. Outsprinting Poga\u010dar and Del Toro at Plateau de Solaison and riding away from the front group on Alpe d\u2019Huez. They might not have been decisive gaps each time, but they were gaps nonetheless, and that has to be good for Evenepoel&#8217;s confidence. It certainly added weight to his claim to be the main GC leader at Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. We don\u2019t know how Florian Lipowitz would have coped in the final battles, but Evenepoel was one of the few who seemed to be still capable of racing at their best level as Paris came into view.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seeing Richard Carapaz make the polka dot jersey his own was a masterclass in tactics and commitment from the rider and the EF Education-Easypost squad. Riders in the escape each time, probing, pushing and wearing out the only direct challenge from Valentin Paret-Peintre. The latter was faster but less resistant to the fatigue of sprinting each time with either Carapaz or Ben Healy. Two stage wins in the last week showed the Ecuadorian finished the Tour in better shape than he began it, which is not an easy thing to manage. The drama with Sepp Kuss on the second Alpe d\u2019Huez stage was one of those nail-biting moments when it could easily have gone either way for both of them. An individual win for Visma would have saved their Tour in some ways, but the margins between success and crashing out are often tiny and cruel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Still, the King of the Mountains prize for Carapaz was a great result and a better outcome than the race leader taking the prize by default of being in the front most days. The classification, and how points are distributed, still needs some revision to bring it back to a competition that is open to more people, though.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bf2ecc40-89ab-11f1-8ed1-89176c42e835\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">After an enthralling three weeks, stage 21 delivered a spectacular closing chapter for the 2026 edition <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Anne-Christine Poujoulat\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"lidl-trek-s-teamwork-and-a-blockbuster-finale-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lidl-Trek&#8217;s teamwork and a blockbuster finale<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-bf2ecd1c-89ab-11f1-91a8-6ff917661f97\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Something similar to the points classification, which was the main interest once Poga\u010dar had made it clear to his rivals that resistance to his victory was futile. Mads Pedersen came under a lot of pressure from Jasper Philipsen but reacted accordingly, and in the best tradition of maillot vert winners, by going in the breakaway and taking the sprint points available along the way. He needed to be strong, and he was, but kudos also go to Quinn Simmons, who did a massive amount of work to make sure Pedersen stayed in contention. Lidl-Trek with Skjelmose and Ayuso also in the GC battle juggled their resources very well most days, even though there were moments, like stage 17 to Voiron, when they blew up trying to bring back a break which contained Philipsen. They were briefly worried by UAE in the team classification too, but the latter\u2019s illnesses thwarted any chance of taking another of the Tour\u2019s prizes.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For those not yet convinced by the inclusion of the Montmartre final on the last day, then this year\u2019s edition produced one of the highlights of the race. Without rain, it\u2019s certainly open to more riders; but saying that, it is still going to be a Classics-type rider who has a chance. Mathieu van der Poel based his day on following Poga\u010dar in the final, probably because he knew the yellow jersey winning on the Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es is one of his wants on an ever-dwindling to-do list. After the Alpe d&#8217;Huez and Carapaz-Kuss drama, you wouldn\u2019t have imagined a more spectacular final 15 minutes. The modern peloton is one where our expectations are usually surpassed, and it was a fitting end to the fastest-ever Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For all the astonishing moments and excitement, my memory of the 113th edition will be Tadej Poga\u010dar\u2019s ascent of Alpe d&#8217;Huez. He smashed it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Premium Columns<\/p>\n<p>Premium In-Depth Racing<\/p>\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-Eh85SYPyQ9QEfvwv7Ve23c\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-Eh85SYPyQ9QEfvwv7Ve23c slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Ci2ntxBH7J9gCS8kMoyng-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Ci2ntxBH7J9gCS8kMoyng.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Ci2ntxBH7J9gCS8kMoyng.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Ci2ntxBH7J9gCS8kMoyng.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Philippa York<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Philippa York is a long-standing <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> contributor, providing expert racing analysis. As one of the early British racers to take the plunge and relocate to France with the famed ACBB club in the 1980&#8217;s, she was the inspiration for a generation of racing cyclists \u2013 and cycling fans \u2013 from the UK.