Pogacar crowned Tour de France champion
SLOVENIAN rookie Tadej Pogacar won the Tour de France yesterday, riding triumphantly into Paris in the race leader’s yellow jersey at just 21 years old.
Pogacar became the Tour’s youngest champion since 1904 as Ireland’s Sam Bennett won the 21st and final stage after the eightlap dash around the iconic Champs-Elysees to clinch the green sprint points jersey.
The champion mounted the podium as the sun set behind the Arc de Triomphe to pick up the best climber’s jersey, the white top young rider’s prize and finally the Tour winner’s famous yellow jersey.
“I can’t find the words to thank everyone, but it’s been amazing this three weeks where the fans cheered me all the way,” said Pogacar.
Long-time race leader Primoz Roglic ended second while Australia’s Richie Porte came third.
The Tour will forever be remembered for a dramatic lastgasp turnaround as Pogacar grabbed the overall lead when his rival Roglic suffered a mountainside meltdown on the penultimate day.
This storied edition of the century-old race packed with thrills and spills will be equally recalled for outsprinting the dark shadow of Covid-19.
The race was a triumph of organisation after receiving belated clearance to stage the event, although just 5,000 fans lined Sunday’s finish due to the health protocol.
Dutch team Jumbo-Visma dominated the 2020 race with their yellow and black jerseys always grouped at the head of the race as they outpowered everyone until the last and crucial day.
Winners of the past five editions, Britain’s Team Ineos also had a Tour they may regret.
They put their faith in defending champion Egan Bernal, but he struggled to impose himself and dropped out stage
15. – AFP