Tadej Pogacar rode alone to the summit of the Col du Tourmalet on 9 July 2026, claimed stage 6 in Gavarnie‑Gèdre and stretched his overall lead to 2 minutes 38 seconds, putting the Slovenian in a commanding position at the 2026 Tour de France.
What happened on the Tourmalet?
Pogacar attacked early on the 17‑kilometre climb, breaking away from a dwindling peloton that had already lost several contenders. By the time he reached the La Mongie ski station, his gap over the second‑placed rider was just under 30 seconds. The gap swelled as he powered over the summit, leaving only Jonas Vingegaard in pursuit. Vingegaard’s chase stalled, and Pogacar crossed the finish line 2 minutes 38 seconds ahead, securing his second stage win of the race.
Who tried to chase?
Only Vingegaard managed to stay on Pogacar’s wheel for any length, but even his effort faded on the final ramps. Behind them, a chase group of eight featured Olympic time‑trial champion Remco Evenepoel and French favourite Paul Seixas, yet none could close the distance. Former race leader Torsten Traeen was dropped early, and riders such as Thymen Arensman and Tom Pidcock disappeared before the summit.
Why the win matters for Pogacar’s campaign?
The victory moves Pogacar into the fifth‑most prolific stage winner in Tour history with 23 wins, 11 of which came in the Pyrenees. The enlarged lead makes a fifth overall triumph on 26 July 2026 appear likely. Team‑mate Isaac del Toro had already taken a stage earlier, showing the depth of UAE Team Emirates XRG. Pogacar’s dominance also sparked comparisons to Michael Jordan and Usain Bolt, underscoring his status as the race’s clear favourite.
What’s next for the race?
With two stages already in the bag, Pogacar will aim to defend his lead on the upcoming Alpine and Alpine‑time‑trial stages. Vingegaard and Evenepoel will need to regroup, hoping to exploit any weakness on the remaining mountain finishes. The next week promises tactical battles as teams assess whether they can chip away at the three‑minute cushion before the final sprint into Paris.
How did the crowd react?
Spectators gathered beneath the Cirque de Gavarnie watched as Pogacar rode past the French president Emmanuel Macron’s view‑point, a scene that highlighted the event’s national significance. The crowd’s roar grew louder with each kilometer, reflecting the awe of seeing a rider so far ahead of his rivals.
What does this mean for cycling history?
If Pogacar adds more stage wins before the finale, he could eclipse the legendary Eddy Merckx’s record for total Tour victories. The term “Glutton” has already been floated by commentators, hinting at a new nickname that may sit alongside “Cannibal” in the sport’s lore.