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The Glaswegian gained a contract with Peugeot in 1980, making her Tour de France debut in 1983 and taking a solo win in Bagn\u00e8res-de-Luchon in the Pyrenees, the mountain range which would prove a happy hunting ground throughout her Tour career.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The following year&#8217;s race would prove to be one of her finest seasons, becoming the first rider from the UK to win the polka dot jersey at the Tour, whilst also becoming Britain&#8217;s highest-ever placed GC finisher with 4th spot.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>She finished runner-up at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in 1985 and 1986, to Pedro Delgado and \u00c1lvaro Pino respectively, and at the Giro d&#8217;Italia in 1987. Stage race victories include the Volta a Catalunya (1985), Tour of Britain (1989) and Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 Lib\u00e9r\u00e9 (1990). York retired from professional cycling as reigning British champion following the collapse of Le Groupement in 1995.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Rating every Tour de France team&#8217;s performance \u2013 The good, the great and the downright disappointing<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Argon 18 Anti Matter review: Tested in the wind tunnel and on the trail<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Sepp Kuss hoping to ride Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a for Grand Tour treble after &#8216;crazy fast&#8217; but &#8216;enjoyable&#8217; Tour de France<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;He&#8217;s going to win at least seven Tours&#8217; \u2013 Greg LeMond refutes any comparison between Tadej Poga\u010dar and Lance Armstrong<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s five-star Tour de France performance was his least stressful yet, and paved the way for his very promising successor &#8211; Philippa York analysis<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s five-star Tour de France performance was his least stressful yet, and paved the way for his very promising successor &#8211; Philippa York analysis<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-member-label\" data-component-name=\"Article:Hero:KiosqPaywallLabels\"><span class=\"kiosq-member-label-text\"><br \/>\nMEMBER EXCLUSIVE<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-center mx-auto max-sm:text-center max-sm:items-center\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPhilippa York <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta max-sm:justify-center\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-27T11:35:39Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Cyclingnews&#8217; expert columnist marvels at Poga\u010dar&#8217;s fifth Tour victory and searing Alpe d&#8217;Huez ascent, analyses his GC rivals&#8217; progression, and reflects on a memorable final stage<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-center text-center\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-2000-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-1600-80.png.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-750-80.png.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s Tour de France performance was five-stars, says Philippa York<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-bf2ec952-89ab-11f1-a387-67162b0a3f28\">And so at the conclusion of the 113th Tour de France, it\u2019s no great surprise that Tadej Poga\u010dar has joined the exclusive five-time winners&#8217; club. There was little doubt beforehand and little doubt throughout the three weeks that anyone could mount a serious challenge. Once Jonas Vingegaard crashed out of the race on stage 15, the only real interest became who would join the World Champion on the steps of the podium and how many more stages the Slovenian could or would win.<\/p>\n<p>This Poga\u010dar overall victory was probably his least stressful in terms of a rival being at his level on all terrains. When Visma Lease a Bike lost their GC leader Vingegaard, the challenge was never going to be a head-to-head one but potentially an error on the part of UAE Team Emirates-XRG letting dangerous riders be part of an attacking group. Despite illness striking the team in the final week and Brandon McNulty having to abandon, they always had the race situation in hand. The consequence of Poga\u010dar\u2019s dominance at the head of affairs played out between the riders and teams in the fifth to tenth spots in the overall standings as the days counted down in the third and final week. The biggest shock came from a Pinarello-Q36.5 assault, with Tom Pidcock temporarily jumping up to fourth before tumbling back down the rankings as the other teams reacted to being caught out.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"del-toro-had-a-front-row-seat-to-a-grand-tour-masterclass-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Del Toro had a front row seat to a Grand Tour masterclass<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-bf2ecaec-89ab-11f1-8d4b-ebce8030186e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The final step on the podium, like in 2025, came down to the two young riders involved in the white jersey classification. Isaac del Toro versus Paul Seixas. Both future stars once the Poga\u010dar era has ended, but here in their first Tour racing in the lead group and learning vital lessons for later. That Del Toro maintained the third spot was as much due to Poga\u010dar&#8217;s guidance as to the two additional years of maturity he has over his French rival. The Mexican champion had the experience of a Giro d\u2019Italia and a Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in his legs, while young Seixas was in totally unknown territory as soon as he passed a week of racing. Even though the latter rode with increasing patience, there\u2019s no way of knowing how a rider will be in the last week of a Grand Tour when they haven\u2019t been near that level of endurance.