Slovenian cycling star poised to match Tour de France record as Ecuador’s Richard Carapaz claims dramatic mountain victory
Tadej Pogačar is on the brink of equalling the all-time Tour de France record after safely navigating the penultimate stage of the 2026 race. The Slovenian cycling sensation is expected to secure his fifth Tour title when the race concludes in Paris, matching the legendary achievements of Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain.
The decisive Stage 20 belonged to Ecuador’s Richard Carapaz, who delivered a stunning performance to win atop the iconic Alpe d’Huez after American rider Sepp Kuss crashed twice while leading in the closing kilometers.
Carapaz capitalizes after Kuss crashes
The demanding mountain stage produced plenty of drama as Sepp Kuss appeared destined for victory after launching a solo attack with around 25 kilometers remaining. However, disaster struck when the American crashed while descending toward Alpe d’Huez.
Despite recovering from the first fall, Kuss crashed again moments later on a sharp corner, allowing Carapaz to overtake him and race to victory. The Ecuadorian finished in 4 hours, 59 minutes and 39 seconds, securing his second stage win in just three days and clinching the King of the Mountains title.
Remco Evenepoel finished second, 26 seconds behind Carapaz, while Kuss bravely recovered to complete the podium in third place.
Pogačar sacrifices stage win to help teammate
Rather than chasing another stage victory, Pogačar focused on supporting his UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammate Isaac del Toro, who was struggling on the final climb.
The pair crossed the finish line together, with Pogačar helping the 22-year-old Mexican defend third place overall and retain the prestigious white jersey awarded to the best young rider.
After the race, Pogačar praised his teammates and reflected on his unusual role as a support rider.
“I did my best to help Isaac,” he said, adding that the emotional finish would remain one of his favorite Tour memories.
Record-breaking achievement within reach
Unless something extraordinary happens during Sunday’s ceremonial ride into Paris, Pogačar will claim his fifth Tour de France title.
He currently leads overall by 6 minutes and 26 seconds over Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel, with Isaac del Toro holding third place in the general classification.
The final stage has also been shortened from 133 kilometers to 89 kilometers because emergency services have been redirected to battle devastating wildfires in southwestern France.
Historic moment awaits in Paris
A fifth Tour victory would firmly cement Pogačar among cycling’s greatest riders, joining an exclusive group of legends with the most Tour de France titles in history.
Meanwhile, Denmark’s Mads Pedersen is also set to secure the green points jersey after building an unassailable lead in the sprint classification.
With one stage remaining, cycling fans are preparing to witness another historic chapter as Pogačar edges closer to joining the sport’s most celebrated champions.
