Tadej Pogacar extends Tour de France lead with dominant Stage 14 victory
Tadej Pogacar extended his overall lead in the Tour de France by claiming a dominant victory on a mountainous stage 14 in front of massive crowds.
The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider crossed the finish line at Le Markstein 38 seconds ahead of teammate Isaac del Toro.
France’s teenage sensation Paul Seixas took third place on the 155km route from Mulhouse, matching the Mexican runner-up’s time.
Crucially for the general classification battle, two-time Tour winner Jonas Vingegaard faded to finish fourth and surrendered another 44 seconds to his main rival.
Chastening day for Vingegaard
The Danish climber arrived at this three-week race in stellar form following a debilitating crash earlier in 2024.
He initially matched the pace and even took up the pacing duties on the brutal final ascent in the Vosges mountains.
However, the 29-year-old was unable to hold the wheel when the Slovenian launched a blistering attack with eight kilometres remaining.
The phenomenal sustained power and high cadence of the race leader proved vastly superior to the rest of the elite breakaway group.
Chasing a historic fifth crown
This latest triumph marks the 27-year-old’s fourth individual stage win of the current Grand Tour.
He now boasts a commanding overall advantage of four minutes and 30 seconds over the Visma-Lease a Bike leader.
A victory in Paris would see the remarkable climber equal the all-time record of five Tour de France titles, joining legends such as Jacques Anquetil and Eddy Merckx.
Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel remains third overall at just over five minutes adrift, while Mads Pedersen retains the green points jersey.
Unforgettable scenes on the mountain
The elite contenders carved their way through fervent supporters who lined the narrow tarmac roads near the German and Swiss borders.
The yellow jersey holder was quick to acknowledge the immense roadside support following his spectacular solo finish.
“Thanks to all the fans who came to the side of the road,” said Pogacar afterwards.
“It was really something unforgettable to see all the crowds on the top of the mountain – I’ve never seen something like this before.”
“All the cyclists and riders… we have massive respect for each other – it’s great to put on this show and nice to see this kind of racing.”