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bf2ecb5a-89ab-11f1-9b5a-7f75b96821f2\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar being shadowed by his closest rivals at this year&#8217;s Tour <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-bf2ecbd2-89ab-11f1-94f7-7f1bab483253\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What we have seen is that Paul Seixas merits the hype surrounding him, and the work now is for Decathlon CMA CGA to reinforce their squad around him. That might come at the cost of guys like Olav Kooij being left to do their own thing, but it is probably what France expects. The speculation over Seixas\u2019 future is only going to get more intense after his showing at this year&#8217;s Tour.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bf2ecbd2-89ab-11f1-94f7-7f1bab483253-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Del Toro, on the other hand, is in a more certain situation as Poga\u010dar\u2019s heir apparent, with less stress and a ringside view of how greatness operates.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-716ece0a-89ac-11f1-a8b3-f796c3560a48\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">More Tour columns &amp; opinion<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure \">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Zac Williams\/SWpix.com)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Eight conclusions from the Tour de France \u2013 A new Poga\u010dar, Evenepoel&#8217;s next challenge and questions over racing in July<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Unpopular opinion: Alpe d&#8217;Huez is on the limit, and it wasn&#8217;t even the best atmosphere at this Tour de France<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Mauro&#8217;s stage win was old-school GreenEDGE, and it&#8217;s been like a pressure valve release for the whole team &#8211; Luke Plapp&#8217;s Tour de France diary<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-716ece82-89ac-11f1-a8c5-fd85ef3d6adc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Then there\u2019s Remco Evenepoel, fighting off the doubters and the Belgian media who expect miracles all day, every day. Some seem to forget that Evenepoel was the only GC rider who put time into the yellow jersey. It was to be expected in the individual time trial but not a given, and more surprising on the two mountain-top finishes. Outsprinting Poga\u010dar and Del Toro at Plateau de Solaison and riding away from the front group on Alpe d\u2019Huez. They might not have been decisive gaps each time, but they were gaps nonetheless, and that has to be good for Evenepoel&#8217;s confidence. It certainly added weight to his claim to be the main GC leader at Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. We don\u2019t know how Florian Lipowitz would have coped in the final battles, but Evenepoel was one of the few who seemed to be still capable of racing at their best level as Paris came into view.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seeing Richard Carapaz make the polka dot jersey his own was a masterclass in tactics and commitment from the rider and the EF Education-Easypost squad. Riders in the escape each time, probing, pushing and wearing out the only direct challenge from Valentin Paret-Peintre. The latter was faster but less resistant to the fatigue of sprinting each time with either Carapaz or Ben Healy. Two stage wins in the last week showed the Ecuadorian finished the Tour in better shape than he began it, which is not an easy thing to manage. The drama with Sepp Kuss on the second Alpe d\u2019Huez stage was one of those nail-biting moments when it could easily have gone either way for both of them. An individual win for Visma would have saved their Tour in some ways, but the margins between success and crashing out are often tiny and cruel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Still, the King of the Mountains prize for Carapaz was a great result and a better outcome than the race leader taking the prize by default of being in the front most days. The classification, and how points are distributed, still needs some revision to bring it back to a competition that is open to more people, though.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bf2ecc40-89ab-11f1-8ed1-89176c42e835\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">After an enthralling three weeks, stage 21 delivered a spectacular closing chapter for the 2026 edition <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Anne-Christine Poujoulat\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"lidl-trek-s-teamwork-and-a-blockbuster-finale-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lidl-Trek&#8217;s teamwork and a blockbuster finale<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-bf2ecd1c-89ab-11f1-91a8-6ff917661f97\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Something similar to the points classification, which was the main interest once Poga\u010dar had made it clear to his rivals that resistance to his victory was futile. Mads Pedersen came under a lot of pressure from Jasper Philipsen but reacted accordingly, and in the best tradition of maillot vert winners, by going in the breakaway and taking the sprint points available along the way. He needed to be strong, and he was, but kudos also go to Quinn Simmons, who did a massive amount of work to make sure Pedersen stayed in contention. Lidl-Trek with Skjelmose and Ayuso also in the GC battle juggled their resources very well most days, even though there were moments, like stage 17 to Voiron, when they blew up trying to bring back a break which contained Philipsen. They were briefly worried by UAE in the team classification too, but the latter\u2019s illnesses thwarted any chance of taking another of the Tour\u2019s prizes.