{"id":2036346,"date":"2026-07-09T18:16:43","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T15:16:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2036346"},"modified":"2026-07-09T18:16:43","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T15:16:43","slug":"i-couldnt-sleep-long-because-i-was-so-excited-despite-flashbacks-and-an-early-wake-up-tadej-pogacar-takes-complete-control-of-tour-de-france-on-first-mountain-stage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2036346","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;I couldn&#8217;t sleep long because I was so excited&#8217; \u2013 Despite flashbacks and an early wake-up, Tadej Poga\u010dar takes complete control of Tour de France on first mountain stage"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EEiBvRqXfPGZuQGT3HY7rn-2000-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zrqb3Ak2CCBcf27c6dFAzZ-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zrqb3Ak2CCBcf27c6dFAzZ-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Tour de France GC standings \u2013 Enormous gaps after just six stages\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: former World Champion wins Tour de France stage 4 as new race leader takes over from Tadej Poga\u010dar\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/386TMaXdZFb92USQytLW6o-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/386TMaXdZFb92USQytLW6o-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: Long-range attack and crash sees the yellow jersey change hands on mountainous stage 6 of the Tour de France.\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTadej Pogacar\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I couldn&#8217;t sleep long because I was so excited&#8217; \u2013 Despite flashbacks and an early wake-up, Tadej Poga\u010dar takes complete control of Tour de France on first mountain stage<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-09T18:16:43Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n9 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">World Champion destroys opposition with dominant move on the Col du Tourmalet, builds 2:42 lead over Vingegaard at first time of asking<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EEiBvRqXfPGZuQGT3HY7rn-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EEiBvRqXfPGZuQGT3HY7rn-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EEiBvRqXfPGZuQGT3HY7rn-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EEiBvRqXfPGZuQGT3HY7rn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EEiBvRqXfPGZuQGT3HY7rn-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EEiBvRqXfPGZuQGT3HY7rn-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EEiBvRqXfPGZuQGT3HY7rn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EEiBvRqXfPGZuQGT3HY7rn-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EEiBvRqXfPGZuQGT3HY7rn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s Tadej Poga\u010dar rides the descent of the Col de Tourmalet on a solo breakaway on stage 6 of the Tour de France<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" 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absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-438acb4c-7bbf-11f1-9f49-0d3d8d7b1490\">After just one day in the high mountains of the Tour de France, Tadej Poga\u010dar was already almost out of sight on GC, completely destroying the field en route to Gavarnie-G\u00e8dre alongside his UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammates, as they executed a plan the World Champion was so excited about that he woke up early.<\/p>\n<p>Sleep and recovery are vital for the riders on the Tour, especially for those taking aim at the yellow jersey, but with 4100 metres of elevation gain and the first two big climbs of this year&#8217;s race to come on stage 6, Poga\u010dar was like a child at Christmas on Thursday morning.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-438acb4c-7bbf-11f1-9f49-0d3d8d7b1490-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And it had the build-up to match, with the excitement growing among UAE&#8217;s riders on Wednesday evening, knowing that this would be a big chance to exercise their authority over Jonas Vingegaard and Visma-Lease a Bike as well as the rest of their rivals.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Already yesterday, after the stage, we were all on the bus driving to the hotel, and we talked about it,&#8221; explained Poga\u010dar in his post-stage press conference. &#8220;We were like &#8216;OK, let&#8217;s go all in, what&#8217;s the worst that can happen?&#8217;. You can blow up a little bit, but we knew that we were a strong team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We commit to one plan and whatever happens, happens, because we have Isaac [del Toro] and me who are really good on GC.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smBbJoNnDUzKdjh4tU7TyQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smBbJoNnDUzKdjh4tU7TyQ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France: Tadej Poga\u010dar asserts dominance with long-range attack on Col du Tourmalet for stage 6 victory and retakes yellow jersey<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9pKvrCUtQTYKvGnSVctEU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9pKvrCUtQTYKvGnSVctEU-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We will fight for yellow, maybe already tomorrow&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar without disappointment despite defeat by Vingegaard in Tour de France opening stage<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZMd8MsTMqfWMT5kDVHNjk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZMd8MsTMqfWMT5kDVHNjk-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Eat food like a robot and just go with the flow&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says Tour de France frontrunners should already be firing on all cylinders as he scorches into yellow<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So then I went to sleep, woke up way too early today at seven in the morning, and I couldn&#8217;t sleep long because I was so excited for today. I chilled a bit in the room, went to breakfast, saw the guys, they were all hyped, did carbo loading, and had good coffees.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t know how to explain it, but the energy in the air was perfect. The race went perfectly for us, actually; the breakaway couldn&#8217;t go for almost two hours, so that brought us closer to the climbs, and then we could really do what we planned. Every teammate was just incredible; they are crazy good guys and super happy to realise this hype that we had the last two days.