Tour de France: Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard wins first title as British driver Geraint Thomas finishes third | World News
Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard won the 109th Tour de France as the world-famous race came to a traditional finish on Paris’s Champs Elysees.
Dane safely crossed the line in Paris on Sunday, hand in hand mostly for the final rite of passage with his teammates, deciding to enjoy the celebrations in the main pack instead of taking part in it. battle to cross the line first.
Vingegaard had a comfortable overall victory, over its nearest opponent, Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia, over three and a half minutes.
“It’s unbelievable,” Dane said after crossing the line.
“Now I’ve finally won the Tour. Now nothing can go wrong and I’m sitting here with my daughter and it’s unbelievable.
“It’s the biggest bike race of the year, the biggest race you can win and now I’ve done it and no one can take this away from me.
“I’m very happy with my win now. Of course I want to celebrate, I want to relax, but then I always want more.”
Vingegaard also won the polka dot jersey, which is given to the driver who scores the most points from the different climbing stages of the tournament.
Jonas Vingegaard next to Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and Geraint Thomas of the UK. Photo: AP
Former winner Geraint Thomas, 36, finished the podium overall, after finishing more than seven minutes ahead of Vingegaard’s pace.
“I’m still making the most of it,” said the Welshman.
“As I’ve said many times now, I’m much closer to the end of my career than I started, so really make the most of it, get in and enjoy days like these because they are also doesn’t show up anymore.”
The fight for the coveted yellow jersey is traditionally wrapped up in the final period of time trials on Saturday, so most drivers can enjoy Sunday through Paris with a glass of champagne, while the sprinters won the right to the middle round.
Vingegaard and Wout van Aert enjoy the celebrations on the final stage. Photo: AP
Instead, Belgian driver Jasper Philipsen won the last race under the sun in Paris, followed by Dutch driver Dylan Groenewegen and Alexander Kristoff of Norway.
Philipsen, who won his first Tour on stage 15 in Carcassonne, said: “I couldn’t believe it, it was a childhood dream come true. This will take some time to realize. I am very proud of the team. That we can end a Tour like this is the cherry on the cake.
“I think that’s ideal for me. I’m in a great position and I think Dylan is forced to start early and I can be in his rotation and make my final sprint when I’m happy and proud – to win the Champs-Élysées is any sprinter’s dream.”
The green jersey, given to the driver with the most points from the sprints, went to Belgium’s Wout van Aert.
