PEYRAGUDES, France — Tadej Pogačar once again proved why he’s the man to beat at the Tour de France, delivering a masterclass in Friday’s punishing uphill time trial to solidify his dominance and extend his overall lead.
The stage, set in the heart of the Pyrenees, was nothing short of brutal. Following twelve already punishing days of racing, riders were dealt yet another test of endurance and grit. The course began with a 1.8-mile flat section before tilting skyward into the notorious Peyragudes climb—a relentless 5-mile ascent with severe gradients that left no room for error or recovery.
Launching last from the start ramp as the race leader, Pogačar set a blistering pace from the outset. He gained five seconds on time trial world champion Remco Evenepoel and held an eight-second advantage over rival Jonas Vingegaard at the first intermediate checkpoint.
But it was on the climb where the Slovenian superstar truly separated himself from the competition. As the road rose sharply, Pogačar surged ahead, conquering the mountain with unmatched power and precision. He crossed the finish line at Peyragudes with a commanding 36-second margin over Vingegaard, while Primož Roglič took third, trailing by 1:20.
Evenepoel struggled during the climb, eventually being overtaken by Vingegaard, who had started two minutes after him. The effort was enough to keep the Belgian in third overall, though his podium spot is now at risk, with Germany’s Florian Lipowitz just six seconds behind.
Pogačar’s victory in Peyragudes marked his 21st career stage win at the Tour de France, and it came just a day after his decisive performance on the slopes of Hautacam, where he reclaimed the yellow jersey in dominant fashion. The UAE Team Emirates-XRG leader now enjoys a 4-minute and 7-second cushion over second-placed Vingegaard in the general classification.
Unless disaster strikes, Pogačar looks poised to claim his fourth Tour title when the race concludes in Paris on July 27. His form has been nearly untouchable all season, and he continues to demonstrate why he’s considered one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Meanwhile, Vingegaard, who suffered heavy time losses in the Hautacam stage, managed to limit the damage in the time trial. Unlike most riders who chose traditional road bikes, he opted for a dedicated time trial machine and an aerodynamic helmet to gain an edge.
Looking ahead, the riders face another grueling challenge in Saturday’s Stage 14. The route runs from Pau to the ski resort of Luchon-Superbagnères and includes four major mountain climbs, culminating in a relentless 7-mile ascent to the finish. With more elevation and fatigue ahead, the Tour de France remains a war of attrition—and Pogačar continues to lead the charge.
