Tadej Pogačar reached a significant career milestone on Saturday, achieving his 98th victory at the Critérium du Dauphiné, placing him ahead of all other riders currently competing. Prior to this stage, he was tied with sprinters Alexander Kristoff and Arnaud Démare, but his triumph at the summit of Valmeinier 1800 has set him apart.
Pogačar’s performance positions him with a chance to hit the coveted 100 wins if he secures victory in the final mountain stage and overall General Classification (GC) on Sunday. This is an impressive feat for a 26-year-old cyclist.
However, there is a hint of rivalry as Jonas Vingegaard, a formidable competitor who has previously bested Pogačar in the 2022 and 2023 Tours de France, also displayed strong form in this competition. Vingegaard lost just 14 seconds to Pogačar on Saturday, following a significant loss to him on Friday where Pogačar claimed more than a minute lead.
Vingegaard acknowledged Pogačar’s prowess, stating he did his best without being able to keep up during Pogačar’s decisive attack. Although he feels positive about his own performance, the margins suggest a competitive edge remains between these two elite cyclists. Vingegaard’s recent recovery from a concussion, which kept him off the bike for months, has led to speculation that he may improve as he regains his racing form.
The dynamics in the peloton also lean on team strengths as UAE Team Emirates supported Pogačar effectively, while Vingegaard’s team, Visma Lease a Bike, faced some challenges. Pogačar commented on his rivals’ tactics, noting that they appeared to push limits during descents, an evolving aspect of modern cycling.
As the competition intensifies, Pogačar is positioned strongly to conclude the Dauphiné successfully, with three or four stage wins potentially showcasing him as the leading contender for the upcoming Tour. Vingegaard remains hopeful that his recent gatherings of racing experience will bolster his performance in the Tour, believing that competitions like Dauphiné build a foundation for improvement.
While Pogačar leads the current race with a remarkable performance, Vingegaard’s determination adds an exciting layer to the event as fans look forward to the conclusion of the Critérium du Dauphiné.
This result further solidifies Pogačar’s reputation within cycling; with 21 race days under his belt this year compared to Vingegaard’s 17, the contest raises intriguing questions about endurance and form as the season progresses. As it stands, a compelling climax looms for the final stage, with both riders showing a strong commitment to their cycling feats.