Tadej Pogacar secured his fourth stage victory in the Tour de France 2026 after a dramatic mountain stage in the Vosges. His decisive move left rivals behind and highlighted his dominance in the race.
Tadej Pogacar delivered a commanding performance in the Vosges, taking his fourth stage win in the Tour de France 2026. The Slovenian rider broke away in the final kilometers, leaving his main competitors behind on the steep slopes of the Grand Ballon and Ballon d’Alsace. The stage was marked by relentless attacks, changing weather, and tactical battles among the favorites, but Pogacar’s calculated move on the decisive climb proved unmatchable.
The day began with a determined breakaway featuring Carapaz, Healy, and several other climbers, who set a fierce pace through the mountain passes. Despite their efforts, the peloton, led by UAE Team Emirates and Red Bull, gradually reeled them in. Mads Pedersen, usually a sprinter, played an unusual role by supporting his teammate Ayuso through the treacherous, rain-soaked descents, while Vingegaard and his Visma team opted for caution, allowing Pogacar’s squad to dictate the tempo.
As the race approached the final ascent, Pogacar’s rivals sensed an opportunity when Carapaz still held a slim lead. Teams like Decathlon and Visma increased the pressure, but Pogacar remained patient, conserving energy and monitoring his competitors. With just two kilometers left to the summit, he launched a decisive attack, quickly overtaking Carapaz and distancing Vingegaard. The Slovenian’s effort on the steepest section, known locally as the Haag, was unmatched, and he crested the climb alone, turning the final six kilometers into a solo celebration.
At the finish, Pogacar had time to savor his victory, donning his sunglasses and mimicking a famous football celebration. He acknowledged the efforts of young Seixas, who finished strongly and claimed the white jersey by a narrow margin over Juan Ayuso. The stage also saw Del Toro and Vingegaard battling for bonus seconds, with the Spanish rider narrowly missing out on the white jersey. The result reshuffled the standings and set the stage for further drama in the Alps, where the Plateau de Solaison and the punishing climb of Le Salève await the peloton.
Pogacar’s dominance in the mountains has drawn comparisons to legendary climbers, with physiologists noting his extraordinary physical capabilities. His use of a nasal strip, intended to improve airflow, has sparked curiosity, though experts remain skeptical about its real impact. The Slovenian’s performance has left rivals searching for answers, as some observers estimate his VO2max to be among the highest ever recorded in cycling. Meanwhile, the battle for the general classification remains open, with Vingegaard expected to challenge again on the longer Alpine climbs.
The atmosphere at the finish was electric, with fans braving the rain to witness the spectacle. The fight for the white jersey added another layer of intrigue, as Seixas edged out Ayuso by just three seconds. The Spanish contingent remains in contention, with the next stage promising even tougher challenges. For a look at how Spanish riders have influenced previous mountain stages and the tactical shifts that have shaped this year’s race, see the analysis of a recent Alsace stage at this detailed report.
The Tour de France 2026 continues to deliver high drama and shifting fortunes, with every mountain stage bringing new surprises. As the race heads toward the Alps, all eyes remain on Pogacar and his rivals, with the outcome far from decided.
