Tadej Pogacar delivered a masterclass on the fourth stage of the Tour de France, capturing the yellow jersey after a bold attack on the formidable Col du Galibier. The Slovenian cyclist outpaced defending champion Jonas Vingegaard, leaving him nearly a minute behind as he soared to victory.
Pogacar, the 2020 and 2021 Tour de France champion, executed his team’s strategy to perfection. With the unwavering support of his UAE Team Emirates squadmates, he launched a decisive move near the summit of the Galibier. “It was more or less the plan, and we executed it pretty well. I’m super happy. It was like a dream stage, and I finished it off so well,” Pogacar said after the race.
The ascent was challenging, with headwinds making the climb even more arduous. “At first there was a lot of headwind in the climb, and the team did a super job protecting me,” he explained. “I did not want to go too early because of the wind. I knew the downhill pretty well, but I was a bit surprised to see wet road in the first corners. I’m super happy with my shape and with how I feel.”
With this victory, Pogacar now leads Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel by 45 seconds, with Vingegaard in third place overall, a further five seconds behind. The win also puts Pogacar on course to become the first rider since Marco Pantani in 1998 to achieve a Giro d’Italia and Tour de France double.
Despite his commanding lead, Pogacar remains cautious. He insists on taking the race “day by day,” acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead. Last year, Vingegaard overcame a deficit in an individual time trial to secure his title, highlighting how quickly fortunes can change in cycling’s most prestigious event.
As the Tour progresses, fans worldwide are captivated by the intense rivalry and remarkable performances. For enthusiasts across Asia and beyond, Pogacar’s daring tactics and relentless spirit embody the excitement and unpredictability that make the Tour de France a spectacle not to be missed.
Reference(s):
Pogacar hails "dream stage" after beating Vingegaard to take Tour lead
cgtn.com
