Full Breakdown
Pogacar’s Record-Breaking Ascent of Alpe d’Huez on Tour de France Stage 19
7/25/2026, 8:17:48 PM
Core Event – Stage 19 Climb
Defending champion Tadej Pogacar attacked 12 km from the summit, opened a gap that grew to roughly 90 seconds, and rode the final climb in 35 minutes 27 seconds. The effort beat Marco Pantani’s 1997 record by more than a minute, securing the stage win. He finished six seconds ahead of Lenny Martinez (Bahrain-Victorious) with Richard Carapaz (EF Education-Easypost) three seconds further back.
Background & Context
Going into Stage 19, Pogacar led the general classification by seven minutes 11 seconds over Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe). Rival Jonas Vingegaard had crashed out, leaving the yellow jersey “sewn up.” The Slovenian’s team, UAE Team Emirates-XRG, was hampered by illness, with several teammates unable to finish recent stages. A 40-plus-rider breakaway formed early, featuring climbers Carapaz, Martinez, Sepp Kuss, and others.
Key Figures & Groups
- Tadej Pogacar – defending champion, UAE Team Emirates-XRG.
- Adam Yates – teammate who helped chase the break.
- Richard Carapaz – Ecuadorian climber in the breakaway.
- Lenny Martinez – French climber, breakaway contender.
- Sepp Kuss – American climber, part of the break.
- Jonas Vingegaard – former Tour winner, crashed out.
- Isaac del Toro – Mexican teammate, third overall.
Data & Statistics
- Power output: estimated 7.1–7.3 W/kg for Pogacar’s first part of the climb, versus the GC group’s 400–450 W (6–6.5 W/kg).
- Breakaway advantage: roughly 3½ minutes ahead at the climb’s start.
- Time gaps: six seconds to Martinez, nine seconds to Carapaz.
- Record: 35 min 27 s on Alpe d’Huez, surpassing Pantani’s 1997 time by more than a minute.
Official Statements & Responses
Pogacar called the victory “very cool,” noting the team created conditions that let him go “full gas” once the break showed strength. He said the pace gave him “good legs” and few could follow.
On-the-Ground Reports
Spectators on the mountain reported a “crazy atmosphere” as Pogacar surged ahead. After the finish, Martinez was seen slamming his handlebars, while Carapaz showed visible disappointment despite a strong breakaway performance.
Why It Matters / Impact
The stage win and record time keep Pogacar on track to equal the five-Tour record held by Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain. A fifth overall victory would cement his status among cycling’s all-time greats.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No substantive discrepancies appear among the sources regarding timing, gaps, or power estimates.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was very cool to win up here - it was a crazy atmosphere all climb and I'm thankful for the team that I it could pull it off,” — Tadej Pogacar.
