In a decisive showdown during the second Pyrenees stage of the Tour de France 2024, Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar outpaced his main rival, Jonas Vingegaard, to secure a commanding lead.
This triumph at the Plateau de Beille not only marked his second consecutive victory in this mountainous region but also significantly widened his overall lead in the Tour, virtually assuring his victory with still a week of racing left.
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Ascendancy in the high mountains
Pogacar’s strategic brilliance was on full display as he handled the steep ascents of the Pyrenees with unmatched prowess. Despite a valiant effort from Vingegaard, who launched a daring attack 10 kilometers from the summit, he was unable to shake Pogacar. The Slovenian responded with a powerful surge five kilometers from the finish, a move that effectively decided the outcome of this stage and perhaps the entire race.
Pogacar’s risky play: A tactical misstep in the Tour de France 2024?
Building a substantial lead
With this victory, Pogacar extended his lead in the overall standings to more than three minutes. The gap to the second-placed Vingegaard was 1:08, and to the third-placed Remco Evenepoel, it stretched to 2:51. This considerable lead underlines Pogacar’s dominance in this year’s edition and sets him up as the clear favorite to win.
A historic double in sight
Pogacar’s ambitions for 2024 include winning both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France, a rare double that hasn’t been achieved since Marco Pantani in 1998. With three stage wins already in this Tour to add to his six in the Giro, Pogacar is on track to realize this extraordinary feat.
Challenges ahead
Despite his current strong position, challenges remain. The Tour will soon return to the Alps, where temperatures are expected to rise, potentially complicating conditions for Pogacar who prefers cooler weather. Additionally, the Alpine stages have historically been decisive, and with two tough climbs yet to come, the race is far from over.
🎽 Jerseys after stage 1️⃣5️⃣ / Maillots distinctifs après l'étape 1️⃣5️⃣
💛 @TamauPogi 🇸🇮
💚 @GrmayeBiniam 🇪🇷
🔴⚪️ @TamauPogi 🇸🇮
👶 @EvenepoelRemco 🇧🇪#TDF2024 pic.twitter.com/RGO3vK2MSR— Tour de France™ (@LeTour) July 14, 2024
The final stretch
Looking ahead, the Tour de France’s conclusion will be marked by a 34km time trial from Monaco to Nice, offering one last chance for dramatic shifts in the standings. This time trial could be pivotal, especially if exhaustion from the previous stages plays a significant role in the riders’ performances.
An era of dominance
Pogacar’s current lead is reminiscent of bygone eras of cycling when dominant riders often created substantial gaps. As the Tour heads into its final week, his performance has already reshaped the competitive landscape, confirming his status as one of the most formidable riders in the history of cycling.
Pogacar’s risky play: A tactical misstep in the Tour de France 2024?
This stage of the Tour de France has not only highlighted Pogacar’s exceptional abilities but also signaled a potential shift in cycling’s power dynamics, with the young Slovenian asserting his dominance emphatically.
