July 21st (Sunday) Stage 21
Monaco-Nice 33.7km (individual time trial)
The 111th Tour de France finished in Nice photo:CorVos
Stage 21: Monaco to Nice, 33.7km (individual time trial) image:A.S.O.
For the first time in the history of the Tour de France, the finale was held outside of Paris in Nice, one of Europe’s leading resort areas. Instead of a flat stage including a parade, it was an individual time trial, the first since 1989 when Greg LeMond (USA) made a major comeback in the overall standings.
The 33.7km course started in Monaco, home to many star athletes including Tadej Pogacar (Slovenia, UAE Team Emirates). The flat road ended following just 3km at the beginning, and the race immediately climbed a second-class mountain (8km distance, 5.8% average). After a short descent, the race climbed Col d’Eze (1.6km distance, 8.1% average), a familiar sight from Paris-Nice, and finally ended with a descent and flat roads to the finish in Nice.
140 riders started at intervals of one and a half minutes from Davide Ballerini (Italy, Astana Kazakhstan), who was last in the overall standings (2 minutes from 71st overall). Mark Cavendish (Great Britain, Astana Kazakhstan), who had finished the previous day’s mountain stage within the time limit and was in tears, started in second place and finished the final Tour to huge cheers.
Mark Cavendish (Great Britain, Astana Kazakhstan) completed his final Tour as an active rider. photo:CorVos
Victor Campenaerts (Belgium, Lotto Destiny) on the climb photo:CorVos
Simon Geschke (Germany, Cofidis) will retire at the end of this year. photo:CorVos
Renee Martinez (France, Groupama-FDJ) was one of the early starters who recorded a good time. Although he was a candidate for the white maillot (young rider jersey), he was delayed from the first day, but the 21-year-old managed to make it to the final day and set the top time of 48 minutes 24 seconds by sprinting up the climbs, which he is good at. After that, other riders who had made this tournament exciting, such as Biniyam Ghirmay (Eritrea, Intermarche Wanty), who secured three stage wins and the green jersey (points jersey), finished one following another.
No rider was able to take the hot seat from Martinez for over an hour, and finally Haroldo Tejada (Colombia, Astana Kazakstan) in 67th place improved his time by 10 seconds. Neilson Powless (USA, EF Education Easypost) and Quentin Pache (France, Groupama-FDJ), who finished the race with a broken wrist, were unable to reach that time. Wout van Aert (Belgium, Visma Liesaabike), who will compete in the individual time trial at the Paris Olympics (July 27th), finished at a slow pace as if he was getting into shape, and it was finally time for the top overall riders to take part.
Derek Gee (Canada, Israel Premier Tech), who placed 9th overall, set a new top time at the first intermediate measurement (11.2km) set at the top of a second-category mountain (distance 8km/average 5.8%). Gee, who was given the role of overall ace in his Tour debut, also passed the second intermediate measurement (17.1km) in the fastest time, beating Tejada’s time by 19 seconds. He ended up in 6th place on the stage and entered the top 10 overall (9th place overall).
Biniyam Ghirmay (Eritrea, Intermarche Wanty) secured the green jersey photo:CorVos
Wout van Aert (Belgium, Visma Risabike) didn’t push himself too hard and focused on running in preparation for the Paris Olympics. photo:CorVos
Richard Carapaz (Ecuador, EF Education EasyPost) won the polka dot jersey (mountain prize) and the overall courage prize. photo:CorVos
Matteo Jorgenson (USA, Visma Leased Bike) came in 4th place despite falling off his bike in a corner. photo:CorVos
Next up, Matteo Jorgenson (USA, Visma Leasure Bike), in 8th place overall, fell off his bike in a corner but recovered quickly to beat Gee’s time (47 minutes 32 seconds). This time was not reached by the top overall riders such as Adam Yates (Great Britain, UAE Team Emirates) and Mikel Landa (Spain, Soudal-QuickStep), and Joao Almeida (Portugal, UAE Team Emirates) was also 10 seconds behind.
Then, at 6:41pm local time, the current individual time trial world champion, Remco Evenepoel (Belgium, Soudal-QuickStep), took to the track. With a 60-44T front and 11-34T rear, Evenepoel beat Gee’s fastest time by 36 seconds in the first measurement. In the second measurement, he beat it by 46 seconds, and Evenepoel, who will be competing in the individual time trial at the Paris Olympics as Belgium’s representative, recorded a time of 46 minutes 38 seconds with an average speed of 43km/h.
However, the world champion, who was in tears immediately following the finish, did not take a seat in the hot seat, and his fastest time was beaten by two others who started following him.
Stage 3: Remco Evenepoel (Belgium, Soudal-QuickStep) photo:CorVos
Stage 2: Jonas Wingegaard (Denmark, Visma Leasabyk) photo:CorVos
Stage 1: Tadej Pogacar (Slovenia, UAE Team Emirates) photo:CorVos
Jonas Wingegaard (Denmark, Visma Leaserbaik) made a strong start from the beginning to defend his second place overall, and with a 56T front and 11-33T rear gear, he passed the first measurement 19 seconds faster than Evenepoel. The gap widened to 27 seconds by the second measurement, and despite a scary moment on a downhill corner, he finished in 46 minutes and 27 seconds, 11 seconds faster than the world champion. However, the yellow jersey surpassed this time with an overwhelming time.
