PARIS — The Tour de France entered its penultimate stage on Saturday, with Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates defending the yellow jersey as the general classification battle approached its conclusion.

Riders faced one of the race's last opportunities to alter the standings. The final stage into Paris on Sunday is typically ceremonial, with the overall winner rarely challenged on the Champs-Elysees.

Pogacar had carried the yellow jersey through the mountain stages of the third week, having tested his rivals in the Pyrenees earlier in the race. His UAE Team Emirates squad worked to protect his advantage across the closing days.

Sprinters and breakaway specialists targeted Saturday's route as one of their remaining chances for a stage victory. Teams without a yellow jersey contender concentrated their efforts on securing individual stage wins and points classification honours.

The outcome of Saturday's stage was expected to shape the final podium in Paris, where the overall champion, points leader and king of the mountains would be crowned at the conclusion of the three-week race.