LIVE - Tour de France: a new explanation between favorites on Alpe d’Huez in perspective... Follow stage 20

Tadej Pogacar has taken a commanding lead in the Tour de France, winning the 19th stage and putting himself in a nearly unassailable position with just two days remaining. His dominant performance on the Alpe d'Huez climb solidified his status as the race's clear favorite.

After trailing the leaders by over three minutes at the foot of the Alpe d'Huez, Pogacar launched a fierce attack. He bridged the gap to the breakaway riders with just 1.5 kilometers left in the stage. In the final 800 meters, he surged past Richard Carapaz and Lenny Martinez to claim a spectacular victory, further extending his advantage in the general classification.

This win adds to Pogacar's already impressive Tour, which has seen him break records, including a new ascent record on the Tourmalet during the 6th stage. His consistent performance and aggressive riding have left rivals like Remco Evenepoel, who finished behind Isaac Del Toro on the stage, struggling to keep pace.

The race now faces its penultimate stage, the 20th, a grueling 171-kilometer route from Bourg d'Oisans. This stage is characterized by a significant elevation gain of 5,450 meters, including the challenging hors catégorie climb of the Col de la Croix de Fer. Cyclists will also navigate a descent to a intermediate sprint before tackling two more demanding climbs, promising another test of endurance for the remaining contenders.