Entering Paris with a commanding lead in the general classification, Tadej Pogačar stands on the verge of securing his fifth Tour de France title as the 113th edition of the race reaches its conclusion on Sunday, according to race reports. The Slovenian star rolled across the finish line alongside teammate Isaac del Toro, capping off a demanding alpine stage that left the overall podium largely settled ahead of the final procession into the French capital.
General Classification Standings and Time Gaps
Pogačar holds a 6:26 advantage over second-place Remco Evenepoel of the Red Bull team, while teammate Del Toro sits 9:42 back in third place. We can be very proud. I am so happy for Isaac.“ The defending champion added that while much discussion centers on his support for Del Toro’s ascent, the Mexican rider and the broader squad played crucial roles in securing the Yellow Jersey earlier in the three-week race.
Richard Carapaz Claims Stage Victory on Alpe d’Huez
While Pogačar and Del Toro celebrated their overall positions, Ecuadorian climber Richard Carapaz raced to his second stage win of this year’s Tour during the queen stage. The 33-year-old crossed the line first ahead of Evenepoel and American rider Sepp Kuss, securing his third career stage victory at the race. The grueling route featured roughly 5,600 vertical meters of climbing—the most of any stage in this year’s itinerary—and included three HC-category ascents, culminating over the Col du Galibier before tackling the climb toward Alpe d’Huez. Pogačar finished fourth on the day after undertaking heavy tempo work to reel in the breakaway.
Kuss Survives Multiple Crashes in Alpine Descent
Sepp Kuss emerged as the day’s most unfortunate protagonist after crashing twice on a descent in the closing phases of the stage. The American rider, a teammate of the previously withdrawn Jonas Vingegaard, was in contention for the stage victory before sliding out. A safety net deployed along the roadside prevented a more severe accident, allowing Kuss to remount and finish the stage despite yielding the lead to Carapaz. „I didn’t have much fear myself,“ Kuss told French television, noting that he escaped major injury. I am super happy.“
Sprinter Pascal Ackermann Abandons the Race
German sprinter Pascal Ackermann exited the race during the ascent of the Col de la Croix-de-Fer after struggling to contest the mass finishes. The German rider explained to ZDF that his legs were empty and noted lingering issues stemming from an unusual incident on the previous day’s stage, where he collided with a team service vehicle on a climb. „It just wasn’t enough today,“ Ackermann said, emphasizing that his physical condition ultimately forced him out of the competition.
Final Stage Altered Due to Wildfires
Organizers confirmed that Sunday’s final stage into Paris has been shortened from 133 kilometers to 89 kilometers due to severe wildfires in southwestern France that have drawn emergency responders away from the usual route. Instead of starting in the suburb of Thoiry, the peloton will roll out directly in Paris, incorporating two additional circuits around the Champs-Élysées alongside the scheduled triple ascent of the Montmartre hill. The 113th Tour de France concludes on Sunday.
