Story perspectives

Pogacar Breaks Pantani Record, Extends Lead; Carapaz Wins KOM

7/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Slovenian rider Tadej Pogacar won stage 19 up Alpe d’Huez in 35:26, breaking Marco Pantani’s 1997 record.
Pogacar’s lead grew to 7 minutes 11 seconds over Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel, setting up a fifth Tour win.
Rider Richard Carapaz won stage 20 and claimed the King of the Mountains jersey with 156 points, one ahead of Pogacar.
The Paris stage was cut to 89 km after police were redeployed to fight wildfires burning over 36,000 ha in southwestern France.

History

Historical Context

In 1997, after the collapse of Carrera Jeans sponsorship, Marco Pantani led a new Italian squad and set the Alpe d’Huez record—14.5 km in 37 minutes 35 seconds—during the 84th Tour de France. Over three decades, advances in training and bike technology have let riders like Tadej Pogacar surpass that mark, prompting organizers to tweak routes when French wildfires threaten safety.

1 of 2

Story summary

Slovenian rider Tadej Pogacar won stage 19 up Alpe d’Huez in 35:26, breaking Marco Pantani’s 1997 record.
Pogacar’s lead grew to 7 minutes 11 seconds over Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel, setting up a fifth Tour win.
Rider Richard Carapaz won stage 20 and claimed the King of the Mountains jersey with 156 points, one ahead of Pogacar.
The Paris stage was cut to 89 km after police were redeployed to fight wildfires burning over 36,000 ha in southwestern France.

1 / 2