Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Colombia's Egan Bernal Makes History as Tour de France Champ Lisa Bryant PARIS - Updated July 27, 4:25PM Twenty-two-year-old Egan Bernal has become the first Colombian to win the Tour de France -- and the youngest cyclist to place first in more than a century. Welshman Geraint Thomas placed second and Dutchman Steven Kruijswijk third. The 2019 edition of the Tour de France was marked by high drama, including sharp weather swings and a crushing defeat for the French. Only towards the end did a clear winner emerge in Colombia's Egan Bernal. Interviewed on French TV ahead Sunday's final sprint from the town of Rambouillet to Paris, Bernal said he was still trying to digest the events. He said he felt good as he raced but was counting each kilometer that passed. Only when he crossed the line on the next-to-last stage of the race, did he realize he would win. .