Tour de France 2025: Tadej Pogacar clinches fourth title as shock twist unfolds near dramatic finish

In a gripping conclusion to the 2025 Tour de France, Slovenian cycling phenom Tadej Pogacar claimed his fourth career title in a moment wrapped in both dominance and unexpected drama. As the peloton made its way toward the iconic Champs-Élysées in Paris during the 21st and final stage, race organizers made a stunning last-minute decision that all but sealed Pogacar’s victory—with 50 kilometers still left to ride.

Organizers freeze race times amid weather fears

The dramatic twist came when Tour de France officials neutralized stage timings due to the looming threat of heavy rainfall and potential crashes. This decision, made in the interest of rider safety, meant that general classification times would no longer be counted from that point forward.

With the final timing sealed at the 50-kilometer mark, Tadej Pogacar effectively clinched the yellow jersey, though he still needed to cross the finish line in Paris to make it official.

Shortly after the ruling, heavy rain began to pour, validating the concerns that prompted the precaution. Slick roads and reduced visibility created potentially dangerous conditions, making the time-neutralization a wise, albeit controversial, move.

Tadej Pogacar cements his legacy

The 26-year-old Slovenian has now entered rarefied air, joining an elite group of cyclists with four Tour de France titles to their names. Already a champion in 2020 and 2021, Pogacar reclaimed his crown in 2024 and has now successfully defended it in 2025.

His consistent dominance throughout this year’s race included key stage wins and relentless control in the mountains and time trials. While the decision to neutralize timings prevented what could have been a tense finish, it didn't overshadow Pogacar’s absolute command over the 2025 edition of cycling’s most prestigious race.

A race to remember

Despite the unconventional ending, this year’s Tour will be remembered for its drama, strategy, and safety-first approach. For Tadej Pogacar, the neutralization was just a footnote in an otherwise flawless performance across three grueling weeks of cycling.

As fans watched him glide into Paris amid pouring rain, it was clear that Pogacar’s reign is far from over—and the peloton will have to dig deep to dethrone him in the years to come.