Carapaz reigns in the Alps; Pogacar focuses on Del Toro's podium spot at Tour de France

Richard Carapaz cemented his status as the "king of the Alps" with a commanding victory on the penultimate stage of the Tour de France at Alpe d’Huez. This marked his second triumph in the challenging mountain range during this year's race.

Tadej Pogacar, the Slovenian cycling sensation, is now all but assured of his fifth Tour de France title. However, on this particular stage, Pogacar adopted the role of a dedicated teammate. He focused his efforts on supporting his young Mexican compatriot, Isaac Del Toro, to maintain his third-place position in the general classification.

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My teammates broke their backs for me every day for three weeks. I have enormous respect for them. So today it was my turn to help Isaac.

Pogacar's selfless act saw him working as a "luxury domestique" for Del Toro, providing encouragement and support through the grueling climbs of Croix de Fer, Télégraphe, Galibier, and Sarenne. "My teammates broke their backs for me every day for three weeks. I have enormous respect for them. So today it was my turn to help Isaac," Pogacar explained after the stage. He had previously gifted Del Toro a stage win earlier in the race.

Del Toro, alongside Pogacar, crossed the finish line together, celebrating with a "bull horns" gesture. Del Toro is set to ascend the podium in Paris wearing the white jersey as the best young rider, joining Pogacar and the impressive Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel, who secured second place overall and in the stage after a strong mountain performance. The unusual sight of the yellow jersey holder working for a contender highlighted the camaraderie and strategic depth within the UAE Team Emirates squad.

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He always gave his all for me, he came to the Tour when he could have done the Giro or the Vuelta (as leader). I am super happy for him.