Tadej Pogacar delivered a commanding performance on stage 10 of the Tour de France on 14 July, breaking away solo in the Massif Basic to extend his overall lead to more than three and a half minutes. The 166.6-kilometre route ran from Aurillac to Le Lioran, where Pogacar claimed his 24th Tour stage win. He made his decisive move on the Col de Pertus, the penultimate climb, distancing the leading contenders before finishing alone.
Despite his dominance, Pogacar drew an unusual reaction from the roadside crowd, with some spectators booing as he crossed the finish line in Le Lioran. Such scenes have been uncommon in recent years, recalling the era of Team Sky and Chris Froome. After the stage, Pogacar said the negative reactions only motivated his team further. He also noted that the vast majority of cycling fans remain supportive, and said he draws inspiration from tennis star Novak Djokovic, who has faced similar public scrutiny during his career. The Tour de France’s official account marked the return to Le Lioran with the line: “Beaten in 2024, Tadej Pogacar wins in Le Lioran in 2026.”
While Pogacar celebrated another stage victory, the day proved difficult for his UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammate Isaac del Toro, who lost ground in the battle for the podium. Remco Evenepoel finished second, 32 seconds behind Pogacar; Paul Seixas and Florian Lipowitz were 34 seconds back, while Jonas Vingegaard came seventh, 44 seconds behind the winner. Del Toro placed eighth, 1 minute 31 seconds back. Evenepoel finished 12 seconds ahead of Vingegaard on the stage, moving into third place overall. Vingegaard struggled on the short, steep climbs and has said that this kind of terrain has long been a weakness for him.
Vingegaard’s recent comments about nearly quitting professional cycling last year have added another layer to the story. The Danish rider, who survived a serious crash in April 2024, spoke about the sport’s physical and mental toll, including the demands of training camps and travel, as well as dietary restrictions and time away from his family. “I said last year that if this was how it was going to be, I couldn't be in it anymore,” he told Danish broadcaster TV2, as quoted by Domestique Cycling. His wife, Trine Hansen, echoed his concerns, describing a relentless schedule that runs from February through the end of the season. Discussions with Visma management gave Vingegaard more influence over his race calendar and training schedule. During the Tour, he said, “I’m much happier being a cyclist,” describing a more positive relationship with the sport.
The Tour now heads into its second half. Stage 11, from Vichy to Nevers, offers a brief respite for the basic contenders and a rare chance for sprinters. Pogacar’s aggressive tactics have put pressure on his rivals and raised questions about who can respond in the coming days. The intensity of this year’s competition has drawn comparisons with previous editions, particularly amid recent innovations and challenges faced by teams, such as the extreme-heat measures described in reports on how Tour de France teams have adapted to weather extremes.
Spanish cycling fans are closely following developments in France, as the Tour de France remains one of the sport’s most prestigious events. The outcome of this year’s race could influence team strategies and rider preparation for future Grand Tours, including the Vuelta a España. With the general classification now more defined, attention turns to whether Pogacar can maintain his advantage or Vingegaard and Evenepoel can close the gap before Paris.
