The 2026 Tour de France, set for its shortened finale on August 1st, has Tadej Pogacar as the frontrunner to claim his fifth victory. [1] The Irish Times reported that Pogacar is expected to join a select group of cycling legends who have won five Tours: Jacques Anquile, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain. Richard Carapaz, another strong contender in the race, has secured victory on stage 20. [1] irishtimes.com (2026-08-01 12:05)