Tour de France: Pogacar won the climbing show on the national holiday

Tadej Pogacar secured his third stage victory of the 2026 Tour de France on July 14, winning the 10th stage from Aurillac to Le Lioran on Slovenia’s national holiday. The Slovenian world champion claimed the day’s top prize independently after a grueling 166.6-kilometer route featuring seven mountain classifications and approximately 3,800 meters of elevation gain. His win extended his lead in the overall standings to more than three minutes, bringing him closer to securing his fifth general classification title. The stage was marked by its technical challenges, with riders facing steep climbs and demanding terrain throughout the course. Pogacar, who has already won two stages this year, maintained his dominance on the ascent, showcasing his climbing prowess despite the high altitude and physical demands of the race. His performance further solidified his position as one of the favorites for the final podium. Among the contenders, Danish rider Jonas Vingegaard finished seventh, falling behind the leading group. Belgian double Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel took second place, while Portuguese rising star Paul Seixas came in third. The trio formed the top three finishers on the challenging stage, highlighting the competitive nature of the race and the strength of the field. Pogacar’s success continues to build upon his impressive record in the Tour. This victory marks his 24th career stage win, placing him just behind French cyclist André Leducq, who holds the fourth position in the all-time list with 25 victories. British sprinter Mark Cavendish, the former world champion, currently leads the list with 35 stage wins, making Pogacar’s climb up the rankings a notable achievement. The following stage will take place on Wednesday, with the riders heading from Vichy to Nevers over a distance of 161 kilometers. The route is predominantly flat, offering opportunities for sprinters to showcase their skills. Only two category four mountain classifications will be included, providing a slightly less demanding challenge compared to the previous day’s route. The stage promises to be a key moment for the sprinters, who have been waiting for a chance to demonstrate their speed on a level playing field. The race continues to attract attention from fans and media around the world, with each stage adding new chapters to the narrative of the 2026 Tour de France. As the competition progresses, the focus will remain on the performances of the top contenders, with Pogacar’s continued form setting the tone for the upcoming stages. The race is expected to reach its climax in the coming days, with the final standings still in flux and the outcome yet to be decided.