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-KoHXfaTcAj8Pge7JHfk23E\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-KoHXfaTcAj8Pge7JHfk23E slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As Poga\u010dar was launched by Isaac del Toro on the slopes of the Tourmalet and left everyone, riding the last 43km solo, he didn&#8217;t completely crack Vingegaard at the first time of asking, who was sitting at around a 10-second gap for much of the last 4km. But as the kilometres ticked by and Vingegaard&#8217;s facial expression became filled with more and more visible pain, the gap began to eke out, and Poga\u010dar was able to start the long downhill with a comfortable 30-second lead.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1627c01c-7bc2-11f1-b2c8-d926ad193d28\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/829XsP38UHwQpxHVtcz7aA-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/829XsP38UHwQpxHVtcz7aA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/829XsP38UHwQpxHVtcz7aA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/829XsP38UHwQpxHVtcz7aA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/829XsP38UHwQpxHVtcz7aA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/829XsP38UHwQpxHVtcz7aA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Stage winner and race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) recovers after winning stage 6 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1627c260-7bc2-11f1-a784-2790b71928b7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He spoke post-race of how his mind went back to stage 6 of the 2023 race, which followed a similar route, albeit with a different finishing climb to Cauterets-Cambasque, where the Slovenian felt the pain of the broken wrist he&#8217;d suffered that April when Vingegaard called on satellite rider Wout van Aert to up the pace on the descent off the Tourmalet.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar was hoping to avoid any kind of repeat, although he did win on that day too, pushing himself to the limit to try and blow up Vingegaard before the downhill.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Would you give away stages?&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar consumes all on Col du Tourmalet at the Tour de France but does he win too much?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Crazy good&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s perfect mountain strategy puts Tadej Poga\u010dar within reach of fifth Tour de France title<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qdzCGEh8bdB966KXCEiZSh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qdzCGEh8bdB966KXCEiZSh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de Suisse: Tadej Poga\u010dar goes long with surprise 72-kilometre raid to smash opening stage<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was a similar stage in 2023; we did the same downhill, it was Wout van Aert, Jonas and me, and I remember how Jonas was even pushing Wout to go even faster in the downhill,&#8221; said Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I remember I was still a bit with a broken hand and not so comfortable, so I was almost dropping, and it was really crazy. I had these flashbacks that I was thinking if Jonas comes fresh to the top and is only 20 seconds, he for sure catches me on the downhill because of how good he was descending there.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But maybe today he was a little over the limit on the Tourmalet, and when you&#8217;re out of your zone, it&#8217;s hard to go downhill also. You make small mistakes or do a little less acceleration out of the corners, and for me, I had really good acceleration out of the hairpin. It was also good wind, and it was just trying to go as fast as possible and the safest way downhill. I was a bit scared at first, but it was all good.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Vingegaard opted to ride at his own pace when Del Toro and Poga\u010dar made their tandem-like move, which was working as mentioned, when his deficit was stagnating at 10 seconds, but this could only last so long, and it was as wide as 2:38 by the time he reached the finish.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He tried to do his pace and was really close for a while,&#8221; said Poga\u010dar. &#8220;I heard on the radio it was a really small gap, and for me, if the climb was also 1km longer, I would also explode, but I think for Jonas it was just a little bit too long for this pace. Was a little bit of a difference than you do too much in the red.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Such was his complete dominance that Poga\u010dar was compared to basketball great Michael Jordan, but he said his preferred sports stars from growing up, the likes of Olympic champion sprinter Usain Bolt and tennis star Novak Djokovic.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With all said and done, Poga\u010dar arrived at the line and did look exhausted, having given everything to maximise his gap with the next mountain stage not arriving until Bastille Day to Le Lioran next Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was a victory he ranked among the top 5 of his Tour de France career, having taken his 23rd and again reduced the gap to Mark Cavendish&#8217;s record.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go!<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-KoHXfaTcAj8Pge7JHfk23E\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-KoHXfaTcAj8Pge7JHfk23E slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">James Moultrie<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smBbJoNnDUzKdjh4tU7TyQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smBbJoNnDUzKdjh4tU7TyQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smBbJoNnDUzKdjh4tU7TyQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smBbJoNnDUzKdjh4tU7TyQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smBbJoNnDUzKdjh4tU7TyQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France: Tadej Poga\u010dar asserts dominance with long-range attack on Col du Tourmalet for stage 6 victory and retakes yellow jersey<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9pKvrCUtQTYKvGnSVctEU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9pKvrCUtQTYKvGnSVctEU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9pKvrCUtQTYKvGnSVctEU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9pKvrCUtQTYKvGnSVctEU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9pKvrCUtQTYKvGnSVctEU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We will fight for yellow, maybe already tomorrow&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar without disappointment despite defeat by Vingegaard in Tour de France opening stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZMd8MsTMqfWMT5kDVHNjk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZMd8MsTMqfWMT5kDVHNjk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZMd8MsTMqfWMT5kDVHNjk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZMd8MsTMqfWMT5kDVHNjk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZMd8MsTMqfWMT5kDVHNjk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Eat food like a robot and just go with the flow&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says Tour de France frontrunners should already be firing on all cylinders as he scorches into yellow<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Would you give away stages?