Tadej Pogacar conquered the legendary Alpe d'Huez in record time to win stage 19 of the Tour de France, extending his overall lead to over seven minutes and cementing his status as the race's dominant force.
The defending champion shattered Marco Pantani's 1997 climbing record by more than a minute, completing the 13.8 km ascent in 35 minutes and 26 seconds. "I don't know what the time of Pantani was," Pogacar said. "I don't take too much into that, but I heard that I broke the record, so I'm happy."
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Pogacar's Historic Climb on Alpe d'Huez
With 25 km remaining, the day's breakaway still held a nearly four-minute lead. But Pogacar accelerated relentlessly, catching and overtaking them three kilometers from the finish. His metronomic climbing style left rivals helpless as he sped up the 21 hairpin bends.
The victory came amid rumors of illness within his UAE Emirates XRG team. Yet the Slovene looked the picture of health, disproving speculation that a switch to black shorts was intended to conceal flatulence. On the Alpe, it didn't matter what color his shorts were—he still won.
Record-Breaking Performance Compared
Here's how Pogacar's climb compares to Pantani's legendary record:
| Rider | Year | Time (Alpe d'Huez) |
|---|---|---|
| Tadej Pogacar | 2024 | 35:26 |
| Marco Pantani | 1997 | 36:40 |
| Previous record before Pogacar | 1997 | 36:40 |
Pogacar's time shattered the 27-year-old record by over a minute, marking one of the greatest climbing performances in Tour history.
Key Takeaways from Stage 19
- Pogacar now has a seven-minute lead heading into the final mountain stage, making overall victory almost certain.
- The historic Alpe d'Huez climb is often decisive in the Tour, and this year was no exception.
- Despite team illness rumors, Pogacar performed flawlessly, proving his dominance.
- The record-breaking ascent adds to his legacy as a four-time Tour champion, now eyeing a fifth win.
With just one more mountain stage before Paris, the question is not whether Pogacar will win, but by how much. His sports director, Matxin Fernández, praised the team's strategy and Pogacar's resilience.
FAQ
What record did Tadej Pogacar break on Alpe d'Huez?
Pogacar broke Marco Pantani's 1997 climbing record of 36:40, finishing the 13.8 km ascent in 35 minutes and 26 seconds—a new fastest time.
How did Pogacar win stage 19 of the Tour de France?
He caught and overtook the breakaway within the final 3 km on the Alpe d'Huez climb, showcasing a powerful, metronomic style that left all rivals behind.
What does this mean for Pogacar's overall Tour de France chances?
With a lead of over seven minutes and only one mountain stage remaining, Pogacar is almost certain to secure his fifth Tour de France title on Sunday in Paris.
As the old adage goes, the Tour is won on the Alpe. Pogacar's latest demolition of his rivals proves that statement remains true. His name now joins the pantheon of cycling legends who conquered this iconic climb.
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