Nice, July 22: In a triumph that echoes the legacy of Marco Pantani, Tadej Pogacar has clinched the Tour de France, completing a historic Giro d’Italia-Tour double in 2024. Pogacar’s victory in the final time trial from Monaco to Nice, where he bested Jonas Vingegaard by 1 minute 03 seconds and Remco Evenepoel by 1 minute 14 seconds, sealed his dominant performance over the two Grand Tours.
The Slovenian’s remarkable achievement marks the first Giro-Tour double of the 21st century, with a combined lead of over 16 minutes across the two races and 39 days spent in the lead. Pogacar’s prowess was evident as he won six stages in both the Giro and the Tour, setting a new benchmark for Grand Tour victories in a single season.
Pogacar’s dominance was particularly evident in the Tour’s final stage, where he showcased his relentless pursuit of excellence. His performance contrasts sharply with the struggles of Vingegaard’s Visma Lease-a-Bike team, which suffered setbacks from injury and illness throughout the season.
The victory positions Pogacar as a formidable competitor to Eddy Merckx’s records. At just 25, Pogacar has already secured three Tour titles, compared to Merckx’s five, and has worn the yellow jersey for 40 days, closing in on Merckx’s 97 days.
As Pogacar celebrates, the cycling world acknowledges a new era of dominance and excitement, driven by his electrifying performances and the global appeal of the sport. Despite controversies and doubts, including questions about team practices, Pogacar’s achievements underscore a shift in cycling, marked by technological advancements and a fresh generation of stars.
The 2024 Tour de France not only highlights Pogacar’s exceptional talent but also sets the stage for future rivalries and records in the ever-evolving world of professional cycling.