Slovenian rider Tadej Pogacar acknowledged that Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard emerged as the strongest competitor in this edition of the Tour de France, yet Pogacar remained proud to contest the race to its conclusion. He emphasized that there is no better way to finish a race than giving everything and not laying blame on others for the outcome.
The podium battle intensified when Vingegaard crossed Pogacar on the Hautacam climb, a moment that reshaped the Tour’s dynamics and left a lasting mark on the race’s momentum. Pogacar now trails the overall leader by a margin that remains formidable ahead of the next critical stage, a 40.7-kilometer time trial scheduled for Saturday. The gap stands as a reminder that the path to victory in this Tour remains open, contingent on the performance in that crucial individual effort.
Pogacar praised the effort of Vingegaard and his Jumbo team, noting the high level of execution that characterized the challenge. He expressed admiration for the way Vingegaard handled the race, recognizing the strength shown on this Tour and the decisive moves that defined the stage. Acknowledging his own misfortune, Pogacar explained that a fall cost him substantial energy, and that he attempted to stay with the leading group, but the pace proved too strong for him to sustain.
Despite the setback, Pogacar conveyed respect for Vingegaard, explaining how the yellow jersey was nevertheless waiting at the Spandelles pass, a testament to the mutual respect that has grown between the riders. He admitted that his own aggressive tactics on the descent contributed to the tumble and accepted responsibility for that moment, while also highlighting the importance of teammates and shared effort in the climb-and-ride dynamic of modern stage racing.
Vingegaard Reflects on a Team-Centered Victory
The Dane Jonas Vingegaard’s triumph at Hautacam was framed as a team-wide achievement, with his Jumbo squad playing a pivotal role in enabling the stage win. The victory was described as a showcase of collective effort, underscoring how a well-coordinated squad can create opportunities and protect a leader through the most demanding sections of the course.
Vingegaard expressed gratitude to the entire team for their support, noting that Pogacar’s late-race attacks required constant adaptation. He highlighted the role of Wout van Aert’s acceleration in shaping the race’s tempo and acknowledged that only a coordinated team response could manage such pressure. While acknowledging the cleverness of Pogacar’s attacks, he attributed much of the stage success to the strategic execution of his teammates.
Looking ahead, Vingegaard emphasized the need to stay focused, recognizing that daily developments in a grand tour can alter the overall standings at any moment. The rider confirmed that the forthcoming 40.7-kilometer time trial would be a decisive test of form and consistency, with the overall crown still within reach but far from secured. He also described the moment when he waited for Pogacar after a fall as an act of respect, a gesture born from the understanding that the race is a long, grueling battle rather than a single sprint to glory.
Vingegaard singled out Wout van Aert for his steadfast support, insisting there is no personal rivalry within the Jumbo team. He praised Van Aert as one of the best riders in the world across multiple facets and suggested that leadership within the squad can be shared when two strong contenders are present. The emphasis remained on teamwork, mutual respect, and the shared goal of contending for the overall classification through coordinated effort.
As the Tour moves toward its final chapters, both Pogacar and Vingegaard carry forward a narrative shaped by fierce competition, strategic discipline, and the unyielding tempo of a race that rewards those who combine individual brilliance with collective execution. The coming days will determine how the pieces fall in the pursuit of the illustrious yellow jersey and a place in the annals of one of cycling’s greatest events. This ongoing duel echoes the timeless lesson that in the Tour de France, every kilometer matters and every decision on the road can redefine the race’s destiny. Source attribution: race coverage and post-stage statements from the organizers and on-site correspondents.