&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar consumes all on Col du Tourmalet at the Tour de France but does he win too much?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Crazy good&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s perfect mountain strategy puts Tadej Poga\u010dar within reach of fifth Tour de France title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qdzCGEh8bdB966KXCEiZSh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qdzCGEh8bdB966KXCEiZSh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qdzCGEh8bdB966KXCEiZSh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qdzCGEh8bdB966KXCEiZSh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qdzCGEh8bdB966KXCEiZSh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de Suisse: Tadej Poga\u010dar goes long with surprise 72-kilometre raid to smash opening stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xztRghcWqCsQ9m26huuq8C-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xztRghcWqCsQ9m26huuq8C-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xztRghcWqCsQ9m26huuq8C-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xztRghcWqCsQ9m26huuq8C-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xztRghcWqCsQ9m26huuq8C-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;They even sat together at dinner&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull downplay internal tension between Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7H3rLKiYxQad7LoMVyfjk3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7H3rLKiYxQad7LoMVyfjk3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7H3rLKiYxQad7LoMVyfjk3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7H3rLKiYxQad7LoMVyfjk3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7H3rLKiYxQad7LoMVyfjk3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Torstein Tr\u00e6en out of Tour de France due to injuries from Col du Tourmalet crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DxRc4zrJMwtvgk48ptSJ7Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DxRc4zrJMwtvgk48ptSJ7Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DxRc4zrJMwtvgk48ptSJ7Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DxRc4zrJMwtvgk48ptSJ7Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DxRc4zrJMwtvgk48ptSJ7Q-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He&#8217;s on a good team&#8217; &#8211; French President Emmanuel Macron visits the Tour de France and urges Paul Seixas to stay with Decathlon CMA CGM<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Crazy good&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s perfect mountain strategy puts Tadej Poga\u010dar within reach of fifth Tour de France title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was where I should be&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas passes first Tour de France mountain test on Tourmalet<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQiHaanGLLy6eGCtNDHg5f-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQiHaanGLLy6eGCtNDHg5f-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQiHaanGLLy6eGCtNDHg5f-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQiHaanGLLy6eGCtNDHg5f-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQiHaanGLLy6eGCtNDHg5f-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I asked for a lead-out and didn&#8217;t get one&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel fumes at teammate Florian Lipowitz as cooperation breaks down in Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xztRghcWqCsQ9m26huuq8C-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xztRghcWqCsQ9m26huuq8C-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xztRghcWqCsQ9m26huuq8C-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xztRghcWqCsQ9m26huuq8C-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xztRghcWqCsQ9m26huuq8C-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;They even sat together at dinner&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull downplay internal tension between Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKkyhbhuBKLbhmLRmoKohe-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKkyhbhuBKLbhmLRmoKohe-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKkyhbhuBKLbhmLRmoKohe-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKkyhbhuBKLbhmLRmoKohe-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKkyhbhuBKLbhmLRmoKohe-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Streaming<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">How to watch Tour de France Stage 7: All the broadcasters and live streams as sprinters get a second opportunity in Bordeaux<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7H3rLKiYxQad7LoMVyfjk3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7H3rLKiYxQad7LoMVyfjk3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7H3rLKiYxQad7LoMVyfjk3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7H3rLKiYxQad7LoMVyfjk3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7H3rLKiYxQad7LoMVyfjk3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Torstein Tr\u00e6en out of Tour de France due to injuries from Col du Tourmalet crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Would you give away stages?&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar consumes all on Col du Tourmalet at the Tour de France but does he win too much?