Pogacar claims fourth Tour title, Van Aert wins brutal final stage
The 26-year-old Slovenian, who previously triumphed in 2020, 2021 and 2024, delivered a near-flawless performance over three weeks, excelling in every department, even coming close to prevailing on a spectacular final stage on the Champs Elysees after an epic duel with Belgian Wout van Aert.
Pogacar attacked relentlessly in the ascents of the Butte Montmartre but eventually suffered a brutal counterpunch from Van Aert, who went solo to win the 21st stage.
The competitive element was largely neutralised on Sunday after organisers decided to freeze the times with about 50km left in the stage due to hazardous road conditions in driving rain.
It did not prevent Pogacar from going for it, but Van Aert proved to be the best on the day, beating Italian Davide Ballerini and third-placed Matej Mohoric. Pogacar took fourth place.
The world champion effectively sealed his victory in the Pyrenees, with a brutal attack on the climb to Hautacam and a commanding victory in the uphill individual time trial, leaving chief rival Jonas Vingegaard more than four minutes behind before controlling the race.
German Florian Lipowitz finished third on his Tour debut and won the white jersey for the best U-25 rider.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
44 minutes ago
- IOL News
Will Fawaaz Basadien's signing strengthen Mamelodi Sundowns after a similar signing failed?
Fawaaz Basadien's arrival at Mamelodi Sundowns creates a competitive landscape at left-back, challenging him to prove his worth amidst a talented squad and potentially impacting national team selections. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix The reasons might be slightly the same, but the outcomes could be totally different should Fawaaz Basadien show mental strength and duly fight for his position. When Mamelodi Sundowns signed Terrence Mashego from Cape Town City in 2022, then coach Rulani Mokwena made a bold reason behind the signing. He said: 'When that type of talent is available in the market, you've got to go for it before it goes on to strengthen a rival and make them stronger.' Mokwena was candid more than anything, especially given the fact that the clubs had depth at left-back and enough cover for Bafana Bafana international Aubrey Modiba. And so, after the club announced the signing of Basadien on Saturday, it seemed Sundowns' intentions couldn't be nearer to Mokwena's explanation. The Brazilians still have Modiba, Mashego, Sifiso Ngobeni and Divine Lunga for the left-back position at their disposal. So did they really need Basadien? Well, that remains to be seen. What is known is that Basadien brings depth to Sundowns as he has proven himself at Stellenbosch over the years. Last season, Basadien might have stood out for his set-piece taking technique and scoring abilities, having scored that screamer in the iKapa derby, but he's a fully-fledged product. Basadien aces his primary duties - defending - to the tee, and has evolved in moving high up as he joins in on build-ups, something that can be affirmed with his goals from open play. So, given that Sundowns are a ball-playing team, still playing within the ethos of 'shoeshine and piano', he should be able to fit into the teams' system like a glove. The slight problem is that his qualities are similar to those of Modiba's - something that will give coach Miguel Cardoso either a nice headache, sleepless nights or both. Having identical players means that Cardoso will have a direct replacement in case of eventualities, but in the same breath he can't play them together at once. This two-edged sword does not only apply to Cardoso, but Bafana coach Hugo Broos as well. The sleepless night might even need tablets for Broos especially if another left-back player from another club is on form than the benched one at Sundowns. Broos has always been open about the value of Sundowns players as their continental experience augurs well for the national teams. But in the same breath, the Belgian has always stressed about the number of players that Sundowns sign season in and season out as that deters progress. And so, leading up to the World Cup qualifiers, and the Africa Cup of Nations in December, he might grow more grey hair just from calling up players for the left-back position. Should Basadien or Modiba be dropped at Sundowns that will change Broos' plans as they were regulars last season for their respective clubs, taking the feisty, healthy competition to Bafana. Yes, competition between the two players will help them get the best out of one another at club level, but the issue of them playing together remains a tough puzzle to solve. There's the modern approach of players being fluid, and able to play in a host of positions, but I am sure neither of them will want to hop from one position to another ahead of AFCON. By the time the teams leave the South African shores, they'll both want to fly out knowing that they are the first choice at left-back. Over the years, Modiba has been both Sundowns and Bafana's preferred left-back. So, perhaps the arrival of Basadien will keep him on his toes. Basadien's mental strength, despite reuniting with homeboys Iqraam Rayners and Jayden Adams, and Bafana teammates, will be tested at Sundowns this season. But unlike Mashego who's failed to stamp his authority at the club and is reportedly set to be released, Basadien has the qualities of fighting for a starting berth and quickly adapting. After all, he knows the ins and outs of Gauteng, having played for Moroka Swallows three seasons ago. Hence, he'll unlikely make the statistic of being one of the Western Cape born players who struggled in Gauteng.
