Pogačar wore the leader’s yellow jersey for the first time as the race completed the ceremonial final stage from Mantes-la-Jolie to Paris, having overhauled fellow Slovenian Primož Roglič in yesterday’s time trial.

The 122-kilometre stage was conducted at a traditionally leisurely pace as the peloton approached Paris, with crowds greeting the riders as they entered the French capital.

Racing officially began inside the final 60 kilometres with several riders attempting to break away from the main field to deny the sprinters the expected finish.

None of the attacks proved successful with teams ensuring the bunch sprint would conclude the race.

Bennett confirmed his status as the top sprinter at this year’s race by sprinting to his second stage victory in a time of 2 hours, 53min and 32sec.

He was followed across the line by world champion Mads Pedersen of Denmark and Slovakia’s Peter Sagan.

Sagan congratulated Bennett at the finish with the stage winner having ended the Slovakian’s dominance of the Tour de France points classification.

Sagan had won the classification in seven of the past eight editions of the race, but was forced to settle for second place behind Bennett this year.

The sprinters were followed across the line by Pogačar, with the Team UAE Emirates rider finishing safely in the peloton to secure the Tour de France title.

Pogačar becomes the youngest winner of the race since 1904 and the first Slovenian cyclist to secure the title.

"It’s really crazy to be the winner of the Tour de France," Pogačar said.

"Even if I’d come second or further in the ranking, it would still be nice to be here. 

"This is just the top of the top, I can’t describe it with words. 

"Today was a very special day with my team-mates. 

"Finally I had some time to talk with them on the bike. 

"The other days, it was just racing full gas. 

"I think every rider from the peloton congratulated me today, this sport is amazing."

Pogačar, who turns 22 tomorrow, also triumphed in both the best young rider and King of the Mountains classifications.

Roglič finished as the runner-up at 59 seconds behind the winner, with Australia’s Richie Porte celebrating his maiden Tour de France podium in third at 3min 30sec down.

Switzerland’s Marc Hirschi, the winner of stage 12, was named the most combative rider of this year’s race.

The attendance of fans was limited at the finish in Paris, although spectators had been present on the rider’s arrival into the capital.

The Tour de France has confounded concerns the race could be halted due to the coronavirus pandemic, which had forced the event to be postponed from its traditional July dates to September.