Pogacar (60-46T front, 11-34T rear) was the last runner to start and stepped on the pedals strongly from the beginning. Starting from the Automobile Club, known for the Monaco Grand Prix of F1, Pogacar said, “I was in good shape from the first climb,” and at the top of the second-class mountain, he improved on Vingegaard’s time by 7 seconds. On a course that he said he “tried so many times that (his partner and cyclist) Urska (Zigart) got tired of it,” Pogacar widened the time gap with Vingegaard and arrived in Nice, where a large crowd was waiting for him.
He made a peace sign behind his back and, on the final straight, spread his arms wide and pumped his fist in excitement, as he improved on the top time by 1 minute 3 seconds and finished in 45 minutes 25 seconds. It was an amazing run that made it hard to believe he had been racing for 21 days, and he took his sixth win of the tournament.
Tadej Pogacar (Slovenia, UAE Team Emirates) set the fastest time from the first time point and took his sixth stage win. photo:CorVos
Tadej Pogacar (Slovenia, UAE Team Emirates) comfortably reaches the finish line. photo:CorVos
Tadej Pogacar (Slovenia, UAE Team Emirates) celebrates his stage and overall victory with his waiting teammates. photo:CorVos
In an interview immediately following the race, Pogacar said, “After two tough years in the Tour, I’m so happy with this result that I have no words.” In addition to his third overall victory since 2021, he also achieved a double Tour with the Giro d’Italia for the first time since 1998, when Marco Pantani (Italy) achieved it.
“Even in the Giro I had bad days, but for the first time in a Grand Tour I was able to ride with confidence on all the stages. Some people may have thought that winning the overall Giro was an insurance policy in case I didn’t achieve results in the Tour. Of course, even if I don’t win the Tour, I’d be happy enough with just the Giro, but winning consecutive Tours is on a different level. I’m really happy and proud. My next goal is to wear the Arc-en-ciel. It will be difficult to beat (current world champion) Van der Poel, but I still have time so I’ll start preparing.”
Regarding the overall competition in this tournament, which was called the Big Four, he said, “In terms of the overall competition, I would say that we are currently in the best era in the history of road cycling. In addition to the battle between Remco (Evenepoel), Jonas (Vingegaard), and Primoz (Roglic), young riders are also emerging. I think we are living in a truly wonderful era.”
2024 Tour de France overall podium: 2nd Jonas Wingegaard (Denmark, Visma-Leather Bike), 1st Tadej Pogacar (Slovenia, UAE Team Emirates), 3rd Remco Evenepoel (Belgium, Soudal-QuickStep) photo:CorVos
Wingegaard, who came second in the stage, maintained his second place overall, and Evenepoel, despite it being his Tour debut, not only won the maillot blanc (Young Rider award), but also became the first Belgian rider to reach the overall podium in 14 years (3rd place overall). Guillemay won the maillot blanc, and Richard Carapaz (Ecuador, EF Education Easy Post), who won the polka dot mail (mountain award), was also selected as the overall courage award winner.
On June 29th, 141 athletes started in Florence, Italy and arrived in Nice. The ceremony to honor the athletes was held not on the Champs-Élysées, but on the podium in Nice overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, bringing the curtain down on the 111th Tour de France, which lasted for 21 days.
The 111th Tour de France has come to an end following 21 days of fighting. photo:CorVos
Tadej Pogačar Triumphs in Spectacular Tour de France Finale
The 111th Tour de France concluded in dramatic fashion with a thrilling individual time trial from Monaco to Nice. Slovenian cycling prodigy Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) clinched his third overall victory in as many years, reaffirming his dominance in the sport. This monumental achievement also marked his first-ever double tour win, having triumphed in the Giro d’Italia earlier this year.
A Grand Finale in Nice
For the first time in history, the Tour de France finale unfolded outside of Paris, taking place in the picturesque city of Nice, a renowned European resort destination. The final stage was replaced with an individual time trial, a departure from the usual flat stage and traditional celebratory parade. It was the first time since 1989 that the Tour concluded with a time trial, echoing the legendary comeback of Greg LeMond (USA), who secured his second overall victory on such a stage.
The 33.7km course, starting in Monaco, the home of countless elite athletes including Pogačar himself, featured a challenging profile. The initial flat road gave way to a second-class climb spanning 8km with a 5.8% average gradient. After a brief descent, the riders tackled the Col d’Eze, a familiar sight from the Paris-Nice race, showcasing a steep 1.6km ascent with an 8.1% average incline. The final stretch saw the riders navigate a descent followed by rolling flats to the finish line in Nice.
A Farewell to Legends
The final stage saw the farewell of several cycling legends. Mark Cavendish (Great Britain, Astana Kazakhstan), a multiple stage winner and the all-time leading Tour de France stage winner, completed his final Tour race to a chorus of cheers. Simon Geschke (Germany, Cofidis) also bid adieu to professional cycling following a distinguished career.
