Defending champion Tadej Pogacar wins stage three of the Tour de France, taking the overall lead with a late surge.
New Delhi, India Jul 6, 2026 ALN: Defending Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar took victory on stage three of the Tour de France with a late acceleration to the line following a 195.9km route from Granollers to Les Angles.
The Slovenian also acquired the overall lead and yellow jersey after the stage winner's bonus points took him level on time with Denmark's Jonas Vingegaard of Visma-Lease a Bike, who had been in yellow since Saturday's opening stage. This early competition for the yellow jersey highlights the intense rivalry between the two cyclists, who have emerged as the leading figures in the current season.
Pogacar took control with around half a kilometre to go, taking Vingegaard and French darling Paul Seixas of Decathlon-CMA CGM by surprise with a blistering attack. This move showcased Pogacar's strategic acumen and physical prowess, as he managed to time his acceleration perfectly to outpace his competitors. Such tactical plays are crucial in a multi-stage race like the Tour de France, where every second counts.
Pogacar was led up the final category three climb by Sunday's stage winner and UAE Team Emirates-XRG team-mate Isaac del Toro of Mexico, who Pogacar had shepherded over the line the previous day while very clearly holding back his own pace. The importance of teamwork in the Tour de France cannot be overstated, as cyclists often rely on their teammates to set the pace, shield them from wind, and provide support during critical moments of the race.
On a sweltering hot day in the Pyrenees on the border between northern Spain and southern France, fans had been told to stay away from the area around Les Angles at the finish because of wildfires. The weather conditions have been particularly challenging this year, with temperatures soaring to extreme highs, which can affect the performance of the cyclists. Such conditions not only test the physical limits of the riders but also pose significant risks, including heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Temperatures could once again reach 40C in south-west France this week and have already exceeded 40C in parts of Portugal and Spain. The impact of climate on s events is becoming increasingly relevant, and the Tour de France is no exception. Organizers are tasked with ensuring the safety of both the athletes and the spectators, which has led to heightened security measures and adjustments in race logistics.
Pogacar, 27, is trying to claim his fifth Tour title to become the joint-most successful rider in Tour history, alongside Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain. Achieving this feat would not only solidify Pogacar's legacy in history but also enhance his status as one of the greatest cyclists of all time. The pressure to perform at such high levels is immense, and each stage presents a new set of challenges that can influence the overall outcome of the race.
"I got some extra power in the final [thanks to Del Toro] because he committed more than 100% in the final climb," said Pogacar. This statement reflects the camaraderie and mutual support that exists within professional teams, where individual success is often a product of collective effort. Pogacar further remarked, "All [of the] team in the middle of the stage said it is possible to go for the stage win and I'm really happy we started the Tour with this incredible finish today." His enthusiasm underscores the excitement and unpredictability that the Tour de France brings to both participants and fans alike.
"To take yellow is a dream for any cyclist of any age, so for me any time I can get it on my shoulders, it feels special." This sentiment resonates with many cyclists who aspire to wear the coveted yellow jersey, a symbol of leadership and excellence in the .
Ecuador's Richard Carapaz of EF Education Easypost finished third just ahead of Seixas, both two seconds down on Vingegaard. Carapaz's performance demonstrates the competitive nature of the race, as he continues to push the limits in pursuit of a top finish. The presence of multiple strong contenders in the race adds to the excitement, as fans eagerly anticipate how the competition will unfold in the coming stages.
The best-placed Briton on the day was Tom Pidcock of Pinarello-Q36.5 in 16th, 18 seconds down, alongside Colombia's Egan Bernal of British 'super team' Netcompany Ineos. Pidcock sits in 11th in the general classification, one minute 22 seconds down, with the highest-place Netcompany Ineos rider Thymen Arensman of the Netherlands in 16th, two minutes 19 seconds behind yellow. The performance of these riders indicates the depth of talent in the peloton, with numerous athletes capable of making significant moves in the standings as the race progresses.
1. Tadej Pogacar (Slo/UAE Team Emirates-XRG) 4hrs 45mins 11secs
2. Jonas Vingegaard (Den/Visma-Lease a Bike) +2secs
3. Richard Carapaz (Ecu/EF Education-Easypost) Same time
4. Paul Seixas (Fra/Decathlon-CMA CGM) "
5. Tobias Halland Johannessen (Nor/Uno X-Mobility) +4secs
6. Van Eetvelt Lennert (Bel/Lotto-Intermarche) same time
7. Florian Lipowitz (Ger/Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) "
8. Isaac del Toro (Mex/UAE Team Emirates-XRG) "
9. Remco Evenepoel (Bel/Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) +19secs
10. Juan Ayuso (Spa/Lidl-Trek) "
1. Tadej Pogacar (Slo/UAE Team Emirates-XRG) 8hrs 46mins 55secs
2. Jonas Vingegaard (Den/Visma-Lease a Bike) Same time
3. Remco Evenepoel (Bel/Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) +23secs
4. Isaac del Toro (Mex/UAE Team Emirates-XRG) +24secs
5. Juan Ayuso (Spa/Lidl-Trek) +27secs
6. Paul Seixas (Fra/Decathlon-CMA CGCM) +48secs
7. Florian Lipowitz (Ger/Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) +53secs
8. Lenny Martinez (Fra/Bahrain-Victorious) +1min 9secs
9. Tobias Halland Johannessen (Nor/Uno X-Mobility) +1min 11secs
10. Ilan van Wilder (Bel/Soudal-Wuick Step) +1min 17secs
As the Tour de France continues, the competition remains fierce, with Pogacar and Vingegaard set to battle for supremacy in the upcoming stages. Each rider's performance will be scrutinized as they navigate the demanding terrain and extreme weather conditions, making for an enthralling spectacle for enthusiasts around the world. The implications of this stage will reverberate throughout the race, influencing strategies and team dynamics as the riders aim to secure their positions and ultimately vie for the prestigious title.
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