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DxRc4zrJMwtvgk48ptSJ7Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DxRc4zrJMwtvgk48ptSJ7Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DxRc4zrJMwtvgk48ptSJ7Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DxRc4zrJMwtvgk48ptSJ7Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DxRc4zrJMwtvgk48ptSJ7Q-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He&#8217;s on a good team&#8217; &#8211; French President Emmanuel Macron visits the Tour de France and urges Paul Seixas to stay with Decathlon CMA CGM<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/apDpe43VwqrKs7sFEw5XkB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/apDpe43VwqrKs7sFEw5XkB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/apDpe43VwqrKs7sFEw5XkB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/apDpe43VwqrKs7sFEw5XkB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/apDpe43VwqrKs7sFEw5XkB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A-game&#8217; pays off for L39ION of Los Angeles as Skylar Schneider secures second career victory at Gastown Grand Prix<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKkyhbhuBKLbhmLRmoKohe-320-80.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKkyhbhuBKLbhmLRmoKohe-640-80.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKkyhbhuBKLbhmLRmoKohe-720-80.png.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKkyhbhuBKLbhmLRmoKohe-1280-80.png.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKkyhbhuBKLbhmLRmoKohe.png\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKkyhbhuBKLbhmLRmoKohe.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKkyhbhuBKLbhmLRmoKohe.png\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">How to watch Tour de France Stage 7: All the broadcasters and live streams as sprinters get a second opportunity in Bordeaux<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Would you give away stages?&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar consumes all on Col du Tourmalet at the Tour de France but does he win too much?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Torstein Tr\u00e6en out of Tour de France due to injuries from Col du Tourmalet crash<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;A-game&#8217; pays off for L39ION of Los Angeles as Skylar Schneider secures second career victory at Gastown Grand Prix<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;He&#8217;s on a good team&#8217; &#8211; French President Emmanuel Macron visits the Tour de France and urges Paul Seixas to stay with Decathlon CMA CGM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTadej Pogacar\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I couldn&#8217;t sleep long because I was so excited&#8217; \u2013 Despite flashbacks and an early wake-up, Tadej Poga\u010dar takes complete control of Tour de France on first mountain stage<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-09T18:16:43Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n9 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">World Champion destroys opposition with dominant move on the Col du Tourmalet, builds 2:42 lead over Vingegaard at first time of asking<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EEiBvRqXfPGZuQGT3HY7rn-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EEiBvRqXfPGZuQGT3HY7rn-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EEiBvRqXfPGZuQGT3HY7rn-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EEiBvRqXfPGZuQGT3HY7rn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EEiBvRqXfPGZuQGT3HY7rn-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EEiBvRqXfPGZuQGT3HY7rn-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EEiBvRqXfPGZuQGT3HY7rn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EEiBvRqXfPGZuQGT3HY7rn-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EEiBvRqXfPGZuQGT3HY7rn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s Tadej Poga\u010dar rides the descent of the Col de Tourmalet on a solo breakaway on stage 6 of the Tour de France<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" 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absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-438acb4c-7bbf-11f1-9f49-0d3d8d7b1490\">After just one day in the high mountains of the Tour de France, Tadej Poga\u010dar was already almost out of sight on GC, completely destroying the field en route to Gavarnie-G\u00e8dre alongside his UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammates, as they executed a plan the World Champion was so excited about that he woke up early.<\/p>\n<p>Sleep and recovery are vital for the riders on the Tour, especially for those taking aim at the yellow jersey, but with 4100 metres of elevation gain and the first two big climbs of this year&#8217;s race to come on stage 6, Poga\u010dar was like a child at Christmas on Thursday morning.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-438acb4c-7bbf-11f1-9f49-0d3d8d7b1490-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And it had the build-up to match, with the excitement growing among UAE&#8217;s riders on Wednesday evening, knowing that this would be a big chance to exercise their authority over Jonas Vingegaard and Visma-Lease a Bike as well as the rest of their rivals.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel 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whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Already yesterday, after the stage, we were all on the bus driving to the hotel, and we talked about it,&#8221; explained Poga\u010dar in his post-stage press conference. &#8220;We were like &#8216;OK, let&#8217;s go all in, what&#8217;s the worst that can happen?&#8217;. You can blow up a little bit, but we knew that we were a strong team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We commit to one plan and whatever happens, happens, because we have Isaac [del Toro] and me who are really good on GC.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smBbJoNnDUzKdjh4tU7TyQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smBbJoNnDUzKdjh4tU7TyQ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France: Tadej Poga\u010dar asserts dominance with long-range attack on Col du Tourmalet for stage 6 victory and retakes yellow jersey<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9pKvrCUtQTYKvGnSVctEU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9pKvrCUtQTYKvGnSVctEU-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We will fight for yellow, maybe already tomorrow&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar without disappointment despite defeat by Vingegaard in Tour de France opening stage<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZMd8MsTMqfWMT5kDVHNjk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZMd8MsTMqfWMT5kDVHNjk-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Eat food like a robot and just go with the flow&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says Tour de France frontrunners should already be firing on all cylinders as he scorches into yellow<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So then I went to sleep, woke up way too early today at seven in the morning, and I couldn&#8217;t sleep long because I was so excited for today. I chilled a bit in the room, went to breakfast, saw the guys, they were all hyped, did carbo loading, and had good coffees.