Alpe d’Huez conquered by Pogacar in record climb, extending Tour de France lead
Tadej Pogacar secured a significant victory on the legendary Alpe d’Huez climb, winning stage 19 of the Tour de France and further extending his overall lead. The defending Tour champion’s performance on the iconic ascent saw him put more distance between himself and his remaining rivals, with his overall lead now exceeding seven minutes. His climbing time of 35 minutes and 26 seconds reportedly surpassed the previous record set by Marco Pantani in 1997 by over a minute.
Despite earlier speculation regarding illness within his UAE Emirates XRG team, Pogacar appeared in strong form as he ascended the 13.8-kilometre climb. He expressed happiness about breaking the record, noting that a record standing for over thirty years being broken was a positive outcome for his team. This victory brings him closer to a potential record-equalling fifth win in Paris.
A Gruelling Ascent and Fan Frenzy
The stage was marked by a large and boisterous crowd, estimated to be around 500,000, lining the route of the Alpe d’Huez. Some fans had arrived days in advance, creating a “crazy atmosphere” on the climb, as described by Pogacar. Riders noted the intense noise, with Tobias Foss of Netcompany-Ineos mentioning his eardrums were hurting due to the sheer volume. Foss, experiencing the climb for the first time, described it as “extreme” and “incredible,” particularly highlighting the Norwegian/Danish corner where he saw friends and many Norwegian flags.
The atmosphere on Alpe d’Huez is often described as one of cycling’s most mythical experiences. Lewis Askey of NSN, who had previously watched the race on the Alpe, described riding it as “mental.” He noted the difficulty of navigating through the crowds, even half an hour after the leaders had passed. Riders frequently interact with the fans, with some taking beers or engaging with the festive atmosphere. Michael Matthews of Jayco AlUla, who was part of the day’s large breakaway, found time for reflection amidst the chaos, enjoying the support from fans, including many Australian flags.
Matthews, who had overcome significant challenges including breaking his arms earlier in the year and experiencing a pulmonary embolism last year, found the experience emotional. He described winding his hands up to encourage the fans, noting that even a small acknowledgement would make them “go even crazier.” He felt the support from fans from around the world, who cheered him on as if he were about to win the race, making it a “pretty special” experience. He compared the intensity to the Flanders Classics, stating that Alpe d’Huez involved “13km of screaming in my ears the whole way.”
Race Dynamics and Team Spirit
The stage began with a significant breakaway group of 40 riders forming on the early climbs of the Bayard and Noyer. This group included notable names such as past stage winners Richard Carapaz, Thymen Arensman, and Pogacar’s teammate, Adam Yates. Yates, who had been unwell earlier in the week, showed a remarkable recovery, performing strongly in the breakaway.
However, as the main contenders approached the steep ramps of the Alpe, Pogacar initiated a decisive acceleration approximately 12 kilometres from the summit. This move quickly distanced his closest rivals. He briefly joined forces with Yates, and together they reduced the breakaway’s advantage. With 10 kilometres remaining, Pogacar launched his solo attack, ultimately catching and overtaking the breakaway group three kilometres from the finish line.
Pogacar’s sports director, Matxin Fernández, was visibly emotional following the performance. Pogacar reflected on his team’s spirit, stating, “It cannot be better, so when we win, the emotions come to the surface.” The victory further solidified Pogacar’s dominance in the Tour, marking his fifth stage win in 19 stages. The damage inflicted on his rivals was substantial, with Remco Evenepoel, who remains in second place overall, now facing a significant deficit. Evenepoel and Pogacar’s teammate, Isaac del Toro, are reportedly the only riders within 10 minutes of the race leader. The upcoming “queen” stage on Saturday, featuring four challenging climbs in the Alps, presents another opportunity for Pogacar to potentially secure a sixth stage victory.
Challenges and Inspirations
While many riders experienced the Alpe d’Huez climb positively, some faced challenges. Einer Rubio of Movistar sustained facial injuries after colliding with a UAE Team Emirates-XRG car. Despite such incidents, the overwhelming support from the public inspired many. Robert Stannard of Bahrain-Victorious found the experience highly motivating, stating that the presence of the fans made the effort feel less strenuous. He described reaching the base of Alpe d’Huez in the Tour de France as “almost like a dream come true.”
The return of the Tour to Alpe d’Huez after a four-year absence was a highly anticipated event, with stage 19 marking its ascent. The race is also scheduled to return to the area on stage 20, though it will bypass the 21 hairpin bends of the Alpe, instead going via the Col de Sarenne. This year’s stage 19 victory on Alpe d’Huez by Tadej Pogacar has further cemented his position as the dominant force in the Tour de France.
Source: theguardian.com