Pogacar closes in on fifth Tour de France as Carapaz claims Alpe d'Huez

Tadej Pogacar is poised to claim a record-equalling fifth Tour de France title after Ecuador's Richard Carapaz secured a dramatic victory on stage 20 at Alpe d'Huez on Thursday. The Slovenian's dominance throughout the 2024 race means the crown is his to lose with only the final time trial remaining.

Carapaz delivers on the mountains

Carapaz seized his opportunity on one of cycling's most iconic climbs, bringing his campaign to life with a performance that underlined Ecuador's pedigree in Grand Tour mountain stages. The South American rider's triumph at Alpe d'Huez represents a significant moment for his domestic cycling program, though it comes too late to threaten Pogacar's overall command of the race.

Pogacar's march toward history

With stage 20 in the books and only the concluding individual time trial to navigate, Pogacar's position at the top of the general classification appears unassailable. Equalling five Tour victories would place him among cycling's greatest champions, matching the achievement that has defined the sport's elite for decades. His consistency across mountain stages, time trials, and tactical moments throughout this edition has been the defining characteristic of his campaign.

What remains

The final stage time trial will determine whether Pogacar joins that exclusive club. Barring an unprecedented collapse, the mathematics favour the race leader to convert his advantage into the fifth title that would cement his place in Tour de France folklore.