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t know how to explain it, but the energy in the air was perfect. The race went perfectly for us, actually; the breakaway couldn&#8217;t go for almost two hours, so that brought us closer to the climbs, and then we could really do what we planned. Every teammate was just incredible; they are crazy good guys and super happy to realise this hype that we had the last two days.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-KoHXfaTcAj8Pge7JHfk23E\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-KoHXfaTcAj8Pge7JHfk23E slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As Poga\u010dar was launched by Isaac del Toro on the slopes of the Tourmalet and left everyone, riding the last 43km solo, he didn&#8217;t completely crack Vingegaard at the first time of asking, who was sitting at around a 10-second gap for much of the last 4km. But as the kilometres ticked by and Vingegaard&#8217;s facial expression became filled with more and more visible pain, the gap began to eke out, and Poga\u010dar was able to start the long downhill with a comfortable 30-second lead.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1627c01c-7bc2-11f1-b2c8-d926ad193d28\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/829XsP38UHwQpxHVtcz7aA-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/829XsP38UHwQpxHVtcz7aA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/829XsP38UHwQpxHVtcz7aA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/829XsP38UHwQpxHVtcz7aA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/829XsP38UHwQpxHVtcz7aA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/829XsP38UHwQpxHVtcz7aA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Stage winner and race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) recovers after winning stage 6 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1627c260-7bc2-11f1-a784-2790b71928b7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He spoke post-race of how his mind went back to stage 6 of the 2023 race, which followed a similar route, albeit with a different finishing climb to Cauterets-Cambasque, where the Slovenian felt the pain of the broken wrist he&#8217;d suffered that April when Vingegaard called on satellite rider Wout van Aert to up the pace on the descent off the Tourmalet.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar was hoping to avoid any kind of repeat, although he did win on that day too, pushing himself to the limit to try and blow up Vingegaard before the downhill.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Would you give away stages?&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar consumes all on Col du Tourmalet at the Tour de France but does he win too much?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Crazy good&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s perfect mountain strategy puts Tadej Poga\u010dar within reach of fifth Tour de France title<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qdzCGEh8bdB966KXCEiZSh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qdzCGEh8bdB966KXCEiZSh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de Suisse: Tadej Poga\u010dar goes long with surprise 72-kilometre raid to smash opening stage<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was a similar stage in 2023; we did the same downhill, it was Wout van Aert, Jonas and me, and I remember how Jonas was even pushing Wout to go even faster in the downhill,&#8221; said Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I remember I was still a bit with a broken hand and not so comfortable, so I was almost dropping, and it was really crazy. I had these flashbacks that I was thinking if Jonas comes fresh to the top and is only 20 seconds, he for sure catches me on the downhill because of how good he was descending there.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But maybe today he was a little over the limit on the Tourmalet, and when you&#8217;re out of your zone, it&#8217;s hard to go downhill also. You make small mistakes or do a little less acceleration out of the corners, and for me, I had really good acceleration out of the hairpin. It was also good wind, and it was just trying to go as fast as possible and the safest way downhill. I was a bit scared at first, but it was all good.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Vingegaard opted to ride at his own pace when Del Toro and Poga\u010dar made their tandem-like move, which was working as mentioned, when his deficit was stagnating at 10 seconds, but this could only last so long, and it was as wide as 2:38 by the time he reached the finish.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He tried to do his pace and was really close for a while,&#8221; said Poga\u010dar. &#8220;I heard on the radio it was a really small gap, and for me, if the climb was also 1km longer, I would also explode, but I think for Jonas it was just a little bit too long for this pace. Was a little bit of a difference than you do too much in the red.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Such was his complete dominance that Poga\u010dar was compared to basketball great Michael Jordan, but he said his preferred sports stars from growing up, the likes of Olympic champion sprinter Usain Bolt and tennis star Novak Djokovic.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With all said and done, Poga\u010dar arrived at the line and did look exhausted, having given everything to maximise his gap with the next mountain stage not arriving until Bastille Day to Le Lioran next Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was a victory he ranked among the top 5 of his Tour de France career, having taken his 23rd and again reduced the gap to Mark Cavendish&#8217;s record.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go!