After more than 3,000 kilometres of racing since the Grand Départ in Barcelona, the stage marked the 116th Tour de France finish in Paris and the 51st on the Champs-Élysées.

The opening laps provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the riders who had survived three demanding weeks of racing, with the action beginning in earnest with 75 kilometres remaining when Baptiste Veistroffer (Lotto Intermarché) launched an attack. His moves were quickly neutralised by the fast-moving peloton.

As the race entered its final three laps, the general classification times were taken, and the peloton turned its attention to the Côte de la Butte Montmartre (1km at 6.5%). Xabier Mikel Azparren (Pinarello Q36.5) and Thibault Guernalec (TotalEnergies) were the first to crest the climb, but Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) powered to the front and led the way over the summit.

The gaps after the first ascent were minimal, allowing around 100 riders to regroup ahead of the penultimate lap. On the second ascent of Montmartre, UAE Emirates XRG raised the pace before Tadej Pogačar attacked.

Only Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) was able to follow the race leader to the top. Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) quickly bridged across, before Pedersen joined the select group with 23 kilometres remaining. However, Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team responded, and the peloton regrouped with 19 kilometres to go.

Van der Poel made his decisive move on the final ascent of the 2026 Tour de France. Pogačar responded immediately and the pair opened a gap of around 15 seconds over the chasers, with the peloton close behind. Riders from Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, Team Picnic PostNL, and Cofidis also remained in contention.

The advantage steadily diminished to 10 seconds with three kilometres to go to just five seconds as they entered the final kilometre. When Pogačar finally cracked under the pressure, Van der Poel launched one last acceleration with 600 metres remaining. The sprinters closed rapidly, but the Flying Dutchman held on to take a memorable victory. His teammate, Jasper Philipsen, finished second, while Pedersen completed the podium in third.

Pogačar crossed the line in 30th place to secure his fifth overall Tour de France title, adding the 2026 edition to his victories in 2020, 2021, 2024, and 2025. In doing so, he equalled the all-time record of five Tour de France wins held by Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain.

Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) is the first Danish conqueror of the green jersey, and the sixth rider to win the points standings in all three Grand Tours. Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) takes both the polka dot jersey and the Super Combativity award, as he did in 2024. Third overall, Isaac del Toro (UAE Emirates XRG) also takes home the white jersey as the winner of the young rider standings.

Source: letour.fr

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Senekal is an avid mountain biker and Executive Head: Strategic Partnerships at Old Mutual.

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“Every good ride starts with a plan. In the same way, good financial planning starts with understanding what matters to you and how to move forward.”

Inus Havenga, Advice Specialist at Old Mutual Personal Finance, explains it simply: “Every good ride starts with a plan. Cyclists think about where they’re going, what the route looks like, and what they need before they head out. In the same way, good financial planning starts with understanding what matters to you, what you already have in place, and how to move forward.”

Whether you are planning to buy a home, saving for your children’s education, or for your retirement, having a plan gives you a solid starting point and lays a stronger foundation for success.

A plan on its own isn’t enough.

What really makes the difference is what you do next.

In cycling, it’s about showing up, riding consistently, and pushing through when things get tough. Financially, it’s similar. It means saving regularly, managing your budget, and staying invested even when markets go through ups and downs. Without action, even the best plans remain theoretical, and just stay that – plans. Ultimately, success comes from turning plans into action.

Photo: Stew Nolan / Old Mutual Go2Berg

One of the biggest lessons from cycling is consistency.

You don’t build fitness overnight; it comes from putting in the effort repeatedly. The same goes for your finances. Small, regular contributions over time can grow into something meaningful. It’s not about doing everything at once, but about staying on track.

Adaptability plays an important role.

Cyclists deal with changing weather, tough terrain, and unexpected setbacks. Life works the same way. Your financial plan may need to adjust as things change, whether it’s your goals, your circumstances, or the broader environment. The key is to stay focused on where you’re going, while being flexible along the way.

And just like a cyclist can’t rely on performance alone, financial success does not only rely on growing your money.

Protection matters too.

When cycling, wearing a helmet and having the right gear is non-negotiable, it helps you keep going if something goes wrong. Financially, risk protection means making sure you are covered if a severe illness or disability occurs, so you and your family’s lifestyle and financial goals can stay on track. It may not always feel as rewarding as seeing your investments grow, but it can make all the difference when the unexpected happens.

At the heart of both cycling and financial planning is purpose.

When you know what you’re working towards, it’s easier to stay motivated and make the right decisions along the way. In cycling, you rely on preparation, consistency, and the right support. The same applies to your finances, bringing together planning, saving, protection, and regular check-ins.

You don’t have to do it alone.

In endurance cycling, many riders work with a coach, someone who provides structure, accountability, and expert guidance. Financial planning is no different. A financial adviser plays a similar role: helping you think ahead, spot risks, and stay on track. Their experience and expertise can help you figure things out and make informed financial decisions, especially when life throws a few curveballs.

With the guidance of a financial adviser, and the right balance in place, you can feel more confident navigating life’s ups and downs, one decision, and steady pedal stroke, at a time.

Click here to start the conversation with a financial adviser today.

Photo: Stew Nolan / Old Mutual Go2Berg

This content is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. It is recommended that you consult with a licensed financial adviser to discuss your personal financial and insurance needs.

All benefits are subject to the terms and conditions of the relevant policy.

Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (SA) Limited is a licensed FSP and life insurer.

For more information and Ts & Cs, visit www.oldmutual.co.za/disability

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