Unflappable Vingegaard topples brave Pogacar in riveting Tour

PARIS : There was an exhilarating retro feeling as Jonas Vingegaard claimed his maiden Tour de France title after an epic battle with Tadej Pogacar, who defended his crown until the bitter end, the pair laying the platform for a potentially historic rivalry.

Vingegaard's triumph was effectively sealed in the Alps, where his mighty Jumbo-Visma team's all-in collective offensive overwhelmed defending champion Pogacar.

Pogacar, nicknamed "Baby Cannibal" for his swashbuckling racing style which drew comparisons with the great Eddy Merckx, tanked on the final climb up to the lung-busting Col du Granon, his face a mask of exhaustion and despair having had to cover countless attacks from Vingegaard and his team mates.

The 23-year-old Slovenian, who last year became the youngest rider to win back-to-back Tour titles, threw everything, and the kitchen sink at Vingegaard, but the Dane remained unflappable as Jumbo-Visma controlled the rest of the race.

Pogacar took big risks in a last-gasp attempt in the last mountain stage to Hautacam, Vingegaard going off balance on the descent from the Col de Spandelles after being pushed to the limit.

It was, however, the defending champion who skidded into the gravel after overcooking a turn. It signalled his defeat, but Pogacar said there was no better way to lose the Tour.

Vingegaard won at the top of Hautacam, where his compatriot Bjarne Riis had prevailed after one of the most staggering efforts seen in the race, on his way to clinching the 1996 Tour.

Vingegaard's team mate Wout van Aert was instrumental in the Dane's success as the Belgian all-rounder sealed the green jersey for the points classification, winning sprints but also featuring in breakaways and taking monstruous turns in the