Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard won the Tour de France title for the second consecutive year after crossing the finish line in the final stage in Paris today, Sunday. Slovenian Tadej Pogačar, the 2020 and 2021 champion, finished second, followed by his UAE Team Emirates teammate Adam Yates. Belgian Jasper Philipsen claimed the points classification, while Italian Giulio Ciccone won the mountains classification. Pogačar, the 2020 and 2021 champion, also won the best young rider title for the fourth consecutive time. Vingegaard's team, Jumbo-Visma, topped the team classification, a fitting result following the Dutch team's stunning performance over the three weeks.
Vingegaard, who took the race lead from the sixth stage to the final stage, said, "It has been a great year for us, and what a race. Our plans started early, and once again, I wouldn't have succeeded without my team. It was a great race for us, and I am proud of everyone." He added, "We will celebrate tonight and have a nice dinner; it will be a lovely night. I thank all the amazing competitors; it has been a great competition against them over the three weeks."
Vingegaard secured the title thanks to his overwhelming victory in the individual time trial on Tuesday, where he outperformed Pogačar by one minute and thirty-eight seconds. The following day, the 26-year-old delivered a decisive blow to Pogačar's hopes in the final alpine stage. Pogačar won the last mountain stage of the race yesterday, Saturday, but the title had already been decided. Pogačar, aged 24, finished the race in second place, seven minutes and twenty-nine seconds behind the champion.
The final stage today was a celebration as usual, with Vingegaard celebrating with his teammates. The excitement increased at the start of the eight laps on the Champs-Élysées when Pogačar attacked early. Philipsen was the favorite to celebrate at the Arc de Triomphe, but his decisive attack was not perfect, allowing compatriot Meawz to steal the victory in his first appearance in the race.
