Tadej Pogacar extended his dominance in the Tour de France with a commanding victory on stage 13’s mountain time trial to Peyragudes, pulling over four minutes clear in the general classification. On a scorching Pyrenean afternoon, the defending champion once again proved untouchable, claiming his fourth stage win of this year’s race and the 21st Tour stage of his career. Opting for a standard road bike rather than a time-trial setup, Pogacar was fastest at every time check on the 10.9km climb, mirroring his triumph on the ascent to Hautacam the previous day.
When asked if he might ease off to let rivals claim stages, Pogacar dismissed the notion, emphasizing that the Tour is about seizing every opportunity. He explained that his team works tirelessly with one goal in mind – winning – and that he owes it to them to capitalize whenever possible. He also reflected on the nature of success, noting that once you win, people immediately look toward your next victory, so it is important to enjoy the moment.
The Slovenian has now opened a significant gap to his nearest challengers. After taking two minutes and 10 seconds out of Jonas Vingegaard on the 12km climb to Hautacam, Pogacar added to his advantage at Peyragudes, extending his overall lead to four minutes and seven seconds. Vingegaard remains second, three minutes ahead of third-placed Remco Evenepoel, with only six riders within 10 minutes of the leader.
Evenepoel admitted to struggling during the time trial, describing himself as feeling empty shortly after starting. Scotland’s Oscar Onley, however, climbed to fifth place overall after finishing seventh on the stage, keeping alive hopes of a high finish despite the punishing back-to-back summit finishes.
Primoz Roglic continues to make steady progress up the general classification, having posted the fastest time on the climb until Vingegaard and Pogacar surpassed him. Once a victim of Pogacar’s dramatic comeback in the 2020 Tour, Roglic now appears to be riding with growing ambition.
Elsewhere, French sprinter Bryan Coquard has withdrawn from the Tour after breaking bones in his right hand while taking his food bag during Thursday’s stage. Despite riding the time trial with his hand strapped, he withdrew citing safety concerns.
With four summit finishes still ahead, Pogacar’s commanding position suggests this could become his most emphatic Grand Tour victory yet.