<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-KoHXfaTcAj8Pge7JHfk23E\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-KoHXfaTcAj8Pge7JHfk23E slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">James Moultrie<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smBbJoNnDUzKdjh4tU7TyQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smBbJoNnDUzKdjh4tU7TyQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smBbJoNnDUzKdjh4tU7TyQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smBbJoNnDUzKdjh4tU7TyQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smBbJoNnDUzKdjh4tU7TyQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France: Tadej Poga\u010dar asserts dominance with long-range attack on Col du Tourmalet for stage 6 victory and retakes yellow jersey<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9pKvrCUtQTYKvGnSVctEU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9pKvrCUtQTYKvGnSVctEU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9pKvrCUtQTYKvGnSVctEU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9pKvrCUtQTYKvGnSVctEU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9pKvrCUtQTYKvGnSVctEU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We will fight for yellow, maybe already tomorrow&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar without disappointment despite defeat by Vingegaard in Tour de France opening stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZMd8MsTMqfWMT5kDVHNjk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZMd8MsTMqfWMT5kDVHNjk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZMd8MsTMqfWMT5kDVHNjk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZMd8MsTMqfWMT5kDVHNjk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZMd8MsTMqfWMT5kDVHNjk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Eat food like a robot and just go with the flow&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says Tour de France frontrunners should already be firing on all cylinders as he scorches into yellow<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Would you give away stages?&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar consumes all on Col du Tourmalet at the Tour de France but does he win too much?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Crazy good&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s perfect mountain strategy puts Tadej Poga\u010dar within reach of fifth Tour de France title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qdzCGEh8bdB966KXCEiZSh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qdzCGEh8bdB966KXCEiZSh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qdzCGEh8bdB966KXCEiZSh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qdzCGEh8bdB966KXCEiZSh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qdzCGEh8bdB966KXCEiZSh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de Suisse: Tadej Poga\u010dar goes long with surprise 72-kilometre raid to smash opening stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xztRghcWqCsQ9m26huuq8C-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xztRghcWqCsQ9m26huuq8C-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xztRghcWqCsQ9m26huuq8C-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xztRghcWqCsQ9m26huuq8C-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xztRghcWqCsQ9m26huuq8C-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;They even sat together at dinner&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull downplay internal tension between Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7H3rLKiYxQad7LoMVyfjk3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7H3rLKiYxQad7LoMVyfjk3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7H3rLKiYxQad7LoMVyfjk3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7H3rLKiYxQad7LoMVyfjk3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7H3rLKiYxQad7LoMVyfjk3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Torstein Tr\u00e6en out of Tour de France due to injuries from Col du Tourmalet crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DxRc4zrJMwtvgk48ptSJ7Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DxRc4zrJMwtvgk48ptSJ7Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DxRc4zrJMwtvgk48ptSJ7Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DxRc4zrJMwtvgk48ptSJ7Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DxRc4zrJMwtvgk48ptSJ7Q-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He&#8217;s on a good team&#8217; &#8211; French President Emmanuel Macron visits the Tour de France and urges Paul Seixas to stay with Decathlon CMA CGM<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Crazy good&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s perfect mountain strategy puts Tadej Poga\u010dar within reach of fifth Tour de France title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was where I should be&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas passes first Tour de France mountain test on Tourmalet<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQiHaanGLLy6eGCtNDHg5f-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQiHaanGLLy6eGCtNDHg5f-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQiHaanGLLy6eGCtNDHg5f-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQiHaanGLLy6eGCtNDHg5f-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQiHaanGLLy6eGCtNDHg5f-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I asked for a lead-out and didn&#8217;t get one&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel fumes at teammate Florian Lipowitz as cooperation breaks down in Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xztRghcWqCsQ9m26huuq8C-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xztRghcWqCsQ9m26huuq8C-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xztRghcWqCsQ9m26huuq8C-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xztRghcWqCsQ9m26huuq8C-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xztRghcWqCsQ9m26huuq8C-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;They even sat together at dinner&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull downplay internal tension between Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKkyhbhuBKLbhmLRmoKohe-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKkyhbhuBKLbhmLRmoKohe-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKkyhbhuBKLbhmLRmoKohe-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKkyhbhuBKLbhmLRmoKohe-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKkyhbhuBKLbhmLRmoKohe-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Streaming<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">How to watch Tour de France Stage 7: All the broadcasters and live streams as sprinters get a second opportunity in Bordeaux<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7H3rLKiYxQad7LoMVyfjk3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7H3rLKiYxQad7LoMVyfjk3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7H3rLKiYxQad7LoMVyfjk3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7H3rLKiYxQad7LoMVyfjk3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7H3rLKiYxQad7LoMVyfjk3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Torstein Tr\u00e6en out of Tour de France due to injuries from Col du Tourmalet crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Would you give away stages?&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar consumes all on Col du Tourmalet at the Tour de France but does he win too much?