Pogacar denies Roglic to effectively seal Tour de France glory
September 19, 2020 00:17 MYT
Tadej Pogacar effectively clinched the Tour de France title with an incredible performance as Primoz Roglic wilted in a dramatic individual time trial on Saturday.
UAE Team Emirates rider Pogacar, obliterated Roglic's 57-second lead in the general classification on the 36.2-kilometre ride from Lure to La Planche des Belles Filles, winning the penultimate stage with a simply stunning display.
Barring any potential shocks on the procession into Paris on Sunday, Pogacar will take his place at the top of the podium in a Grand Tour for the first time in his career.
The 21-year-old Slovenian crossed the line after 55 minutes and 55 seconds, with his compatriot Roglic producing a time that was one minute and 56 seconds slower – only good enough for fifth.
Hey @TamauPogi, you've won the Tour Regarde @TamauPogi, tu as gagné le Tour de France 2020 !#TDF2020 pic.twitter.com/C6mE02d9UC
— Tour de France™ (@LeTour) September 19, 2020
Pogacar had the yellow jersey and the King of the Mountains title in his sights but needed to go flat out in order to overthrow GC leader Roglic and polka dot jersey holder Richard Carapaz.
He started at a high pace and had 13 seconds on Roglic at the first checkpoint, and by the second split – which came at the base of a 5.9km climb at a gradient of 8.5 per cent – the Jumbo-Visma rider's overall advantage had been cut to 21 seconds.
Both switched to road bikes at the base of the ascent but Roglic's changeover was far more sluggish and he appeared to be in trouble as he got out of his seat for more power.
He could not match the phenomenal pace of Pogacar, who completed an unbelievable turnaround to take the yellow jersey and top the climbing classifications, with Carapaz failing to get a point.
Roglic slumped to the floor after getting off his bike and stared blankly ahead, the title having evaded him despite being in yellow since after stage nine.
Richie Porte was third fastest on the day, which proved enough to move past Miguel Angel Lopez and secure a place on the third step of the podium, while Sam Bennett all but clinched the green jersey.
Respect @rogla @TamauPogi #TDF2020 pic.twitter.com/mLLljZ0b9F
— Tour de France™ (@LeTour) September 19, 2020
MAKING THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE
Prior to the heading down the ramp, Pogacar told the media "everything is possible". He proved that was true with one of the greatest comebacks in Tour history.
"I think I'm dreaming. I don't know what to say. Unbelievable," he said following his triumph.
STAGE RESULT
CLASSIFICATION STANDINGS
The champagne will be flowing as the riders cover the flat 122km route from Mantes-La-Jolie to the iconic Champs-Elysees in Paris.