DistantNews
Support us
🇦🇺 Australia /Sports

Unstoppable Pogačar claims another Tour de France stage as history calls

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • - Tadej Pogačar won the 14th stage of the Tour de France, extending his overall lead and moving closer to a potential fifth title.
  • He now leads Jonas Vingegaard by 4 minutes, 30 seconds in the general classification.
  • The Slovenian star is chasing a record shared by only four other cyclists in the sport's history.

Tadej Pogačar demonstrated his dominance in the Tour de France once again, launching a signature attack on the final climb to win the 14th stage. This victory extends his commanding lead in the general classification and brings him closer to an unprecedented fifth title.

I gave it a go today. I had good feelings.

— Tadej PogačarThe Tour de France stage winner describes his performance.

Pogačar, riding for UAE Emirates XRG, raised his arms after clinching his fourth stage win of this year's race and his 25th overall. Barring unforeseen circumstances, his fifth Tour crown appears increasingly likely. He is chasing a record held by cycling legends Eddy Merckx, Miguel Indurain, Jacques Anquetil, and Bernard Hinault.

The 27-year-old Slovenian now leads second-place Jonas Vingegaard by 4 minutes and 30 seconds. Remco Evenepoel trails in third, 5:04 behind, while 19-year-old Paul Seixas has climbed to fourth, 5:19 adrift of Pogačar. "I gave it a go today. I had good feelings," Pogačar said after the stage.

I was waiting for the last 2 kilometres to see if there was going to be any movements. One by one there was guys dropping, and I felt good.

— Tadej PogačarThe cyclist explains his strategy leading up to his winning attack.

The 155km route through the Alsace region featured three Category 1 climbs, culminating at the Le Markstein ski resort. Despite rainy conditions during the descent, Pogačar's team maintained a fast pace, ensuring the gap to the breakaway group was manageable before the final ascent. Pogačar attacked with 1.6 kilometers remaining on the climb, and Vingegaard was unable to match his pace. "I was waiting for the last 2 kilometres to see if there was going to be any movements," Pogačar explained. "One by one there was guys dropping, and I felt good."

I must say thanks to all the fans who came to the side of the road. It was something unforgettable. It just gives you an additional boost to go to the top.

— Tadej PogačarThe rider expresses his appreciation for the crowd's support.

Pogačar expressed gratitude to the fans lining the route, calling their support "unforgettable." He anticipates the next stage, a difficult HC climb up Plateau de Solaison in the French Alps, will be challenging but stated, "We will be ready to fight." The race continues after a rest day on Monday, with the traditional finish in Paris on July 26.

Tomorrow is a bit more difficult. Will be a hard day for us but we will be ready to fight.

— Tadej PogačarThe cyclist anticipates the challenges of the next stage.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog