Tadej Pogacar delivered a stunning performance to conquer Alpe d'Huez and extend his Tour de France lead with a record-breaking climb. The defending champion’s win on the legendary ascent further solidified his dominance in the 2024 race.
Record-Breaking Ascent on Alpe d'Huez
Pogacar clocked a climbing time of 35 minutes and 26 seconds, shattering Marco Pantani’s 1997 record by more than a minute. The 13.8-kilometer climb features 21 hairpin bends and has long been a battlefield for Tour contenders. “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 Dominance and Tactics
Despite rumors of illness, Pogacar appeared in peak form. With 25 kilometers left, the day’s breakaway led by nearly four minutes, but within three kilometers of the finish, Pogacar had caught and overtaken them. His metronomic climbing style left rivals struggling to respond.
| Athlete | Year | Climbing Time (Alpe d'Huez) |
|---|---|---|
| Tadej Pogacar | 2024 | 35:26 |
| Marco Pantani | 1997 | 36:50 |
| Lance Armstrong (doped) | 2004 | 37:36 |
Key Takeaways
- Pogacar now leads the Tour de France by more than seven minutes.
- He is on track for a record-equaling fifth Tour victory in Paris.
- The win on Alpe d'Huez confirms his status as one of cycling's greatest climbers.
- Rumors of gastric issues proved unfounded as Pogacar dominated the stage.
FAQ
What record did Pogacar break on Alpe d'Huez?
Pogacar broke Marco Pantani's longstanding record for the fastest climb of Alpe d'Huez, set in 1997, by over a minute. His time of 35 minutes and 26 seconds is now the new benchmark.
How much is Pogacar's lead in the Tour de France?
After stage 19, Pogacar's overall lead exceeds seven minutes, making his fifth Tour de France victory in Paris almost certain with just one mountain stage remaining.
Was Pogacar affected by illness during the stage?
Despite rumors of gastric problems and a switch to black shorts, Pogacar looked healthy and performed flawlessly, dispelling any doubts about his condition.
Pogacar’s win on Alpe d'Huez not only extends his lead but also adds a historic chapter to Tour lore. With the race entering its final stages, all eyes are on the Slovenian as he aims to match the record of five Tour wins—a feat achieved only by Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain.
The stage also highlighted Pogacar’s tactical brilliance, as his team UAE Emirates XRG controlled the peloton before his decisive attack. Fans and analysts alike are now debating whether this performance ranks among the greatest in Tour history. For now, Pogacar’s focus remains on Sunday’s finale in Paris.
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