Pogacar smashes alpe d’huez, extends tour lead by seven minutes
Tadej Pogacar delivered a stunning victory at the Alpe d’Huez, obliterating the course record and significantly bolstering his overall lead in the Tour de France. The Slovenian powerhouse clocked a blistering 35 minutes and 27 seconds, a full nine seconds faster than Marco Pantani’s legendary 1997 time.
A mountainous moment
This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. Pogacar, appearing remarkably unfazed despite earlier speculation about potential illness – rumors stemming from the loss of Brandon McNulty and Adam Yates’ struggles – seized control of the climb, reeling in a tenacious breakaway group led by Richard Carapaz and Lenny Martinez. He dropped them with ruthless efficiency, leaving them trailing by over a minute inside the final kilometer.
The gap widened rapidly. Initially, Pogacar struggled to dislodge Carapaz and Martinez, but a calculated second attack proved decisive, securing a 6-second victory over Martinez, pushing his overall advantage to a commanding seven minutes and eleven seconds over Remco Evenepoel. Evenepoel, attempting a late surge, couldn’t bridge the gap, solidifying Pogacar’s position as the overwhelming favorite.
A legacy etched in stone
This victory wasn’t merely about time; it was about history. Pogacar now stands as only the second rider to conquer the Alpe d’Huez in victory, following in the footsteps of Geraint Thomas in 2018. He’s adding his name to a list of 32 riders – starting with Fausto Coppi in 1952 – who have achieved this historic feat. The atmosphere, as he described it, was “crazy, crazy,” fueled by the unwavering support of his team.
Despite initial doubts surrounding his condition, Pogacar’s performance was a testament to his physical dominance and tactical acumen. Tom Pidcock, a stage winner here in 2022, battled valiantly but ultimately faded, finishing 20th and maintaining ninth overall as he prepares for Saturday’s challenging mountain stage.
The race now shifts its focus to the other side of the Alpe, a grueling test that will further define the hierarchy heading into Paris. But for now, Pogacar’s triumph on the hairpins of the Alpe d’Huez is a decisive blow, cementing his control of the Tour de France.”n