The Tour de France delivered another electrifying showdown as Tadej Pogacar unleashed a blistering attack in the Pyrenees, testing defending champion Jonas Vingegaard's resolve. The Slovenian star pushed hard on the final climb of Stage 13, but Vingegaard matched him pedal stroke for pedal stroke to maintain his grip on the yellow jersey.
Mountain Duel Goes Down to the Wire
Pogacar's aggressive move on the steep slopes of the Col du Tourmalet had spectators on their feet, with the two-time champion clearly determined to reclaim the race lead he last held in 2021. The UAE Team Emirates rider threw everything at his Danish rival, but Vingegaard's Jumbo-Visma team had prepared perfectly for the challenge.
Tactical Battle on the Tourmalet
"I knew this was my moment," Pogacar said after the stage. "Jonas was just too strong today. But the Tour isn't over yet." The 24-year-old Slovenian gained 24 seconds on his rival, but it wasn't enough to significantly close the 1:48 gap in the general classification.
Vingegaard, who has looked increasingly confident in the mountains this year, remained composed under pressure. "Tadej is an incredible rider," the 26-year-old Dane acknowledged. "Every attack makes me stronger. We still have hard days ahead."
GC Standings After Stage 13
- 1. Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma)
- 2. Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) +1:48
- 3. Jai Hindley (Bora-Hansgrohe) +2:39
The Tour now heads towards the decisive time trial in the Dordogne region, where both contenders will have another opportunity to gain precious seconds before the final showdown in the Alps.
