The Slovenian UAE Team Emirates rider also won the jersey white and polka-dotted
Tadej Pogačar and UAE Team Emirates brought the curtain down on a beautiful three weeks of racing by claiming overall victory at the 2021 Tour de France. Confirmation of their victory came on the streets of Paris on the Champs-Elysees in Stage 21, won by Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma).
The foundations for victory were laid as early as Stage 5 in the Laval time trial, which he won by a considerable margin and consolidated with attacks in the Alps on Stages 8 and 9, crowned with Pyrenean successes on the Col du Portet and Luz Ardiden (Stages 18 and 19).
Pogačar finished the Tour de France in 82h36'56 ", ahead of Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) and Richard Carapaz (Ineos-Grenadiers) in the general classification.
Just as in the 2020 edition, the Slovenian talent also won the jersey best climber's polka-dot and the jersey as the leader of the youth ranking.
To conquer 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 at a loss for words. To be here again in Paris less than a year after my first victory is something really special and I am very happy to win this race again. It's been an exciting few weeks. The whole team and staff were amazing and I am so grateful for all the hard work they have done to support me. I leave tomorrow for the Tokyo Olympics with incredible memories. I can't wait to get back to the Tour de France soon.
Results of stage 21:
1. Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) 2h39'37 "
2. Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Fenix) st
3. Mark Cavendish (Deceuninck-Quickstep) st
Final overall classification
1. Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) 82h36'56 "
2. Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) + 5'20".
3. Richard Carapaz (Ineos-Grenadiers) + 7'03" 4.
