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TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Predator and puppeteer: Pogacar turns the Tour into his stage
At just 26, Tadej Pogacar has turned the Tour de France into his kingdom, claiming his fourth title on Sunday and cementing a reign that recalls the hunger of Eddy Merckx and the iron grip of Lance Armstrong — yet feels entirely his own. This victory was more than just a triumph — it was a showcase of transformation. Pogacar started the race as a lively, daring rider, delighting fans with audacious attacks and celebrating stage wins with unrestrained exuberance. Yet as the gruelling three-week event wore on, the Slovenian's demeanour shifted. The joy gave way to cold, calculating focus, showcasing his ability to transition from a crowd-pleaser to a commanding leader. Only in the final stage did Pogacar spring back to life in a ride resembling a one-day classic, during which he fought an epic duel with Belgian Wout van Aert. While he did not win, the joy of racing was briefly back as the world champion found a challenge at his measure. 🎙️ The winning speech of a 4 time Tour de France winner! 🤩 🎙️ Le discours d'un quadruple vainqueur du Tour de France ! 🤩 #TDF2025 — Tour de France™ (@LeTour) July 27, 2025 Through the first two weeks, Pogacar appeared unstoppable, claiming four stage wins, putting the hammer down on the climb to Hautacam and adding a dominant performance in the uphill time trial on Stage 13. That victory stretched his lead over Jonas Vingegaard to more than four minutes, reinforcing his position as the man to beat. His early attacks were bold, his energy seemingly endless. Fans witnessed the Pogacar they adored — smiling at the summit, waving to children on the roadside, and revelling in the pure joy of racing. However, the Alpine stages brought a noticeable change. Pogacar's appetite for stage victories diminished, replaced by a deliberate focus on controlling the race. On the climb to La Plagne, Pogacar allowed Thymen Arensman to claim the stage win, focusing instead on neutralizing Vingegaard's chances of winning the stage. That level of authority brought echoes of Armstrong's dominance in the early 2000s, though the context was vastly different. The psychological command over the race, however, felt familiar. Rivals stopped plotting to beat Pogacar, they plotted to survive. 💚💛🤍⚪🔴 #TDF2025 — Tour de France™ (@LeTour) July 27, 2025 'It was one of the hardest, if not the hardest, Tours I've been in,' Pogacar told reporters, emphasising the physical and mental challenges of defending his lead over three weeks. The Slovenian's calm demeanour occasionally cracked under pressure. After enduring repeated accelerations from rivals during a mountain stage, he described their tactics as 'a bit annoying.' While Pogacar never appeared physically vulnerable, his transition from carefree to businesslike reflected the immense weight of leadership. Even when Matteo Jorgenson launched an attack, Pogacar personally shut it down despite the American posing no threat to his overall lead — a testament to his meticulous control. Every milestone Pogacar achieves revives comparisons with Merckx, cycling's 'Cannibal,' who devoured everything in his path. The Belgian claimed five Tours, Giro-Tour doubles, and Monument wins during his remarkable career. With four Tour titles, one Giro win, multiple Monuments, and a world championship to his name, Pogacar is the closest to Merckx's level seen in decades. Bernard Hinault, one of four riders with five Tour wins, remarked that Pogacar is 'like me and Merckx,' while Merckx himself admitted that Pogacar's world title ride surpassed his own on that day. The defining question now is whether Pogacar can match Merckx's record of five Tour victories. His 2024 season — winning the Giro, Tour, and World Championships — echoes Merckx's mythical 1974 campaign. The way Pogacar is able to control a race feels organic, driven by raw talent, versatility, and a calm confidence that suggests inevitability rather than fear. Yet the final week of the Tour revealed another layer to Pogacar's character: the strain of expectation. Though his joy faded as the race progressed, replaced by steely determination, it is this duality — exuberance and strain, predator and puppet master — that makes Pogacar a compelling figure in modern cycling. With four Tour wins at 26, Pogacar stands tantalisingly close to the immortal mark of five titles, cementing his place among cycling's greats.
Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
My wife left me for a bike race. I'm a Tour de France widower
We have football widows. Golf widows. Racing car widows. Even video game widows. Yet now I humbly suggest we have a new category: Tour de France widowers. And I should know. I am one of them. Each year my wife travels to foreign lands via the television to spend time with elite athletes in colourful jerseys as they travel through fairyland locations for the Tour de France, the world's most prestigious bicycle race. She puts on her special yellow (or should I say 'jaune'? ) Tour de France socks and joins the 'couch peloton', blocking out three weeks to watch riders cycle through some of the most beautiful areas on Earth. It's the only sport she truly adores and I fully support her enthusiasm. Indeed, I am in no way threatened by these dashing younger men with their perfect buns and seemingly endless stamina. 'Just think of them as racehorses,' she says. She knows exactly what is going on in the Tour de France: the stakes, the terrain, why grimpeurs (climbers) are the ones to watch during the mountainous stages. She loves the castles, the chateaux, the churches and the villages, the cheering and sometimes chaotic crowds, the incredible helicopter shots, the history and the rivalry between the riders. Loading Her love affair with 'Le Tour' is decades long. She cheered when Australia's Cadel Evans won the Tour – as well as the hearts of the nation – in 2011, becoming one of the few non-Europeans ever to do so. She was watching when Lance Armstrong won his too-good-to-be-true string of victories towards the end of his Tour career. She's seen it all: the highs, the lows, the drug scandals, the big accidents, the fans with flares, the tacks on the road. Indeed, for a sports-obsessed nation such as ours, it's refreshing to celebrate a sport that doesn't involve tries, wickets or goals. She's almost at the point where she'll set up an exercise bike in the apartment and race along with the competitors as she watches it on TV, a glass of champagne in hand, perhaps only pausing as I hand her a water bottle. As for me, the only thing I know about bikes and bike riding comes from riding BMXs in the 1980s (shout-out to Nicole Kidman for her breakthrough role in BMX Bandits). I just let all the facts and figures of the Tour de France wash over me in a blur. I have no idea what the 'maillot jaune' is or why the 'polka-dot jersey' is also kind of a big deal in the Tour. I am puzzled as to why being named the 'most combative rider' is a good thing.
The Age
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
My wife left me for a bike race. I'm a Tour de France widower
We have football widows. Golf widows. Racing car widows. Even video game widows. Yet now I humbly suggest we have a new category: Tour de France widowers. And I should know. I am one of them. Each year my wife travels to foreign lands via the television to spend time with elite athletes in colourful jerseys as they travel through fairyland locations for the Tour de France, the world's most prestigious bicycle race. She puts on her special yellow (or should I say 'jaune'? ) Tour de France socks and joins the 'couch peloton', blocking out three weeks to watch riders cycle through some of the most beautiful areas on Earth. It's the only sport she truly adores and I fully support her enthusiasm. Indeed, I am in no way threatened by these dashing younger men with their perfect buns and seemingly endless stamina. 'Just think of them as racehorses,' she says. She knows exactly what is going on in the Tour de France: the stakes, the terrain, why grimpeurs (climbers) are the ones to watch during the mountainous stages. She loves the castles, the chateaux, the churches and the villages, the cheering and sometimes chaotic crowds, the incredible helicopter shots, the history and the rivalry between the riders. Loading Her love affair with 'Le Tour' is decades long. She cheered when Australia's Cadel Evans won the Tour – as well as the hearts of the nation – in 2011, becoming one of the few non-Europeans ever to do so. She was watching when Lance Armstrong won his too-good-to-be-true string of victories towards the end of his Tour career. She's seen it all: the highs, the lows, the drug scandals, the big accidents, the fans with flares, the tacks on the road. Indeed, for a sports-obsessed nation such as ours, it's refreshing to celebrate a sport that doesn't involve tries, wickets or goals. She's almost at the point where she'll set up an exercise bike in the apartment and race along with the competitors as she watches it on TV, a glass of champagne in hand, perhaps only pausing as I hand her a water bottle. As for me, the only thing I know about bikes and bike riding comes from riding BMXs in the 1980s (shout-out to Nicole Kidman for her breakthrough role in BMX Bandits). I just let all the facts and figures of the Tour de France wash over me in a blur. I have no idea what the 'maillot jaune' is or why the 'polka-dot jersey' is also kind of a big deal in the Tour. I am puzzled as to why being named the 'most combative rider' is a good thing.
