Tadej Pogacar secures a crucial win at Alpe d'Huez, moving closer to a record-equalling fifth Tour de France title.
New Delhi, India Jul 24, 2026 ALN: Defending champion Tadej Pogacar is on the verge of winning a record-equalling fifth Tour de France after taking a storming victory on stage 19 to Alpe d'Huez.
The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider pulled more than three minutes back on a breakaway group on the hors category final climb up to the famous ski resort, which was flanked by thousands of spectators from all around the world. This stage of the Tour, known for its challenging terrain and steep gradients, has historically been a decisive moment in the race, and this year was no exception.
Pogacar, 27, is aiming to become the joint-most successful rider in the Tour's history with five wins, alongside legends such as Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain. These riders are revered not only for their victories but also for their impact on the , setting benchmarks that future generations aspire to reach. Pogacar’s potential fifth title would solidify his status among these legends and further enhance his legacy in .
Despite the fierce competition this year, Pogacar has maintained a dominant lead over Belgium's Remco Evenepoel of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, currently sitting at seven minutes and 11 seconds ahead. This gap is significant, especially considering Evenepoel's improved climbing form this season, which has made him one of the notable challengers in the peloton. Pogacar's Mexican teammate Isaac del Toro remains in third place and leads the white jersey classification for young riders, nine minutes and 42 seconds behind the leader, showcasing the depth of talent within the UAE Team Emirates-XRG squad.
The peloton is set to tackle Alpe d'Huez once again on Saturday for the Tour's mountainous 'queen' stage, which includes an additional 2,000 meters of climbing. This stage is often seen as the ultimate test of a rider's endurance and climbing ability, and it is expected to have a significant impact on the overall classification as the Tour approaches its conclusion.
"It was very cool to win up here - it was a crazy atmosphere all climb and I'm thankful for the team that I could pull it off," said Pogacar after his victory. His acknowledgment of the team reflects the collaborative nature of professional , where individual success is often a result of collective effort. "When I heard some of the guys [were] dropped when [teammate] Felix [Grosschartner] set a super good pace at the beginning of the climb, I was already going full gas, as the breakaway was so strong. Every kilometre of Alpe d'Huez I had good legs and not many could follow [me]."
Pogacar's performance on the stage was remarkable; he crossed the line six seconds ahead of France's Lenny Martinez of Bahrain-Victorious, who expressed his frustration with the result by thumping his handlebars as he crossed the finish line. Ecuador's Richard Carapaz of EF Education-Easypost, who had shown great form in previous stages, finished just three seconds behind Martinez in third place. The competitive nature of the stage was highlighted by a breakaway group of over 40 riders that had established a significant lead over the peloton mid-stage. However, the main pack, led by Pogacar, gradually closed the gap, demonstrating the tactical complexity of racing in the Tour de France.
Martinez, Kuss from the USA's Visma-Lease a Bike, and Carapaz initially emerged as the front-runners as they began the ascent of Alpe d'Huez, known for its iconic switchbacks and steep gradients. However, Pogacar's strategy to launch a solo attack proved effective, as he set a record time on the final climb of 35 minutes and 27 seconds, surpassing the time set by Italy's legendary Marco Pantani in 1997. This record not only underscores Pogacar's physical capabilities but also his mental resilience, as he executed a well-timed attack in a high-pressure environment.
Yates Back from the Brink to Help Seal History
In achieving this remarkable time, Pogacar had set off alone in pursuit of the remaining riders in the breakaway when he encountered his British teammate Adam Yates further up the climb. Yates, who had previously been ill and struggled during the time trial, displayed commendable strength and determination to assist Pogacar during the final stages of the climb. His presence provided a much-needed morale boost for Pogacar, who expressed his gratitude, saying, "Adam gave me a good moral boost. I was so happy he is finally back after the day of the TT - he was so bad and I'm super happy to ride behind him on the climb." Yates’ ability to recover from illness and contribute significantly to the team’s success is a testament to his resilience and dedication to the .
Yates, who is contracted for another two seasons, has been a reliable domestique for Pogacar since 2023, playing a crucial role in supporting the team's strategies throughout the race. His identical twin brother Simon Yates retired earlier this year after a successful career, including a Grand Tour victory at the Giro d'Italia and a stage win at the Vuelta a España. The Yates brothers have made a notable impact on professional , and Adam's continued performance in the Tour further cements their legacy.
Further down the field, Denmark's Mads Pedersen of Lidl-Trek remains in the green points jersey, having stretched his lead over Belgium's Jasper Philipsen. The competition for the points classification is intense, with riders accumulating points based on their performance in intermediate sprints and stage finishes. Carapaz's aggressive riding style has earned him the polka-dot King of the Mountains jersey, putting him just one point ahead of Pogacar, highlighting the competitive nature of the Tour where multiple classifications are at stake.
Tour de France Stage 19 Results
Tour de France General Classification After Stage 19
The implications of Pogacar's performance are profound as the Tour approaches its climax. His ability to maintain a significant lead in the general classification not only reflects his physical prowess but also his strategic acumen in navigating the complexities of the race. As he eyes a potential fifth title, the world watches closely, eager to see if he can etch his name further into the annals of Tour de France history. The upcoming stages, particularly the 'queen' stage, will be critical in determining whether Pogacar can achieve this historic milestone or if challengers like Evenepoel and Carapaz can mount a successful challenge in the final days of the race.
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