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For those not yet convinced by the inclusion of the Montmartre final on the last day, then this year\u2019s edition produced one of the highlights of the race. Without rain, it\u2019s certainly open to more riders; but saying that, it is still going to be a Classics-type rider who has a chance. Mathieu van der Poel based his day on following Poga\u010dar in the final, probably because he knew the yellow jersey winning on the Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es is one of his wants on an ever-dwindling to-do list. After the Alpe d&#8217;Huez and Carapaz-Kuss drama, you wouldn\u2019t have imagined a more spectacular final 15 minutes. The modern peloton is one where our expectations are usually surpassed, and it was a fitting end to the fastest-ever Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For all the astonishing moments and excitement, my memory of the 113th edition will be Tadej Poga\u010dar\u2019s ascent of Alpe d&#8217;Huez. He smashed it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Premium Columns<\/p>\n<p>Premium In-Depth Racing<\/p>\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-Eh85SYPyQ9QEfvwv7Ve23c\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-Eh85SYPyQ9QEfvwv7Ve23c slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Ci2ntxBH7J9gCS8kMoyng-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Ci2ntxBH7J9gCS8kMoyng.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Ci2ntxBH7J9gCS8kMoyng.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Ci2ntxBH7J9gCS8kMoyng.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Philippa York<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Philippa York is a long-standing <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> contributor, providing expert racing analysis. As one of the early British racers to take the plunge and relocate to France with the famed ACBB club in the 1980&#8217;s, she was the inspiration for a generation of racing cyclists \u2013 and cycling fans \u2013 from the UK.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The Glaswegian gained a contract with Peugeot in 1980, making her Tour de France debut in 1983 and taking a solo win in Bagn\u00e8res-de-Luchon in the Pyrenees, the mountain range which would prove a happy hunting ground throughout her Tour career.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The following year&#8217;s race would prove to be one of her finest seasons, becoming the first rider from the UK to win the polka dot jersey at the Tour, whilst also becoming Britain&#8217;s highest-ever placed GC finisher with 4th spot.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>She finished runner-up at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in 1985 and 1986, to Pedro Delgado and \u00c1lvaro Pino respectively, and at the Giro d&#8217;Italia in 1987. Stage race victories include the Volta a Catalunya (1985), Tour of Britain (1989) and Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 Lib\u00e9r\u00e9 (1990). York retired from professional cycling as reigning British champion following the collapse of Le Groupement in 1995.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Rating every Tour de France team&#8217;s performance \u2013 The good, the great and the downright disappointing<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Argon 18 Anti Matter review: Tested in the wind tunnel and on the trail<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Sepp Kuss hoping to ride Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a for Grand Tour treble after &#8216;crazy fast&#8217; but &#8216;enjoyable&#8217; Tour de France<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;He&#8217;s going to win at least seven Tours&#8217; \u2013 Greg LeMond refutes any comparison between Tadej Poga\u010dar and Lance Armstrong<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s five-star Tour de France performance was his least stressful yet, and paved the way for his very promising successor &#8211; Philippa York analysis<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s five-star Tour de France performance was his least stressful yet, and paved the way for his very promising successor &#8211; Philippa York analysis<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-member-label\" data-component-name=\"Article:Hero:KiosqPaywallLabels\"><span class=\"kiosq-member-label-text\"><br \/>\nMEMBER EXCLUSIVE<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-center mx-auto max-sm:text-center max-sm:items-center\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPhilippa York <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta max-sm:justify-center\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-27T11:35:39Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Cyclingnews&#8217; expert