TimesLIVE
5 days ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
One of the hardest, if not the hardest, Tours I've been in, says Pogacar
Tadej Pogacar all but sealed his fourth Tour de France title on Saturday after surviving what he claims is one of the most brutal Tours he has ridden, leaving only Sunday's ride into Paris between him and another triumph in the world's greatest race. The defending champion leads Jonas Vingegaard by 4:24 in the general classification heading into Stage 21, which will feature a spectacular finale with three climbs of the Butte Montmartre in the French capital — a twist on the traditional Champs-Elysees parade. 'Every year we say it's the hardest Tour ever, but I know that this year's Tour was something on another level,' Pogacar told reporters after finishing Saturday's 20th stage in the main bunch. 'Maybe one day we went a bit easier, but if you look at the power files throughout the whole Tour, it's been really amazing and tough. Even today we almost went all out from start to finish.' 🎽 Jerseys after stage 2️⃣0️⃣ / Maillots distinctifs après l'étape 2️⃣0️⃣ 💛 @TamauPogi 🇸🇮 💚 Jonathan Milan 🇮🇹 🔴⚪️ @TamauPogi 🇸🇮 👶 Florian Lipowitz 🇩🇪 #TDF2025 — Tour de France™ (@LeTour) July 26, 2025 The 26-year-old, who previously won the race in 2020, 2021 and last year, said the gruelling route had tested the peloton to its limits. 'I must say that even though it was the hardest, one of the hardest Tours I ever did, I enjoyed it and had good shape and good legs. Really looking forward to the last day tomorrow,' Pogacar, who has won 10 stages in the last two Tours, added. After crossing the line on the penultimate stage, Pogacar, who on Friday said he was counting down the kilometres to Paris, hinted at a quick return to his bike despite three punishing weeks on the road. "Monday, I travel home, Tuesday maybe I go on the bike. You never know — if I feel good, I do a bit of riding, stop for coffee and enjoy summer at home," he said with a smile. Asked about a possible appearance at the Vuelta a Espana later this year, which could further cement his place among cycling's greatest in case of victory, Pogacar remained non-committal. "We will decide a couple of days after the Tour, after everything is calm. Then we can make decisions for the next races," he said. "I think it's going to be tough to decide. Of course, I would like to go to the Vuelta. Every year I do the Tour and I would like to do the Vuelta one day also, yeah, we will see." World champion Pogacar has won the Tour three times, achieved a rare Giro-Tour double last year, and has already claimed victory in three of the five Monuments - the most prestigious one-day races - prompting comparisons with Belgian all-time great Eddy Merckx.
Glasgow Times
6 days ago
- Climate
- Glasgow Times
Cattle cull forces change to Tour de France stage route
The discovery of a contagious disease amongst cattle has meant the route will be shortened from 129.9 kilometres to just 95km with two climbs – the 11.3km Cote d'Hery-sur-Ugine and the 13.7km Col des Saisies – removed. An outbreak of nodular dermatitis meant the affected herd has needed to be culled and race organisers have taken the decision to divert the route in light of 'distress' amongst those farmers concerned. 🚨 Changes to Stage 19 – Albertville – La Plagne The discovery of an outbreak of contagious nodular dermatitis affecting cattle in a herd located specifically in the Col des Saisies has necessitated the culling of the animals. In light of the distress experienced by the affected… — Tour de France™ (@LeTour) July 24, 2025 In a statement ahead of the Albertville-La Plagne stage, the Tour said: 'The discovery of an outbreak of contagious nodular dermatitis affecting cattle in a herd located specifically in the Col des Saisies has necessitated the culling of the animals. 'In light of the distress experienced by the affected farmers and in order to preserve the smooth running of the race, it has been decided, in agreement with the relevant authorities, to modify the route of Stage 19 (Albertville–La Plagne) and to avoid the ascent to the Col des Saisies. 'The ceremonial start will take place as planned at the exit of Albertville. After a 7km parade, riders will head towards the D925, where the official start will be given. 'The race will then rejoin the original route shortly before Beaufort (at km 52.4 on the original schedule). Tadej Pogacar is in the yellow jersey going into stage 19 (Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP) 'Due to this change, which notably bypasses the Col des Saisies, the stage will now cover a total distance of 95km instead of the originally planned 129.9km.' During Thursday's stage 18, Tadej Pogacar conquered his demons on the Col de la Loze to stretch his advantage in yellow amidst a hailstorm, as Ben O'Connor wrapped up the stage win. On the mountain where Pogacar famously cracked in 2023 as Jonas Vingegaard rode away to his second Tour crown, Pogacar was the one gaining time two years later as a late dig at the summit saw him add 11 seconds to an overall lead that now stands at four minutes 26 seconds over Vingegaard.
