Pogacar’s Dominance on Tourmalet
Tadej Pogacar delivered a commanding solo performance on the Col du Tourmalet during stage six of the 2026 Tour de France, ultimately securing an emphatic overall lead. The stage concluded in Gavarnie-Gèdre, with Pogacar demonstrating significant strength in the Hautes-Pyrénées mountains. His ride on Thursday marked his 23rd Tour de France stage victory, allowing him to reclaim the coveted yellow jersey.
Pogacar’s ascent of the Tourmalet, a challenging 17.1-kilometre climb, showcased his ability to distance his rivals. He covered the final 43 kilometres of the stage alone, crossing the finish line two minutes, 38 seconds ahead of his primary challenger, Jonas Vingegaard. This performance has been described as one of his most significant victories, with Pogacar stating it ranks among his top five Tour de France wins.
The pace set by Pogacar’s UAE Team Emirates XRG at the base of the Tourmalet was intense, creating a difficult environment for other riders. The climb effectively reduced the peloton to just 16 riders by its midway point. Among those who struggled to maintain the pace were Thymen Arensman, leading the Netcompany Ineos team, and Tom Pidcock of Pinarello Q36.5.
Impact on Rivals and Overall Standings
Pogacar’s performance on the Tourmalet had a significant impact on the morale of his competitors. His lead, which was under half a minute at the La Mongie ski station, extended to nearly three minutes by the time he reached Gavarnie-Gèdre. Vingegaard, despite his efforts, conceded 2 minutes, 38 seconds to Pogacar by the finish line and did not contest the sprint.
The overall standings now show Vingegaard trailing Pogacar by 2 minutes, 42 seconds. Pogacar’s teammate, Isaac del Toro, currently holds third place overall, finishing 2 minutes, 57 seconds behind Pogacar in stage six. Other notable riders like Remco Evenepoel, the Olympic time trial champion, and French favourite Paul Seixas were also part of a group pursuing Pogacar but could not match his pace.
The stage also proved challenging for the overnight leader, Torstein Traeen. He was dropped before the summit of the Tourmalet and later experienced a crash on the descent, requiring medical attention before he could resume the race. Traeen finished the stage almost 30 minutes behind Pogacar, marking a calamitous day for him.
Looking Ahead in the Tour
Pogacar’s current advantage is seen as both physical and psychological, potentially discouraging rivals from directly challenging him for the overall victory. Many competitors may now focus on securing a podium finish or a top-five position. With two stages already won by Pogacar and one gifted to his teammate Isaac del Toro, he appears to be in full control of the race.
The early stages of the 2026 Tour de France, characterized by Pyrenean climbs and hot conditions, have already taken a toll on the riders, with an increasing number of abandonments. Among those who withdrew was Cian Uijtdebroeks of the Movistar team, who suffered from gastrointestinal problems and a fever since the race began.
Pogacar’s dominant display on the Tourmalet suggests he is well-positioned for a potential fifth overall victory in Paris on July 26. He is now the fifth most prolific stage winner in Tour de France history, with 23 wins, including 11 in the Pyrenees.
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Source: theguardian.com
