Tadej Pogacar further solidified his lead in the Tour de France by conquering the Alpe d’Huez stage, increasing his overall advantage to over seven minutes against his closest competitors.
Despite rumors of health issues and gastrointestinal troubles within his UAE Emirates XRG team, the defending champion’s victory on the iconic Alpe climb seemed almost predestined.
Pogacar’s climbing time of 35 minutes and 26 seconds not only secured him the stage win but also eclipsed the longstanding record of Marco Pantani, set in 1997, by more than a minute.
“I’m not sure what Pantani’s time was,” Pogacar remarked. “I don’t focus too much on records, but I heard I broke it, and that makes me happy.” He added, “I would say this victory is just as significant as any other, but now that everyone is highlighting its importance, I might start to appreciate it more. My goal was simply to race well and win. Breaking a record that has stood for over thirty years is certainly a positive for us.”
Earlier this week, speculation circulated regarding Pogacar’s switch from yellow to black shorts, with one French TV commentator humorously suggesting it was to hide excessive flatulence. However, on the Alpe, the color of his shorts was irrelevant as he asserted his dominance.
The only “wind” associated with the four-time Tour champion, who is on the verge of a potential fifth victory in Paris this Sunday, came from his consistent and powerful climbing technique as he navigated the 21 hairpin turns of the Alpe.
Pogacar appeared in peak form as he ascended the challenging 13.8-kilometer climb, known for hosting some of the Tour’s most thrilling finishes. With one last mountain stage still ahead, he seems poised for an overall win in Paris.
The saying that the Tour is often decided on the Alpe was once again validated by Pogacar’s overwhelming performance against his competitors. Despite a breakaway group leading by nearly four minutes with 25 kilometers remaining, Pogacar swiftly caught and surpassed them just three kilometers from the finish line.
Matxin Fernández, Pogacar’s sports director, was visibly emotional following the rider’s remarkable display. “I don’t understand why they get so emotional,” Pogacar commented about his team’s management. “I don’t often cry, but I suppose this victory means a lot to the team, reflecting our strong spirit and camaraderie. When we win, those emotions come out.”
An enthusiastic crowd, estimated at around 500,000 spectators, greeted the riders at the base of the Alpe, with some fans arriving six days in advance and others appearing too inebriated to remember why they were there.
The toll on his rivals was significant, with Remco Evenepoel being the least affected. The Belgian cyclist remains in second place overall, yet any aspirations of contesting for the title have dwindled. He and Pogacar’s teammate, Isaac del Toro, are now the only riders within ten minutes of the leader.
For teams still searching for success in this year’s Tour, the early climbs of Bayard and Noyer saw a substantial breakaway form. Among the leading group of 40 were notable names such as Richard Carapaz, Thymen Arensman—who won two stages in 2025—and Adam Yates, who recently recovered from illness and is a teammate of Pogacar.
Yates showcased a remarkable turnaround, having struggled with illness earlier in the week, barely finishing the stage to Voiron. However, as the main contenders tackled the initial steep sections of the Alpe, the dynamics of the race shifted dramatically when Pogacar accelerated.
This decisive move occurred 12 kilometers from the summit, leaving his nearest rivals behind. After teaming up with Yates, Pogacar began to close the gap on the breakaway group, eventually breaking away alone with 10 kilometers left.
The outcome of the stage was clear, demonstrating Pogacar’s relentless grip on the Tour. With five stage wins out of 19, he now looks forward to Saturday’s challenging “queen” stage, which includes four of the most demanding climbs in the Alps, presenting him with the opportunity for a sixth victory. Another win appears nearly certain.
