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Pogacar Dominates Tourmalet, Reclaims Yellow After Wildfire Delays

7/10/2026

38 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Tadej Pogacar solo-attacked the Col du Tourmalet and finished more than 2½ minutes ahead, the largest 2026 Tour gap.
He won Stage 6 from Pau to Gavarnie-Gedre and reclaimed the yellow jersey.
Organizers cancelled the publicity caravan and restricted French roadside spectators after a nearby wildfire threatened Stage 3.
Pogacar, with 14 wins this season, now targets matching the five-Tour record of Merckx, Indurain, Anquetil and Hinault.

History

Historical Context

The 1998 Tour de France’s Festina doping scandal triggered police raids and team withdrawals, leading the UCI and race organisers to tighten anti-doping rules and, in December 1999, launch the World Anti-Doping Agency. Decades later, the Amaury Sport Organisation’s cancellation of the 2026 publicity caravan and limits on roadside spectators after a Pau wildfire reflect that legacy of stricter race safety.

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Story summary

Tadej Pogacar solo-attacked the Col du Tourmalet and finished more than 2½ minutes ahead, the largest 2026 Tour gap.
He won Stage 6 from Pau to Gavarnie-Gedre and reclaimed the yellow jersey.
Organizers cancelled the publicity caravan and restricted French roadside spectators after a nearby wildfire threatened Stage 3.
Pogacar, with 14 wins this season, now targets matching the five-Tour record of Merckx, Indurain, Anquetil and Hinault.

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