Tadej Pogacar achieved consecutive victories in the Pyrenees, building on his triumph from Saturday at Pla d’Adet and sealing another stage win on the 15th stage at Plateau de Beille. Initially, it had appeared that the stage was all set for another face-off between Pogacar, the Slovenian, and reigning champion Jonas Vingegaard; however, Pogacar displayed overwhelming strength against the Danish cyclist. Unlike in previous stages, no contenders, including Giro d’Italia champion’s rivals and Soudal Quick-Step’s Remco Evenepoel, could mount an effective comeback against the spurred-on Pogacar. Pogacar and Vingegaard managed to overtake a dwindling group of opposing competitors, just 11 kilometres away from the finish line. Yet, with only five kilometres to the end, Pogacar overtook Vingegaard and, for the second time within 24 hours, launched an unmerciful attack, leaving him behind. This was not another raw show of power, rather a cunning change of rhythm, with Pogacar seizing the opportunity just after Vingegaard had taken a glance over his shoulder. As their gap grew, Vingegaard’s performance deteriorated, losing a touch over a minute, thus remaining more than three minutes behind the leader in the yellow jersey. Despite showing determination, Evenepoel held onto his third position overall, although he is now trailing by well over five minutes behind the unstoppable Slovenian. Further details will follow.
