For the fourth time in his career, Tadej Pogačar found himself on the podium on the Champs-Élysées as winner of the 2025 Tour de France, but the Slovenian champion admitted that he was still not entirely comfortable with the spotlight on him.

"I still haven't gotten used to speaking in front of so many people with a microphone and all the cameras on us," confessed the 26-year-old, despite having won four Tours, the rainbow jersey, and countless successes in the Classics.

Dominant yet deliberately humble, Pogačar thanked his podium companions Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe). With Vingegaard in particular, he set a historic record: it's the first time two riders have shared the Tour podium for five consecutive years, in what proved to be more of a relationship of mutual respect than a heated rivalry.

"It's an honor and a pleasure to be on this podium alongside the two best riders in the race. It was a really tough Tour de France, and I'm extremely happy and proud to be here," said the Slovenian.

The winner then thanked his family, team, and fans who supported him along the French roads, where he's now considered a true rock star: "The fans were incredible, almost no hostility during the 21 stages. It was beautiful to see so many children cheering on all the riders, not just one."

Despite the large victory margin, Pogačar emphasized how tough this edition was: "It was one of the hardest Tours I've ever done, so I owe a lot of respect to all the riders who completed it."

He concluded with his characteristic humor: "What more can I say, I don't know... maybe I'll be back," he joked before saying his final goodbyes, once again confirming his ability not to take himself too seriously despite his successes.

Sprint Cycling Photos