Tadej Pogacar produced a dominant solo ride to claim victory on stage six of the Critérium du Dauphiné, reclaiming the yellow jersey and reaffirming his status as a favourite for the overall title. The Slovenian rider attacked with 7km to go on the Côte de Domancy and rode clear of his rivals, eventually crossing the finish line 1 minute and 1 second ahead of Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard.
This marks Pogacar’s 97th career win, drawing him level with Arnaud Démare as the active rider with the joint-most victories. His performance was a powerful response after a disappointing time trial earlier in the week and signals a strong return to form ahead of his Tour de France title defence.
Behind Pogacar, Vingegaard finished second, unable to match the Slovenian’s final acceleration. Remco Evenepoel, who had been leading the general classification, struggled to keep pace and finished fifth, conceding 1 minute and 50 seconds on the stage. Germany’s Florian Lipowitz also moved up the standings with a solid performance.
The result means Pogacar now leads the overall standings by 43 seconds ahead of Vingegaard, with Lipowitz at 54 seconds back and Evenepoel trailing by 1 minute and 22 seconds. It was a critical shift in the general classification, coming during the first of three mountainous stages that are set to define the final outcome of the week-long race.
Racing in hot, sunny conditions, Pogacar looked composed and in control throughout the stage. The key move came on the same climb where Vingegaard had previously dominated him during the 2023 Tour de France time trial. This time, however, it was Pogacar who turned the tables, surging ahead with a decisive attack that only Vingegaard could briefly follow.
“I’m super happy to be back in yellow,” Pogacar said after the finish. “It was a very good day for us. I wasn’t too stressed after the time trial and the shape is here.”
Pogacar had already worn the yellow jersey after his win in stage one, and his return to the top of the standings confirms his consistent form throughout the race. With just two stages remaining, including Saturday’s queen stage, he now finds himself in a commanding position.
The penultimate stage, a 132km mountain route from Grand-Aigueblanche to Valmeinier 1800, will provide another stern test for the climbers and a final opportunity for Pogacar’s rivals to challenge his lead. Given his current form, however, it appears the Slovenian is on track for overall victory and building strong momentum heading into the Tour de France.
