Tadej Pogacar extended his Tour de France lead to 3 minutes and 30 seconds after a dominant Bastille Day stage win on July 14, 2026. The Slovenian rider faced some boos from spectators but found inspiration in tennis star Novak Djokovic's resilience against similar criticism.
What happened in the race?
Pogacar claimed his 24th career Tour de France stage victory in the Cantal region, further cementing his position as the race leader. His UAE Team Emirates squad has dominated the first 10 days of the competition, with Pogacar now holding his largest lead at this stage of the three-week event.
How did Pogacar respond to the jeers?
The two-time defending champion remained philosophical about the boos. 'Haters gonna hate,' he said, comparing the situation to Djokovic's experiences. 'When someone is booing, I look up to Novak Djokovic and think about him.' Pogacar emphasized that cycling fans are overwhelmingly positive, with 99% cheering for all riders.
What's next for Pogacar in the Tour?
Pogacar remains cautious about the upcoming high mountain stages, particularly in the Alps. 'I need to be really focused and not get too ahead of myself,' he said. The 27-year-old acknowledged that anything can happen in a single day, with riders potentially losing significant time.
How do rivals view Pogacar's dominance?
Juan Ayuso, the 23-year-old Spanish rider, admitted that Pogacar is 'on a different level' this year. 'It's basically a different race than us,' he said. Ayuso, now in fourth place, is battling for a podium spot alongside Remco Evenepoel and Isaac del Toro.