How did Van der Poel win the final stage on the Champs Elysees?

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Van der Poel Secured Final Stage Victory Through a Late, Solo Attack After a Joint Effort with Pogacar

Mathieu van der Poel won the final stage of the Tour de France on the Champs Elysees by launching a decisive solo move in the last 700 metres, ultimately holding off a fast-closing pack in a photo finish. This victory was the culmination of a daring 10km breakaway initiated with Tadej Pogacar after the Montmartre climb. Van der Poel described the win as a career dream, expressing surprise at finding the necessary strength to maintain his lead.
A Bold Breakaway on Montmartre

Van der Poel, a specialist in cobbled classics, initiated the decisive move alongside world champion Tadej Pogacar on the crowded Montmartre climb. The pair committed fully to their breakaway, pushing towards the finish line for approximately 10 kilometres while a group of sprinters gradually closed the gap from mere seconds behind. This bold strategy saw them maintain a lead for a significant portion of the stage's conclusion.
A Solo Surge in the Closing Kilometres

As the finish line neared, specifically within the final 700 metres, Van der Poel launched an independent surge. Pogacar, who had been instrumental in the breakaway, began to wilt under the sustained effort. Van der Poel's solo acceleration proved to be the winning move, allowing him to narrowly edge out the approaching field in a dramatic photo finish.
Doubts and a Close Call at the Line

Despite his victory, Van der Poel admitted to moments of doubt during the final sprint, stating he initially believed the chasing riders would catch him before the finish. He noted that it was his Alpecin Premier Tech teammate, Jasper Philipsen, who came closest to overtaking him in the final metres. This near-miss underscored the thrilling and uncertain nature of the stage's conclusion.
Unforeseen Strength and a Dream Fulfilled

Van der Poel expressed his astonishment at finding the reserves of energy required to hold on for the win, likening the effort to a Dutch saying about drawing strength from one's toes, though he conceded this surge did not originate from there. He articulated that winning this particular stage was a significant career ambition, making the victory a deeply personal and dream-like achievement.

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How did Van der Poel win the final stage on the Champs Elysees?

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