A Tense Battle for the Yellow Jersey
The race unfolded with suspense as riders battled for every second. Renee Martinez (France, Groupama-FDJ), an early starter, set a formidable benchmark with a time of 48 minutes 24 seconds. Other notable figures, like Biniyam Ghirmay (Eritrea, Intermarche Wanty), who secured three stage wins and the coveted green jersey (points jersey), also put in strong performances.
Haroldo Tejada (Colombia, Astana Kazakstan), however, surpassed Martinez’s time by 10 seconds, taking over the lead. Notable contenders like Neilson Powless (USA, EF Education Easypost) and Quentin Pache (France, Groupama-FDJ) fell short of Tejada’s mark. Wout van Aert (Belgium, Visma Liesaabike), an Olympic contender, rode at a controlled pace, prioritizing preparation for the upcoming Paris Games.
Derek Gee (Canada, Israel Premier Tech), a Tour debutant, surged to the top of the standings with a strong performance, beating Tejada’s time by 19 seconds at the first intermediate measurement. He ultimately secured a sixth-place finish on the stage and a top-10 overall position.
Matteo Jorgenson (USA, Visma Leasure Bike), despite a fall in a corner, displayed resilience, recording a time of 47 minutes 32 seconds, beating Gee’s time. Adam Yates (Great Britain, UAE Team Emirates), Mikel Landa (Spain, Soudal-QuickStep), and Joao Almeida (Portugal, UAE Team Emirates) fell behind Jorgenson’s impressive time.
A World Champion’s Powerful Performance
Remco Evenepoel (Belgium, Soudal-QuickStep), the reigning world time trial champion, took to the track with a fierce determination. With a strategic gear configuration, he comfortably outpaced Gee’s fastest time by 36 seconds in the first measurement. This lead extended to 46 seconds in the second measurement, culminating in an impressive final time of 46 minutes 38 seconds with an average speed of 43km/h.
Despite a tear-filled reaction upon crossing the finish line, Evenepoel didn’t secure the hot seat. His time was overtaken by two subsequent riders.
Jonas Wingegaard’s Determined Challenge
Jonas Wingegaard (Denmark, Visma Leaserbaik), in a relentless chase for the second overall position, started strong, surpassing Evenepoel’s time by 19 seconds at the first measurement. With a meticulously chosen gear ratio, he maintained a consistent lead, registering a time of 46 minutes 27 seconds, a remarkable 11-second improvement over the world champion.
Tadej Pogačar’s Unstoppable Triumph
As the last rider to start, Pogačar (60-46T front, 11-34T rear), fueled by an undeniable confidence, took to the race with relentless energy. From the outset, his performance demonstrated a remarkable determination. He claimed the top time at the first measurement, surpassing Wingegaard’s time by 7 seconds. His performance was a testament to his unwavering focus and years of training. He ultimately crossed the finish line in Nice, greeted by a throng of excited fans, in an awe-inspiring time of 45 minutes 25 seconds, a staggering 1 minute 3 seconds faster than the current world champion.
Pogačar’s victory was a resounding affirmation of his dominance and marked his sixth stage win of the Tour. In a heartfelt interview following the race, he expressed his profound joy, stating, “After two tough years in the Tour, I’m so happy with this result that I have no words.” He attributed his success to a newfound confidence throughout the race, “Even in the Giro I had bad days, but for the first time in a Grand Tour I was able to ride with confidence on all the stages.”
A Legacy Forged in Grit and Skill
Pogačar’s overall victory, his third in a row, cemented his place in cycling history. This achievement also marked his historic double tour win, following his Giro d’Italia triumph earlier in the year. His remarkable feat echoed the legendary Marco Pantani (Italy), the last rider to achieve a double-tour win in 1998.
Facing the Future with Ambition
With his future goals firmly set, Pogačar expressed his ambition to wear the coveted Rainbow Jersey: “My next goal is to wear the Arc-en-ciel. It will be difficult to beat (current world champion) Van der Poel, but I still have time so I’ll start preparing.”
He shed light on the exceptional era in road cycling, calling it “the best era in the history of road cycling,” highlighting the intense rivalry amongst top riders like Remco Evenepoel, Jonas Wingegaard, and Primoz Roglic, and the emergence of exceptional young talents. “I think we are living in a truly wonderful era.”
Celebrating the Champions
Jonas Wingegaard’s second-place finish in the final stage secured his second-place overall position. Remco Evenepoel, in his Tour debut, claimed the maillot blanc (Young Rider award) and became the first Belgian rider to secure an overall podium position in 14 years, finishing third overall. Guillaumey garnered the green jersey (points jersey), while Richard Carapaz (Ecuador, EF Education Easy Post), awarded the polka dot jersey (mountain award), also received the overall courage award.
The 111th Tour de France, a 21-day epic, concluded on a high note, with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the future of cycling. As the curtain drew close, the athletes were honored not on the Champs-Élysées, but on a podium overlooking the glittering Mediterranean Sea in Nice, marking the end of an unforgettable race.
