Paris-Nice: Pogacar Maintains Command as Rivalry Intensifies
Tadej Pogacar sits with focus on the bike table, finishing meals with method and wiping crumbs away before the tablecloth goes to the wash. He guards his plate with quiet intensity, letting no one else share his portions, not even Jonas Vingegaard. His resolve is clear: he refuses to treat last year’s Tour mishap as anything more than a consequence, and he remains the clear leader as the race sails toward its conclusion this Sunday in Paris-Nice. The Slovenian is dressed in the same yellow jersey, a symbol of ongoing ownership of the race’s leadership and a reminder that the peloton cannot be mistaken about his ambitions.
Jumbo teammates have tried to unsettle him, but Pogacar stands firm. A lunch invitation between the two leading forces and a third rider was met with a courteous but firm refusal, a sign that the duel between Pogacar and Gaudu is far from settled. The day ended with Pogacar taking the sprint on the second stage at the event’s crucial peak finish, closing the gap to a possible first major victory in this French calendar highlight.
3.5 km
The top contenders for the overall title remain in close contact as the race intensifies. The trio at the top of the general classification continues to push the pace, with every kilometer offering a chance to tilt the standings in their favor. Paris-Nice captures the drama as it unfolds, and the competition among the leaders remains the focal point of the race.
— Paris-Nice update
Both Pogacar and Gaudu have claimed two stage wins this week. Pogacar has shown resilience since midweek, after weather interrupted a stage with strong winds that forced organizers to pause. The Slovenian countered by finding the right rhythm on the climbs, initiating the move that marked his first major warning to the field while not letting the Danish rival gain clear ground.
Gaudu, celebrated by French fans, joined Pogacar in the summit finish, seizing the moment as the Dane started the sprint. Pogacar accelerated decisively, gaining six seconds and adding a 10-second time bonus, leaving the penultimate stage with a meaningful edge and the honor of maintaining his lead in Paris-Nice.
Across the two mountain battles, Pogacar demonstrated composure, seizing the moment with measured aggression. The French race is drawing to a close this Sunday, and the next time these two will cross paths again is July in Bilbao, where the Tour de France flags will rise. Meanwhile Pogacar is intent on preserving his advantage ahead of Milan-San Remo and the Tour of Flanders, the next ambitious targets in his calendar.
classification
1. Tadej Pogacar (21.10.50 hours)
2. David Gaudu, 12 seconds behind
3. Jonas Vingegaard, 58 seconds behind
13. David de la Cruz at 6.15 minutes