Pogacar closes in on record-equaling fifth Tour de France title as Carapaz wins penultimate stage

Pogacar may already have secured a fifth Tour de France, even though the race is not yet finished. Al Jazeera reported his victory, and NBC Sports noted he closed in on the record‑equaling title as Carapaz claimed the penultimate stage on Alpe d’Huez. Yet the final stage remains, meaning the ultimate result still depends on the last day’s performance. The narrative centres on two contrasting stories.

Yahoo detailed Carapaz’s comeback from surgery to capture the climbing honours, while Cyclingnews described the nerve‑wracking finish on Alpe d’Huez that delivered the stage win. 10TV underscored the rarity of any rider challenging Pogacar’s dominance, and the EF Pro Cycling post simply marked the location at Le Bourg‑d’Oisans. EF Pro Cycling’s brief post marked the Le Bourg‑d’Oisans finish line, underscoring the stage’s significance. All eyes now turn to the concluding stage, where any time gaps could alter the final standings. Observers will watch whether Pogacar can maintain his lead or if a late surge from rivals reshapes the podium.

Riders who capitalised on the Alpe d’Huez climb may try to extend their gaps, while teams will manage pacing to protect their leaders. The outcome will determine if the record‑equalling fifth title is confirmed.