columnist marvels at Poga\u010dar&#8217;s fifth Tour victory and searing Alpe d&#8217;Huez ascent, analyses his GC rivals&#8217; progression, and reflects on a memorable final stage<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-center text-center\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-bf2ec952-89ab-11f1-a387-67162b0a3f28\">And so at the conclusion of the 113th Tour de France, it\u2019s no great surprise that Tadej Poga\u010dar has joined the exclusive five-time winners&#8217; club. There was little doubt beforehand and little doubt throughout the three weeks that anyone could mount a serious challenge. Once Jonas Vingegaard crashed out of the race on stage 15, the only real interest became who would join the World Champion on the steps of the podium and how many more stages the Slovenian could or would win.<\/p>\n<p>This Poga\u010dar overall victory was probably his least stressful in terms of a rival being at his level on all terrains. When Visma Lease a Bike lost their GC leader Vingegaard, the challenge was never going to be a head-to-head one but potentially an error on the part of UAE Team Emirates-XRG letting dangerous riders be part of an attacking group. Despite illness striking the team in the final week and Brandon McNulty having to abandon, they always had the race situation in hand. The consequence of Poga\u010dar\u2019s dominance at the head of affairs played out between the riders and teams in the fifth to tenth spots in the overall standings as the days counted down in the third and final week. The biggest shock came from a Pinarello-Q36.5 assault, with Tom Pidcock temporarily jumping up to fourth before tumbling back down the rankings as the other teams reacted to being caught out.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"del-toro-had-a-front-row-seat-to-a-grand-tour-masterclass-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Del Toro had a front row seat to a Grand Tour masterclass<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-bf2ecaec-89ab-11f1-8d4b-ebce8030186e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The final step on the podium, like in 2025, came down to the two young riders involved in the white jersey classification. Isaac del Toro versus Paul Seixas. Both future stars once the Poga\u010dar era has ended, but here in their first Tour racing in the lead group and learning vital lessons for later. That Del Toro maintained the third spot was as much due to Poga\u010dar&#8217;s guidance as to the two additional years of maturity he has over his French rival. The Mexican champion had the experience of a Giro d\u2019Italia and a Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in his legs, while young Seixas was in totally unknown territory as soon as he passed a week of racing. Even though the latter rode with increasing patience, there\u2019s no way of knowing how a rider will be in the last week of a Grand Tour when they haven\u2019t been near that level of endurance.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bf2ecb5a-89ab-11f1-9b5a-7f75b96821f2\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar being shadowed by his closest rivals at this year&#8217;s Tour <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-bf2ecbd2-89ab-11f1-94f7-7f1bab483253\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What we have seen is that Paul Seixas merits the hype surrounding him, and the work now is for Decathlon CMA CGA to reinforce their squad around him. That might come at the cost of guys like Olav Kooij being left to do their own thing, but it is probably what France expects. The speculation over Seixas\u2019 future is only going to get more intense after his showing at this year&#8217;s Tour.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bf2ecbd2-89ab-11f1-94f7-7f1bab483253-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Del Toro, on the other hand, is in a more certain situation as Poga\u010dar\u2019s heir apparent, with less stress and a ringside view of how greatness operates.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-716ece0a-89ac-11f1-a8b3-f796c3560a48\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">More Tour columns &amp; opinion<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure \">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Zac Williams\/SWpix.com)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Eight conclusions from the Tour de France \u2013 A new Poga\u010dar, Evenepoel&#8217;s next challenge and questions over racing in July<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Unpopular opinion: Alpe d&#8217;Huez is on the limit, and it wasn&#8217;t even the best atmosphere at this Tour de France<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Mauro&#8217;s stage win was old-school GreenEDGE, and it&#8217;s been like a pressure valve release for the whole team &#8211; Luke Plapp&#8217;s Tour de France diary<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-716ece82-89ac-11f1-a8c5-fd85ef3d6adc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Then there\u2019s Remco Evenepoel, fighting off the doubters and the Belgian media who expect miracles all day, every day. Some seem to forget that Evenepoel was the only GC rider who put time into the yellow jersey. It was to be expected in the individual time trial but not a given, and more surprising on the two mountain-top finishes. Outsprinting Poga\u010dar and Del Toro at Plateau de Solaison and riding away from the front group on Alpe d\u2019Huez. They might not have been decisive gaps each time, but they were gaps nonetheless, and that has to be good for Evenepoel&#8217;s confidence. It certainly added weight to his claim to be the main GC leader at Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. We don\u2019t know how Florian Lipowitz would have coped in the final battles, but Evenepoel was one of the few who seemed to be still capable of racing at their best level as Paris came into view.