TimesLIVE
12 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Pogacar claims fourth Tour title, Van Aert wins brutal final stage
Tadej Pogacar claimed his fourth Tour de France title on Sunday, cementing his status as the most dominant rider of his generation and joining Britain's Chris Froome on the all-time winners' list. The 26-year-old Slovenian, who previously triumphed in 2020, 2021 and 2024, delivered a near-flawless performance over three weeks, excelling in every department, even coming close to prevailing on a spectacular final stage on the Champs Elysees after an epic duel with Belgian Wout van Aert. Pogacar attacked relentlessly in the ascents of the Butte Montmartre but eventually suffered a brutal counterpunch from Van Aert, who went solo to win the 21st stage. The competitive element was largely neutralised on Sunday after organisers decided to freeze the times with about 50km left in the stage due to hazardous road conditions in driving rain. It did not prevent Pogacar from going for it, but Van Aert proved to be the best on the day, beating Italian Davide Ballerini and third-placed Matej Mohoric. Pogacar took fourth place. The world champion effectively sealed his victory in the Pyrenees, with a brutal attack on the climb to Hautacam and a commanding victory in the uphill individual time trial, leaving chief rival Jonas Vingegaard more than four minutes behind before controlling the race. German Florian Lipowitz finished third on his Tour debut and won the white jersey for the best U-25 rider.
IOL News
12 hours ago
- IOL News
Bayern Munich agree deal to sign Liverpool winger Luis Diaz: reports
Bayern Munich have reportedly agreed to a £65.5 million deal to sign Liverpool winger Luis Diaz (pictured centre), providing a replacement for the injured Jamal Musiala, while Liverpool strengthens their squad with new signings including Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. Picture: Alejandro Pagni/AFP Image: Alejandro Pagni/AFP German champions Bayern Munich have agreed to sign Liverpool winger Luis Diaz in a £65.5 million ($88 million) deal, according to multiple reports on Sunday. Bayern had an initial offer of £59 million rejected by the Premier League champions last week, but their improved bid looks set to bring the Colombia international to the Allianz Arena. Diaz has reportedly been given permission to leave Liverpool's pre-season tour of Asia in order to complete a medical with Bayern. He joined Liverpool from Porto in January 2022 and won the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup during his time at Anfield. Lucho Diaz's Future Uncertain Amidst Speculation and Absence from Liverpool's Match Against AC Milan The 28-year--old made 50 appearances and scored 17 goals in all competitions last season as Arne Slot's team clinched the English title for the first time in five years. Diaz was left out of Liverpool's 4-2 friendly defeat against AC Milan in Hong Kong on Saturday as speculation mounted over his future. "In Lucho's (Diaz's) situation, there's a lot of rumours around him lately and I cannot go into that," Slot said after the Milan match. "He's training really well with us but we have decided for now not to play him yet. "I'm used to talking to most of my players on a regular basis. I cannot comment much more about that.' Liverpool's Transfer Window Activity: Strengthening Attack and Defence Diaz's impending signing gives Bayern a quality replacement for Germany forward Jamal Musiala, who has been ruled out for a 'long period' after he suffered a broken leg and dislocated ankle at the Club World Cup this month. Liverpool have been busy in the transfer window, bolstering their attacking options with expensive swoops for Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz and Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. Defenders Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez arrived from Leverkusen and Bournemouth respectively, while goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili joined from Valencia. The Reds are also believed to be interested in making a bid for Newcastle's £150 million-rated striker Alexander Isak. AFP
