Tadej Pogačar has once again stamped his dominance on the 2025 Tour de France, powering to a brilliant uphill victory in Stage 13’s time trial. The Slovenian champion’s daring strategy and supreme endurance allowed him to stretch his lead to over four minutes in the general classification.
Despite soaring temperatures and a demanding 10.9km course to Peyragudes Altiport, Pogačar delivered a masterclass, finishing 36 seconds ahead of main rival Jonas Vingegaard. This marked his second straight stage win and proved his strength after back-to-back brutal days.
Pogačar’s Bold Approach and Historic Performance
Pogačar was the final rider to begin the time trial, opting for a road bike instead of a traditional time trial model. “It’s more comfortable and I ride that 95 percent of the year,” he explained. He even chose to race without a radio, relying on roadside time clocks to pace himself.
Wearing the yellow jersey and carrying the form of a three-time Tour winner, the 26-year-old started aggressively and never let up. “I was feeling good all day, from when I got up. I was planning to go all in from start to finish and that’s what I did,” he said.
Pogačar has now won the Tour de France in 2020, 2021, and 2024, and is clearly aiming for a fourth title. By the finish line, he had outclassed Vingegaard and left Primoz Roglic trailing by over a minute.
The Slovenian revealed a personal touch too, riding with a Hulk sticker on his bike. “Hulk though, he’s the one you don’t want to make angry,” he joked, though noting Spider-Man is his true hero.
Vingegaard Holds, Evenepoel Drained, and Heat Takes Its Toll
Jonas Vingegaard managed to retain his overall standing but admitted defeat on the day. Remco Evenepoel, who faded late and was overtaken by Vingegaard, showed visible fatigue post-race. “I was drained,” he said. “I didn’t give a damn when Jonas went past.“
“I just wanted to finish. To be honest I’m relieved it’s over,” added the double Olympic champion, slumped in exhaustion.
The intense 30°C heat pushed riders to their limits. Most wore ice jackets before racing, hoping to combat the sapping conditions. Australian champion Luke Plapp set the early benchmark but saw his time eclipsed once the top contenders started their climbs.
At 1580 metres elevation, the climb to the Peyragudes Altiport was steep and punishing. Despite shade from trees and cloud cover, the heat never relented.
American rider Quinn Simmons stood out for his crowd-friendly spirit, giving high-fives on the final stretch—one of the few showing joy during the grueling climb.
Looking ahead, Stage 14 promises even more punishment with about 50km of climbing, including the legendary Col du Tourmalet, finishing at Luchon-Superbagneres. Stage 15 features a hilly route to Carcassonne, but Pogačar will still face three huge mountain stages in the final week.
To add drama, the final stage in Paris features three ascents of Montmartre’s cobbled streets, potentially setting the stage for late chaos.
