UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider clinches third straight crown as he emulates Tour legends The NationalJuly 26, 2026UAE Team Emirates' Slovenian star Tadej Pogacar cemented his status as one of the all-time greats as he clinched his fifth Tour de France title on Sunday.Pogacar had all but secured the yellow jersey on the penultimate day of the race, consolidating his position by finishing fourth.Pogacar finished ​Stage 20 on Saturday in fourth, while his UAE Team Emirates teammate ‌and fast-rising star Isaac del Toro came in fifth. The finish kept del ​Toro in the white jersey given to the top rider under 26 ​years old.Mexican del Toro also clinched third place in the overall standings, becoming the first rider from his country to finish on the podium of the Tour de France.The grand finale of the 2026 Tour de France on Sunday was no more than a procession, especially after it got reduced owing to security reasons that were triggered by wildfires in the country.Pogacar took a massive lead of six minutes and 26 seconds ⁠over Remco Evenepoel into the final day.The Slovenian star aced the final stage which was cut from 133km to 89km due to wildfires nearby. Fans were treated to two extra circuits along the Champs-Elysees before a climbing finish on the nearby Montmartre loop.Pogacar thus became the joint-most successful rider in the Tour's history alongside Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain.It capped a sensational season for Pogacar. On three occasions, Pogacar won a race for the first time following victories at the Milano-Sanremo and Tour de Romandie. He has also topped the podium at the Strade Bianche (for a record fourth time), Tour of Flanders (third time) and Liege-Bastogne-Liege (fourth time).More to follow...Updated: July 26, 2026, 5:58 PM