Tadej Pogacar is poised to defend his title in the Tour de France, set to begin in Lille this Saturday. As the reigning champion, Pogacar enters the race as the clear favorite to secure a remarkable fourth victory at just 26 years old.
Last year, Pogacar made an impressive mark by winning six stages, a feat not achieved since Mark Cavendish in 2009, and finishing over six minutes ahead of his nearest competitor, Jonas Vingegaard. This year, he continues to showcase his dominance, recently triumphing at the Criterium du Dauphine, where he claimed three stages and finished the event with a lead of 59 seconds over Vingegaard.
With 11 victories in 2025 alone, Pogacar is on the cusp of his 100th career win, a milestone that highlights his standing as one of the current top riders in cycling history. His victories this year span prestigious one-day races such as Strade Bianche, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, La Flèche Wallonne, and the Tour of Flanders, as well as the UAE Tour.
Riding for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, Pogacar will be supported by a robust team that includes his key domestique, Joao Almeida. However, the path to victory is fraught with challenges, as the 112th edition of the Tour features a rigorous 21-stage route with formidable climbs at Hautacam, Mont Ventoux, Col de la Loze, and La Plagne. The outcome remains uncertain until the racers reach the iconic finish line on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
Pogacar’s form and accomplishments suggest an exciting race ahead, and fans are eager to see if he can solidify his legacy further in cycling history.