Tour de France 2021 LIVE: Stage 21 latest updates as Tadej Pogacar looks to retain title today
Follow live updates from the final stage of this year’s Tour de France
This year’s edition of the Tour de France comes to a conclusion on the Champs-Elysees today, with two key storylines to follow.
Tadej Pogacar, who has been clad in the yellow jersey since stage seven, will look to become the youngest rider ever to retain the title. The 22-year-old Slovenian has been dominant over the last three weeks and seems a lock to win the race this afternoon, though the stage victory could go to another rider.
Mark Cavendish’s remarkable resurgence this summer has seen the Manx rider win four stages to equal the all-time overall stage wins record held by Eddy Merckx, and one more this afternoon would see the 36-year-old go clear of the Belgian legend. Cavendish in fact has history on the Champs-Elysees, which provides one of the fastest finishes in cycling, having won four times. A record fifth win there would of course give way to the Manxman claiming the record everyone has been talking about during this year’s race. Cavendish can also ensure he holds onto the green jersey with a stage victory, although it is likely he will not need the win to keep the points classification lead as his nearest challenger Michael Matthews is not expected to win in Paris.
Follow live updates from the final stage of the Tour de France below.
Tour de France latest: Stage 21
Geraint Thomas says ‘getting to Paris was an achievement’ ahead of the final stage.
He is also wearing a mask which reads ‘most laid back’. I’d go along with that.
Tour de France latest: Stage 21
Currently watching some scenic shots of France as the riders prepare to start the final stage of this year’s Tour.
They are currently trundling towards the depart reel.
Tour de France latest: Stage 21
Two of Britain’s best ever will grace the Champs-Elysees once more today.
Tour de France latest: Stage 21
Here’s a stat I didn’t know until earlier today. Chris Froome is one day older than Mark Cavendish.
Love that.
Tour de France latest: Stage 21
Here is Pogacar’s interview after he sealed a second Tour de France title yesterday.
Tour de France latest: Stage 21
Mark Cavendish has a 35 point advantage over Michael Matthews in the green jersey classification heading into the final stage today.
Matthews will have to win the stage and hope Cav messes up his sprint in a big way. The Australian will also almost certainly go for the intermediate 40 kilometres from the finish of the 108.4km route.
Tour de France latest: Stage 21
Easy to forget as well as the yellow jersey that Pogacar will also pick up the white and polkadot jerseys this afternoon, the second year in a row he has done so.
Tour de France latest: Stage 21
Tadej Pogacar is only the 21st rider to win the Tour de France more than once. The official record stands at five titles, with Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain all triumphing on five occasions.
Merckx labelled Pogacar a ‘cannibal’ earlier this week and said he believes Pogacar will win more than five Tours.
Tour de France latest: Stage 21
Van Aert confirmed yesterday that despite his time trial exertion and victory, he will still be sprinting on the Champs-Elysees today. He just never stops.
Tour de France latest: Stage 21
So, how long before the customary shot of Tadej Pogacar with a glass of Champagne? Given the riders set off at 3.15pm GMT, I’m going to say 3.16pm.
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