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DxRc4zrJMwtvgk48ptSJ7Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DxRc4zrJMwtvgk48ptSJ7Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DxRc4zrJMwtvgk48ptSJ7Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DxRc4zrJMwtvgk48ptSJ7Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DxRc4zrJMwtvgk48ptSJ7Q-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He&#8217;s on a good team&#8217; &#8211; French President Emmanuel Macron visits the Tour de France and urges Paul Seixas to stay with Decathlon CMA CGM<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/apDpe43VwqrKs7sFEw5XkB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/apDpe43VwqrKs7sFEw5XkB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/apDpe43VwqrKs7sFEw5XkB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/apDpe43VwqrKs7sFEw5XkB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/apDpe43VwqrKs7sFEw5XkB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A-game&#8217; pays off for L39ION of Los Angeles as Skylar Schneider secures second career victory at Gastown Grand Prix<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKkyhbhuBKLbhmLRmoKohe-320-80.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKkyhbhuBKLbhmLRmoKohe-640-80.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKkyhbhuBKLbhmLRmoKohe-720-80.png.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKkyhbhuBKLbhmLRmoKohe-1280-80.png.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKkyhbhuBKLbhmLRmoKohe.png\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKkyhbhuBKLbhmLRmoKohe.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKkyhbhuBKLbhmLRmoKohe.png\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">How to watch Tour de France Stage 7: All the broadcasters and live streams as sprinters get a second opportunity in Bordeaux<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Would you give away stages?&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar consumes all on Col du Tourmalet at the Tour de France but does he win too much?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Torstein Tr\u00e6en out of Tour de France due to injuries from Col du Tourmalet crash<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;A-game&#8217; pays off for L39ION of Los Angeles as Skylar Schneider secures second career victory at Gastown Grand Prix<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;He&#8217;s on a good team&#8217; &#8211; French President Emmanuel Macron visits the Tour de France and urges Paul Seixas to stay with Decathlon CMA CGM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTadej Pogacar\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I couldn&#8217;t sleep long because I was so excited&#8217; \u2013 Despite flashbacks and an early wake-up, Tadej Poga\u010dar takes complete control of Tour de France on first mountain stage<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-09T18:16:43Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n9 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">World Champion destroys opposition with dominant move on the Col du Tourmalet, builds 2:42 lead over Vingegaard at first time of asking<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li 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newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-438acb4c-7bbf-11f1-9f49-0d3d8d7b1490\">After just one day in the high mountains of the Tour de France, Tadej Poga\u010dar was already almost out of sight on GC, completely destroying the field en route to Gavarnie-G\u00e8dre alongside his UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammates, as they executed a plan the World Champion was so excited about that he woke up early.<\/p>\n<p>Sleep and recovery are vital for the riders on the Tour, especially for those taking aim at the yellow jersey, but with 4100 metres of elevation gain and the first two big climbs of this year&#8217;s race to come on stage 6, Poga\u010dar was like a child at Christmas on Thursday morning.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-438acb4c-7bbf-11f1-9f49-0d3d8d7b1490-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And it had the build-up to match, with the excitement growing among UAE&#8217;s riders on Wednesday evening, knowing that this would be a big chance to exercise their authority over Jonas Vingegaard and Visma-Lease a Bike as well as the rest of their rivals.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Already yesterday, after the stage, we were all on the bus driving to the hotel, and we talked about it,&#8221; explained Poga\u010dar in his post-stage press conference. &#8220;We were like &#8216;OK, let&#8217;s go all in, what&#8217;s the worst that can happen?&#8217;. You can blow up a little bit, but we knew that we were a strong team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We commit to one plan and whatever happens, happens, because we have Isaac [del Toro] and me who are really good on GC.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smBbJoNnDUzKdjh4tU7TyQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smBbJoNnDUzKdjh4tU7TyQ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France: Tadej Poga\u010dar asserts dominance with long-range attack on Col du Tourmalet for stage 6 victory and retakes yellow jersey<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9pKvrCUtQTYKvGnSVctEU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9pKvrCUtQTYKvGnSVctEU-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We will fight for yellow, maybe already tomorrow&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar without disappointment despite defeat by Vingegaard in Tour de France opening stage<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZMd8MsTMqfWMT5kDVHNjk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZMd8MsTMqfWMT5kDVHNjk-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Eat food like a robot and just go with the flow&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says Tour de France frontrunners should already be firing on all cylinders as he scorches into yellow<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So then I went to sleep, woke up way too early today at seven in the morning, and I couldn&#8217;t sleep long because I was so excited for today. I chilled a bit in the room, went to breakfast, saw the guys, they were all hyped, did carbo loading, and had good coffees.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t know how to explain it, but the energy in the air was perfect. The race went perfectly for us, actually; the breakaway couldn&#8217;t go for almost two hours, so that brought us closer to the climbs, and then we could really do what we planned. Every teammate was just incredible; they are crazy good guys and super happy to realise this hype that we had the last two days.