Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard of Jumbo-Visma clinched the eighteenth stage of the controversial 143.5km Tour de France, a route from Lourdes to Hautacam that tested the contenders’ endurance and strategy. The victory came as a direct challenge to a determined Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates, who pressed hard with multiple attacks. As the general classification hung in the balance, Vingegaard’s performance kept the overall gap tight, extending the lead over Pogacar by just over a minute and a half with three stages remaining, including a 40km time trial on Saturday.
The Dane stepped up against Pogacar’s relentless push, leaving a mark as the race moved toward the ascents above the Pyrenees. The stage marked a pivotal moment in a Tour where the leader faced a sustained onslaught from a fierce rival, with Vingegaard ultimately delivering a decisive performance on the climb to Hautacam. The gap grew to 3 minutes and 26 seconds as the field pressed on toward the finish after a demanding day in the mountains.
Vingegaard defeats Pogacar at Hautacam and reshapes the Tour’s narrative
In the Pyrenees, the reigning monarch of the event found himself dethroned on a stage that tested every reserve of effort. The late-stage drama unfolded in front of the yellow jersey as both riders showcased the class and grit that define grand tours. Pogacar endured the brutal pace and paid the price for his aggressive attempts, losing momentum on the Col de Spandelles as Vingegaard maintained composure and focus throughout the climb.
Instead of retaliating against the Slovenian’s sustained surge, Vingegaard chose a measured response, letting Pogacar set a cadence that kept the race in a fair, high-stakes duel. The Slovenian rider acknowledged the challenge with a respectful gesture, and the two cyclists continued the battle with the outcome leaning toward the Jumbo-Visma rider as the stage concluded.