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seeing Richard Carapaz make the polka dot jersey his own was a masterclass in tactics and commitment from the rider and the EF Education-Easypost squad. Riders in the escape each time, probing, pushing and wearing out the only direct challenge from Valentin Paret-Peintre. The latter was faster but less resistant to the fatigue of sprinting each time with either Carapaz or Ben Healy. Two stage wins in the last week showed the Ecuadorian finished the Tour in better shape than he began it, which is not an easy thing to manage. The drama with Sepp Kuss on the second Alpe d\u2019Huez stage was one of those nail-biting moments when it could easily have gone either way for both of them. An individual win for Visma would have saved their Tour in some ways, but the margins between success and crashing out are often tiny and cruel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Still, the King of the Mountains prize for Carapaz was a great result and a better outcome than the race leader taking the prize by default of being in the front most days. The classification, and how points are distributed, still needs some revision to bring it back to a competition that is open to more people, though.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bf2ecc40-89ab-11f1-8ed1-89176c42e835\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qDVDC7Atv32GFkBX3p7PHR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">After an enthralling three weeks, stage 21 delivered a spectacular closing chapter for the 2026 edition <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Anne-Christine Poujoulat\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"lidl-trek-s-teamwork-and-a-blockbuster-finale-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lidl-Trek&#8217;s teamwork and a blockbuster finale<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-bf2ecd1c-89ab-11f1-91a8-6ff917661f97\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Something similar to the points classification, which was the main interest once Poga\u010dar had made it clear to his rivals that resistance to his victory was futile. Mads Pedersen came under a lot of pressure from Jasper Philipsen but reacted accordingly, and in the best tradition of maillot vert winners, by going in the breakaway and taking the sprint points available along the way. He needed to be strong, and he was, but kudos also go to Quinn Simmons, who did a massive amount of work to make sure Pedersen stayed in contention. Lidl-Trek with Skjelmose and Ayuso also in the GC battle juggled their resources very well most days, even though there were moments, like stage 17 to Voiron, when they blew up trying to bring back a break which contained Philipsen. They were briefly worried by UAE in the team classification too, but the latter\u2019s illnesses thwarted any chance of taking another of the Tour\u2019s prizes.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For those not yet convinced by the inclusion of the Montmartre final on the last day, then this year\u2019s edition produced one of the highlights of the race. Without rain, it\u2019s certainly open to more riders; but saying that, it is still going to be a Classics-type rider who has a chance. Mathieu van der Poel based his day on following Poga\u010dar in the final, probably because he knew the yellow jersey winning on the Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es is one of his wants on an ever-dwindling to-do list. After the Alpe d&#8217;Huez and Carapaz-Kuss drama, you wouldn\u2019t have imagined a more spectacular final 15 minutes. The modern peloton is one where our expectations are usually surpassed, and it was a fitting end to the fastest-ever Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For all the astonishing moments and excitement, my memory of the 113th edition will be Tadej Poga\u010dar\u2019s ascent of Alpe d&#8217;Huez. He smashed it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/tadej-pogacars-five-star-tour-de-france-performance-was-his-least-stressful-yet-and-paved-the-way-for-his-very-promising-successor-philippa-york-analysis\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-2000-80.png&#8221;] Pro Cycling Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s five-star Tour de France performance was his least stressful yet, and paved the way for his very promising successor &#8211; Philippa York analysis MEMBER EXCLUSIVE Features By Philippa York Published 27 July 2026 Cyclingnews&#8217; expert columnist marvels at Poga\u010dar&#8217;s fifth Tour victory and searing Alpe d&#8217;Huez ascent, analyses [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2064653","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2064653","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2064653"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2064653\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2064653"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2064653"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2064653"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}