Pogacar's Dominance in the Pyrenees: A Closer Look

Tour de France leader Tadej Pogacar showcased his climbing prowess in the Pyrenees during Sunday's stage 15, riding solo to victory. Pogacar finished over a minute ahead of closest rival Jonas Vingegaard, securing his third stage win this year. His overall lead extended to over three minutes.

Tour de France leader Tadej Pogacar highlighted his climbing credentials in the Pyrenees when he rode solo to victory in Sunday's stage 15 of the race, a picturesque 198-kilometer (123-mile) ride from Loudenvielle to Plateau De Beille.

Pogacar dropped Jonas Vingegaard on the final climb, finishing one minute and eight seconds ahead of the Dane, his closest rival, to win his third stage on the Tour this year and his second straight stage victory since Saturday.

Vingegaard attacked with just over 10 km left, with Pogacar sticking to his wheel as the pair surged ahead of the leading group, to set up what promised to be an enthralling duel to the finish line.

With 5.3 km to go, Vingegaard ran out of gas and looked forlornly over his shoulder at Pogacar. The Slovenian immediately made his move, overtaking Vingegaard and disappearing into the distance. Pogacar crossed the line alone, arms aloft, extending his overall lead over Vingegaard to three minutes and nine seconds.

Remco Evenepoel, third in the general classification, finished nearly three minutes behind the Slovenian. The Soudal-QuickStep rider is now over five minutes behind Pogacar in the overall standings. Such was Pogacar's dominance that only 36 riders had crossed the finish line half an hour after the Team UAE Emirates rider had completed the stage.