Pogacar refuses to confirm his participation in the 2026 Tour de France during his memorable podium speech

“I'm still not really used to doing this. I'm not really comfortable speaking in front of so many people, with a microphone in my hand and all the cameras focused on us,” Pogacar began in his yellow jersey in Paris. “Above all, I want to say that it is an honor and a pleasure to be on the podium with my two strongest opponents from the race. I have a lot of respect for you both, and it was a great battle in the greatest Tour de France.”

Shortly after stage 21, Pogacar also had kind words for Vingegaard, whom he met before the start of the stage. “I spoke with Jonas about how much has changed in recent years. We've been racing against each other in the Tour for five years now and pushing each other to a higher level. We have to push our limits to beat each other, so I have to give him credit for that. He fought really hard, and I want to congratulate him on that.”

“I am very happy and proud to be here, and I have to thank everyone from my family to my team for that. Thank you for all your support, also on the road,” Pogacar continued. The Slovenian had enjoyed all the support in the Tour de France, which he said was almost entirely positive. “There was almost no bad vibes along the way, which was really nice to see on all the climbs. So many kids were there too, cheering for everyone and not just for one rider.”

“That was wonderful to see and to experience. It was one of the toughest Tours I've ever done, so hats off to everyone who made it to the finish. And when Pogacar couldn't think of how to end his speech, the organizers next to him started shouting for him to announce his participation for 2026. Pogacar didn't do that yet. “Maybe I'll be back!”