Pogacar on Verge of Third Tour de France Title as Carapaz Takes Queen Stage

Tadej Pogacar is all but certain to win the 2024 Tour de France after maintaining a commanding overall lead, even as Ecuador's Richard Carapaz claimed a dramatic victory on the punishing Queen stage in the Alps. With just two stages remaining, Pogacar holds a lead of more than four minutes over his closest rival, effectively ending the race for the yellow jersey. Carapaz, riding for EF Education-EasyPost, attacked early on the final climb and held off the chasing pack, securing his second stage win of the race and a career highlight. The Queen stage, featuring three iconic Alpine passes, was expected to be the last chance for rivals to erase Pogacar's lead, but the Slovenian cyclist matched all attacks and finished safely in the main group. The UAE Team Emirates rider has dominated the race since the first week, winning two individual stages and leading the mountains classification. Pogacar's victory would be his third Tour de France win, matching his previous triumphs in 2020 and 2021. The final stage, a mostly ceremonial ride into Paris on Sunday, is unlikely to change the general classification. For fans, the race has offered a mix of dominant tactics and dramatic solo breakaways, with Carapaz's stage win providing a bright spot for viewers seeking competition. The 26-year-old Pogacar has credited his team for controlling the race and said he will focus on enjoying the final day. Organizers have praised the route for testing riders but acknowledged that Pogacar's superiority has reduced uncertainty in the general classification. Attention now turns to the battle for the remaining podium spots, with Jonas Vingegaard of Jumbo-Visma in second and Jai Hindley of Bora-Hansgrohe in third.