Tadej Pogacar hints at Isaac del Toro succession plan after 'goosebumps' moment on Stage 20 of Tour de France - ‘I won’t be doing this for too long’
Updated 26/07/2026 at 19:51 GMT+1
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Moments after crossing the finish line side by side with his UAE Team Emirates-XRG team-mate Isaac del Toro on Stage 20 of the Tour de France, Tadej Pogacar hinted that the Mexican could be ready to be his long-term successor.
‘Goosebumps’ – Pogacar on emotions after finish line celebration with Del Toro
Video credit: TNT Sports
Pogacar had all but sealed a record-equalling fifth Tour de France triumph on Saturday afternoon, while late drama saw Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) claim another stage victory following two late falls from Sepp Kuss (Visma-Lease a Bike).
Ahead of the finale in Paris on Sunday, Pogacar led his closest contender Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) by almost seven minutes.
Pogacar put himself in pole position on Friday with a performance cycling great Chris Froome labelled as "epic" after his legendary climb on Alpe d’Huez.
Pogacar then joined an elite list including Eddy Merckx, Jacques Anquetil, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain to become the joint-most successful rider in the Tour's history after an epic finale on Sunday.
The 27-year-old had adopted a different approach on Saturday and dedicated his stage to supporting Del Toro and helped him seal a place on the GC podium.
Pogacar turned himself into a domestique to frustrate the likes of Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) and Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA-CGM). His efforts allowed team-mate Del Toro to cement third place in the GC and also the white jersey of best young rider.
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"I did my best today to help Isaac," Pogacar told Eurosport. "Massive respect for what all of the guys have been doing over the last three weeks.
"I finally experienced myself and before I already appreciated the work of my team-mates but now it’s another level and I must say thank you to every single one of them."
When asked if Del Toro was ready to become his long-term successor with the team, Pogacar replied: "Yeah I will definitely not be doing this for a long time and Isaac has showed great potential.
"But we don’t put any pressure on him. He’s still young, he’s a quick learner, super smart and has a big talent and big engine so let’s see where the road takes us.
"I’m happy to be with him in the team and that we can ride like this together."
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‘United to the last’ – Pogacar, Del Toro deliver special celebration at finish line
Video credit: TNT Sports
It has been a tricky few weeks for UAE with Brandon McNulty abandoning the race, while sickness also impacted Adam Yates and Tim Wellens, but overcoming adversity has appeared to bring the team closer together.
Pogacar added that he had "goosebumps" after crossing the line alongside Del Toro and explained why he had more appreciation for his team-mates.
"People will talk about how I helped Isaac get the podium, but before that he helped me get the yellow jersey, and the team even more so," Pogacar told reporters.
"Nils [Politt], Florian [Vermeersch] on the flat; Felix [Grosschartner], the road captain who made the decisions; Adam who has always sacrificed himself, like Brandon, from the very beginning.
"Today it was an honour to ride for Isaac for the last two hours of the race. I did it gladly and realised how hard it is to ride for someone."
Highly unprecedented and highly unusual
Speaking on The Breakaway after the stage, TNT Sports expert Matt Stephens explained the reasons behind why Pogacar was so willing to help Del Toro less than 24 hours after blowing away his competition on Alpe d’Huez.
"Many of us have never ever seen it and what we saw was highly unprecedented," he said. "We saw Tadej Pogacar take it up on the Galibier.
"[He's thinking] I can actually win this bike race and control the bunch and do what I want to do. I can determine if the break succeeds and also I can help this young man Isaac del Toro secure the white jersey.
"If you look back to the interview, he basically said I’m going to ride for Del Toro and that’s exactly what he did and we’ve never really seen it happen like that.
"It’s highly unusual, and we can discuss for ages and ages but I think that shows generosity and spirit. It also shows the utter control that Tadej Pogacar has on the Tour de France to ride like that.
"I’m wondering if there’s a concern from Tadej that his domination is actually affecting people’s perception of him. Was that part of the decision as well?
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Highlights: Carapaz conquers Alpe d’Huez as Pogacar closes in on fifth Tour de France
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"There were a couple of interviews midway through [the Tour] where there was almost an accusatory tone and he didn’t like it.
"I think he’s softened his domination and still showing that he can race on his terms but also soften his perception as well. I think that might have driven what we’ve seen today."
TNT Sports expert Robbie McEwen also credited Pogacar for showing his team spirit.
"Tadej Pogacar is a true team man," he added. "He does so many spectacular things and he gets the credit but he loves to pay tribute to his team, and he’s in a position now where he can help his team-mates.
"I think he just really appreciates the chance to give something back and they are a really tight-knit duo."
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