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-KoHXfaTcAj8Pge7JHfk23E\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-KoHXfaTcAj8Pge7JHfk23E slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As Poga\u010dar was launched by Isaac del Toro on the slopes of the Tourmalet and left everyone, riding the last 43km solo, he didn&#8217;t completely crack Vingegaard at the first time of asking, who was sitting at around a 10-second gap for much of the last 4km. But as the kilometres ticked by and Vingegaard&#8217;s facial expression became filled with more and more visible pain, the gap began to eke out, and Poga\u010dar was able to start the long downhill with a comfortable 30-second lead.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1627c01c-7bc2-11f1-b2c8-d926ad193d28\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/829XsP38UHwQpxHVtcz7aA-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/829XsP38UHwQpxHVtcz7aA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/829XsP38UHwQpxHVtcz7aA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/829XsP38UHwQpxHVtcz7aA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/829XsP38UHwQpxHVtcz7aA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/829XsP38UHwQpxHVtcz7aA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Stage winner and race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) recovers after winning stage 6 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1627c260-7bc2-11f1-a784-2790b71928b7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He spoke post-race of how his mind went back to stage 6 of the 2023 race, which followed a similar route, albeit with a different finishing climb to Cauterets-Cambasque, where the Slovenian felt the pain of the broken wrist he&#8217;d suffered that April when Vingegaard called on satellite rider Wout van Aert to up the pace on the descent off the Tourmalet.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar was hoping to avoid any kind of repeat, although he did win on that day too, pushing himself to the limit to try and blow up Vingegaard before the downhill.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WuSBV7Xm5U7KRuDNLpXbg-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Would you give away stages?&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar consumes all on Col du Tourmalet at the Tour de France but does he win too much?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Crazy good&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s perfect mountain strategy puts Tadej Poga\u010dar within reach of fifth Tour de France title<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qdzCGEh8bdB966KXCEiZSh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qdzCGEh8bdB966KXCEiZSh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de Suisse: Tadej Poga\u010dar goes long with surprise 72-kilometre raid to smash opening stage<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was a similar stage in 2023; we did the same downhill, it was Wout van Aert, Jonas and me, and I remember how Jonas was even pushing Wout to go even faster in the downhill,&#8221; said Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I remember I was still a bit with a broken hand and not so comfortable, so I was almost dropping, and it was really crazy. I had these flashbacks that I was thinking if Jonas comes fresh to the top and is only 20 seconds, he for sure catches me on the downhill because of how good he was descending there.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But maybe today he was a little over the limit on the Tourmalet, and when you&#8217;re out of your zone, it&#8217;s hard to go downhill also. You make small mistakes or do a little less acceleration out of the corners, and for me, I had really good acceleration out of the hairpin. It was also good wind, and it was just trying to go as fast as possible and the safest way downhill. I was a bit scared at first, but it was all good.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Vingegaard opted to ride at his own pace when Del Toro and Poga\u010dar made their tandem-like move, which was working as mentioned, when his deficit was stagnating at 10 seconds, but this could only last so long, and it was as wide as 2:38 by the time he reached the finish.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He tried to do his pace and was really close for a while,&#8221; said Poga\u010dar. &#8220;I heard on the radio it was a really small gap, and for me, if the climb was also 1km longer, I would also explode, but I think for Jonas it was just a little bit too long for this pace. Was a little bit of a difference than you do too much in the red.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Such was his complete dominance that Poga\u010dar was compared to basketball great Michael Jordan, but he said his preferred sports stars from growing up, the likes of Olympic champion sprinter Usain Bolt and tennis star Novak Djokovic.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With all said and done, Poga\u010dar arrived at the line and did look exhausted, having given everything to maximise his gap with the next mountain stage not arriving until Bastille Day to Le Lioran next Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was a victory he ranked among the top 5 of his Tour de France career, having taken his 23rd and again reduced the gap to Mark Cavendish&#8217;s record.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go!<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/i-couldnt-sleep-long-because-i-was-so-excited-despite-flashbacks-and-an-early-wake-up-tadej-pogacar-takes-complete-control-of-tour-de-france-on-first-mountain-stage\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EEiBvRqXfPGZuQGT3HY7rn-2000-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Tour de France GC standings \u2013 Enormous gaps after just six stages 2 As it happened: former World Champion wins Tour de France stage 4 as new race leader takes over from Tadej Poga\u010dar 3 As it happened: Long-range attack and crash sees the yellow jersey change hands on mountainous stage [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2036346","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2036346","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2036346"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2036346\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2036346"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2036346"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2036346"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}