* 2018 was Pogacar's breakthrough year. He won the Tour de l'Avenir, a stage race for young riders often seen as a springboard for the Tour de France. He also won the mountains classification in that race.

It is 40 years since Bernard Hinault won the last of his five Tours de France. Since then, the host nation has waited — not always patiently — for a successor. But this year has produced some cheer for the home fans as they look ahead.

Tadej Pogačar won his fourth Tour de France title by a comfortable margin after Sunday’s final stage, which he tried to win even though he did not need to. The 26-year-old Slovenian rider won the Tour last year and in 2020 and 2021.