The 2024 Tour de France was marked by exceptional performances, with UAE Team Emirates emerging as the dominant force. Led by Tadej Pogačar, the team set the pace throughout the 21 stages of the competition.
Tadej Pogačar’s victory
Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogačar once again showcased his immense talent by clinching his third Tour de France title. This victory was the result of a flawlessly executed strategy by UAE Team Emirates, which provided crucial support and protection at key moments of the race. Pogačar seized the overall lead in the second stage and maintained the yellow jersey all the way to the finish in Nice, achieving a historic performance.
Pogačar secured several critical stage wins, including the 14th stage from Pau to Saint-Lary-Soulan and the 15th stage from Loudenvielle to Plateau de Beille, solidifying his lead in the general classification. His mastery of the mountain stages and consistent time-trial performances were pivotal to his final victory.
The UAE Team Emirates played a crucial role in this triumph, providing unwavering support to Pogačar. The team’s other members consistently led the peloton, shielding their leader from attacks and unforeseen events. This collective cohesion and strategy allowed Pogačar to focus on his individual performances.
A rare achievement
By winning the 2024 Tour de France, Pogačar not only gained global recognition but also received a substantial financial reward. The Tour winner’s prize is €500,000, in addition to bonuses for stage wins and other classifications.
In an extraordinary feat, Pogačar also won the Giro d’Italia in 2024, making him the first cyclist since Marco Pantani in 1998 to claim both titles in the same year. This double triumph solidifies his status as one of the greatest cyclists in history.