Slovenian cycling star Tadej Pogacar delivered a masterclass in high-altitude endurance during Thursday's pivotal Pyrenees stage of the Tour de France, leaving rival Jonas Vingegaard trailing by over two minutes in scorching conditions. The 25-year-old defending champion conquered the brutal 13.5km Hautacam ascent with strategic precision, marking a dramatic reversal of fortunes from their 2021 encounter on the same slopes.
"This victory tastes particularly sweet after previous struggles here," Pogacar said post-race, his overall lead now stretching to 3 minutes 31 seconds. The UAE Team Emirates rider's triumph in the 180.6km Stage 12 establishes him as the clear favorite entering Friday's crucial mountain time trial.
Vingegaard, the two-time champion from Denmark, acknowledged the tactical setback: "Tadej rode brilliantly today – we'll need to rethink our approach for the remaining mountain stages." German cyclist Florian Lipowitz claimed third, 13 seconds behind Pogacar, in a race that saw temperatures exceed 35°C (95°F).
Analysts suggest the result could prove psychologically decisive, with only five mountain stages remaining before the July 21 finale in Nice. Sports physiologists highlight Pogacar's improved heat management as a key factor, while strategists note Vingegaard's Jumbo-Visma team failed to execute their planned altitude tactics.
