Pogacar wins Pyrenees stage, takes yellow jersey from Vingegaard

Tadej Pogacar has seized the yellow jersey at the 113th Tour de France, winning the challenging first Pyrenees stage and overtaking rival Jonas Vingegaard. The Slovenian star launched a decisive attack just before the finish line, completing the 195.9-kilometer race from Granollers, Spain, to Les Angles, France.

Vingegaard, Pogacar's main rival, finished two seconds behind in second place. Richard Carapaz of Ecuador secured third place, while Germany's Florian Lipowitz finished seventh. Although Pogacar and Vingegaard are now tied in the overall standings, Pogacar edges ahead by a narrow margin thanks to bonus seconds awarded for the stage win.

The stage was not without its challenges beyond the demanding terrain. A wildfire in the region prompted organizers and authorities to urge fans to stay away from the final part of the route in France, prioritizing the efforts of firefighters. Despite these warnings, numerous spectators lined the final climbs, and no curfews were imposed on local residents.

Looking ahead, the fourth stage, from Carcassonne to Foix, might offer opportunities for breakaway riders or strong sprinters. However, competitors will need to contend with extreme heat, with temperatures potentially exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).