Tour de France: Leader Pogacar Cherishes Bastille Day Successes

The Tour de France resumes after its first rest day on July 14th, France's national Bastille Day, a date marked by the race's blue, white, and red decorations. For the current race leader, Tadej Pogacar, the day holds special significance, as he has secured two of his 23 Tour de France stage victories on this French celebration.

Pogacar has a particular fondness for the yellow lion plush toy awarded to the leader, especially one gifted on Bastille Day. "The best lions at home in my parents' house have a French flag because I won them on Bastille Day," he said. The Slovenian rider has accumulated a considerable collection of these lions, having worn the yellow jersey for 59 days throughout his career.

“

The best lions at home in my parents' house have a French flag because I won them on Bastille Day.

On Bastille Day, the lion prize is distinguished by the addition of the French tricolor flag across its chest. This year's celebration stage is set to be a demanding one, featuring seven categorized climbs. The finish line is in Le Lioran, the site of Jonas Vingegaard's victory in 2024 after a sprint finish against Pogacar.

"The day certainly means even more to the French riders, and on Tuesday, we can expect a big fight for stage wins among the French," predicted the Slovenian phenomenon. The challenging route suggests a day of intense competition, particularly from the French cyclists eager to claim a victory on their national holiday.

“

The day certainly means even more to the French riders, and on Tuesday, we can expect a big fight for stage wins among the French.