Jonas pips Tadej to begin top Tour duel

JONAS VINGEGAARD and Tadej Pogacar’s Tour de France duels will become one of sport’s great rivalries for the ages.

The Dane denied Pogacar a hat-trick of Yellow Jerseys and rode into the Champs Elysees sunset in triumph. After finishing runner-up 12 months ago, Vingegaard’s maiden Grand Tour win established his battle with the Slovenian as cycling’s headline act.

Pogacar said: “It’s been a good three weeks, with many ups and downs, but the battle between me and Jonas for the Yellow Jersey has been very special.

“I think we have some very interesting next two or three years ahead of us. Jonas has stepped up his game this year. I’m motivated and looking forward to the next challenges.”

Geraint Thomas deserves huge credit for his third podium finish in five years. He said: “To prove a few doubters wrong has been really enjoyable.”