Tadej Pogacar conquered Alpe d'Huez in record time during Stage 19 of the Tour de France, extending his overall lead to over seven minutes. The defending champion delivered a breathtaking performance on the legendary 13.8-kilometer climb, silencing rumors of illness within his UAE Emirates XRG team.
Pogacar's Historic Ascent
Pogacar's climbing time of 35 minutes and 26 seconds shattered the longstanding record set by Marco Pantani in 1997 by more than a minute. The four-time Tour winner showed metronomic consistency as he sped up the 21 hairpin bends, leaving rivals helpless.
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Record-Breaking Climb
“I don’t take too much into that, but I heard that I broke the record, so I’m happy,” Pogacar said. The Slovenian now stands on the brink of equaling the all-time record of five Tour de France victories. With only one mountain stage remaining, his overall win in Paris seems assured.
| Year | Rider | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Marco Pantani | 36:40 |
| 2025 | Tadej Pogacar | 35:26 |
The Alpe d'Huez stage has long been a theater for Tour drama, and Pogacar's latest demolition reaffirms the adage that the Tour is won on this iconic climb. His sports director, Matxin Fernández, praised the team's strategy as the day's breakaway was caught three kilometers from the finish.
Key Takeaways
- Pogacar broke Pantani's 27-year record by over a minute with a time of 35:26.
- He extended his overall lead to more than seven minutes over the nearest competitor.
- The Stage 19 victory puts him on track for a fifth Tour de France title.
- One final mountain stage remains before the parade into Paris on Sunday.
FAQ
How did Pogacar break the Alpe d'Huez record?
Pogacar climbed the 13.8 km ascent in 35 minutes and 26 seconds, more than a minute faster than Marco Pantani's 1997 record of 36:40. His consistent power output and superb pacing allowed him to overcome a four-minute gap to the breakaway.
What is the significance of Alpe d'Huez in the Tour de France?
Alpe d'Huez is one of the most famous climbs in cycling history, featuring 21 hairpin bends and often determining the overall winner. Many past champions have cemented their legacies on this climb, making it a symbol of Tour de France prestige.
Can anyone challenge Pogacar for the Tour de France win?
With a lead of over seven minutes and only one mountain stage left, it is highly unlikely that any rival can overcome the deficit. Pogacar's dominance on Alpe d'Huez has all but secured his fifth Tour de France victory.
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