The Slovenian of UAE Team Emirates also won the white and polka dot jersey
Tadej Pogačar and UAE Team Emirates brought the curtain down on a beautiful three weeks of racing by claiming overall victory at the Tour de France 2021. The confirmation of his victory came on the streets of Paris on the Champs Elysees on Stage 21, won by Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma).
The foundations for the victory were laid as early as stage 5 at the Laval time trial which he won by a considerable margin and consolidated with the attacks in the Alps on the 8th and 9th stages, crowned with the Pyrenean successes on the Col du Portet and in Luz Ardiden (18th and 19th stages).
Pogačar finished the Tour de France in 82h36’56”, ahead of Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) and Richard Carapaz (Ineos-Grenadiers) in the overall standings.
Just like the 2020 edition, the Slovenian talent also won the polka dot jersey of best climber and the white jersey as leader of the youth ranking.
In conquering his second Grande Boucle (29th career success, 12th of the season), Pogačar was supported by teammates Mikkel Bjerg, Rui Costa, Davide Formolo, Marc Hirschi, Vegard Stake Laengen, Rafal Majka and Brandon McNulty.
Pogačar: “I’m without words. To be here again in Paris less than a year from my first victory is something really special and I am so happy to win this race again. It’s been an emotional few weeks. All the team and staff were amazing and I am so thankful for all the hard work they have done to support me. I leave to the Olympics in Tokyo tomorrow with amazing memories. I can’t wait to come back to the Tour de France again soon.”
TADEJ POGACAR: “IT’S JUST CRAZY TO BE HERE AGAIN”
“It is just crazy here on the Champs Elysées, coming in the yellow again with an incredible team. We enjoyed today and now it’s time for celebration. We will have a good time and that counts as a celebration. The start of the stage was nice, taking it easy. We enjoyed chatting with each other. Then we came here on the cobbles and it was full-gas racing again, like every day. I cannot express my feelings of how happy I am. With the people I have around… it’s another level. I will remain motivated in the coming years, but what come next will come next… I’m not stressed about it. It’s quite different. Last year, I felt strong, incredible emotions. This year I’m again here, standing atop the podium, but the feelings are quite different. The new Cannibal? I don’t like to compare myself to other riders. Each rider has his own style and personality. Every rider is unique. I don’t think there is anything left. I just enjoy life, I work hard, I love cycling – and those are the most important things.”
Stage 21 results:
- Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) 2h39’37”
- Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Fenix) s.t.
- Mark Cavendish (Deceuninck-Quickstep) s.t.
Final general classification
- Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) 82h36’56”
- Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) +5’20”
- Richard Carapaz (Ineos-Grenadiers) +7’03
