Pogacar looked back at Vingegaard on the finish line. What he saw made him slow down.

Isaac del Toro's stunned reaction as he was nudged across the finish line by Tadej Pogacar in the Tour de France highlighted a dramatic shift in the cycling world's premier event. Del Toro, looking bewildered, touched his helmet with both hands, his mouth agape, as the reigning champion guided him to victory.

For two years, the Tour de France has been a Slovenian affair. However, this year's race suggests a change is underway. The article hints at underlying questions about Vingegaard's performance and his own public statements, particularly one where he suggested he might be performing better than ever amidst criticism.

The narrative of the Tour has been dominated by Slovenian cyclists for a considerable period. The initial stage, however, provided an answer to questions that have lingered over Vingegaard for a year, indicating a potential shift in the established order.