Tadej Pogacar's rapacious appetite for stage wins was in evidence yet again in the climbs of the Vosges on Saturday, as he raced to his fourth victory of this year's Tour de France at Le Markstein. The Tour de France leader showed his class on the steepest climb, leaving rivals in his wake.
Pogacar's Decisive Attack on the Col de Haag
Pogacar's attack came 1.6km from the summit of the final climb, the Col de Haag, and 7.5km from the finish line. This move once again left Jonas Vingegaard, Paul Seixas, and Remco Evenepoel struggling to keep pace. It was the Slovene's 25th stage win in the Tour, cementing his status as a dominant force.
Get the #1 Wireless Door Camera
REOLINK Bestseller: 2K Weatherproof Video Doorbell, No Monthly Fees.
“We knew today was one of the hardest mountain stages,” the four-time Tour champion said, “but we grabbed the opportunity.” He added, “We made it hard and the other guys showed fight, so big respect to all the rivals, but I couldn't waste good legs.”
Race Standings and Future Prospects
With a week's racing to come, Vingegaard is the only rider in the overall standings within five minutes of Pogacar. Despite that gap, Vingegaard insisted the race was far from over. “In 2023, I lost two minutes to Jonas in the time trial and the next day I lost eight minutes, so it's quite obvious anything can change in one day,” Pogacar noted.
Speculation is growing that Pogacar may compete in the Vuelta a España in August, the only Grand Tour he has yet to win. Prince Albert of Monaco confirmed, “Pogacar said he would be at the start, so I hope that happens.” A win in the Vuelta would achieve a grand slam of Europe's three Grand Tours.
Key Takeaways from the Stage
- Pogacar's fourth stage win showcases his incredible climbing ability and race tactics.
- The attack on the Col de Haag was a decisive moment, leaving top contenders behind.
- Vingegaard remains the closest rival, but the gap is significant with one week remaining.
- Speculation about a Vuelta appearance adds excitement to Pogacar's season.
Comparison of Top Riders After Stage 14
| Rider | Stage Wins | Time Behind Leader |
|---|---|---|
| Tadej Pogacar | 4 | 0:00 |
| Jonas Vingegaard | 1 | +4:45 |
| Remco Evenepoel | 0 | +6:12 |
| Tom Pidcock | 0 | +12:30 |
As Pogacar was enjoying another victory, Tom Pidcock was suffering, paying heavily for the efforts he made on the previous day's stage to Belfort. The double Olympic champion's podium challenge came apart on the early slopes of the Col de Haag.
FAQ
How many stage wins does Pogacar have in the 2024 Tour de France?
Tadej Pogacar has four stage wins in the 2024 Tour de France after his victory on Stage 14 at Le Markstein.
Who is Pogacar's biggest rival in the overall standings?
Jonas Vingegaard is the closest rival, sitting within five minutes of Pogacar in the general classification.
Will Pogacar race in the Vuelta a España this year?
Yes, Prince Albert of Monaco confirmed that Pogacar said he would be at the start of the Vuelta, making it highly likely.
Browse Grand Goldman Shop
Discover unique craftsmanship home decor at Grand Goldman Shop.
8 drawer wood dresser chest | gold metal handle dresser | bedroom storage chest organizer | queen bed with nightstands set | walnut brown bedroom furniture | modern 3 piece bedroom set | fabric chest of drawers organizer | maple wood top storage tower | 2 tier entryway dresser unit | glass display cabinet with shelves | black two door glass cabinet | 3 shelf curio display cabinet