Tadej Pogacar secures another victory in the Tour de France, increasing his lead after a powerful performance on stage 14.
New Delhi, India Jul 18, 2026 ALN: Tadej Pogacar has extended his overall lead in the Tour de France after another dominant victory on a mountainous stage 14 course, lined by thousands of fans.
The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider crossed the line 38 seconds ahead of team-mate Isaac del Toro of Mexico, with France's teenage sensation Paul Seixas of Decathlon CMA-CGM third on the same time on the 155.km stage from Mulhouse. This victory adds to Pogacar's impressive record in this year's Tour, further solidifying his status as one of the leading cyclists in the .
Pogacar's main rival for the yellow jersey, Denmark's Jonas Vingegaard of Visma-Lease a Bike, finished fourth, 44 seconds down. Vingegaard, who has previously won the Tour in 2022 and 2023, faced a challenging day as he struggled to keep pace with Pogacar, who has been in exceptional form throughout the competition.
The stage featured a challenging route that took the cyclists through the scenic yet demanding terrain of the Voges mountains, an area known for its steep climbs and beautiful landscapes. The narrow tarmac roads were lined with fervent fans, creating an electrifying atmosphere that added to the intensity of the race. The support from the crowd is often cited by riders as a significant motivator, especially in grueling stages like this one.
As the race unfolded, the leaders, including impressive breakaway riders Tobias Halland Johannessen of Uno X Mobility and Ecuador's Richard Carapaz of EF Education-Easypost, carved their way through the cheering crowds. The camaraderie and competitive spirit among the riders were palpable, with mutual respect evident even amidst fierce competition.
While Vingegaard had come into this three-week race in his best form since a debilitating crash in 2024, stage 14 proved to be a chastening experience for him. Initially, it appeared that Vingegaard might be able to hold on to Pogacar's wheel after the Slovenian launched his attack with about eight kilometers to go. However, Pogacar's super-high cadence and sustained power proved far superior, allowing him to pull away decisively.
As a result of this stage, Vingegaard now trails Pogacar by four minutes and 30 seconds overall. This gap is significant in the context of the Tour de France, where time gaps can be difficult to close in the later stages. Pogacar's previous victories in this year's Tour have now totaled four stage wins, showcasing his dominance in both climbing and time-trialing.
Pogacar, 27, is aiming to become the joint-most successful rider in the Tour's history with five wins, alongside legendary cyclists such as Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain. This ambition adds an additional layer of pressure and excitement to his performances as he seeks to etch his name into the annals of history.
After crossing the finish line, Pogacar expressed his gratitude to the fans who lined the route, saying, "Thanks to all the fans who came to the side of the road. It was really something unforgettable to see all the crowds on the top of the mountain - I've never seen something like this [before]." His acknowledgment of the fans highlights the unique bond between cyclists and their supporters, which is a hallmark of the Tour de France.
Pogacar also emphasized the respect shared among cyclists, stating, "All the cyclists and riders... we have massive respect for each other - it's great to put on this show and nice to see this kind of racing. There is so much crowd that it gives you [an] additional boost." This sentiment reflects the spirit of competition that defines the Tour, where athletes push each other to their limits while also appreciating the shared experience of the race.
Belgium's Remco Evenepoel of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe maintains his position in third place in the general classification, five minutes and four seconds behind Pogacar. Evenepoel, known for his aggressive racing style and strong time-trialing abilities, has been a formidable presence in this year's Tour, although he has yet to secure a stage victory.
In the points classification, Denmark's Mads Pedersen of Lidl-Trek continues to wear the green jersey, which is awarded to the rider with the most points accumulated from stage finishes and intermediate sprints. Meanwhile, the King of the Mountains jersey, awarded to the best climber in the race, belongs to Pogacar, further underscoring his prowess in the mountainous terrain of the Tour.
The white young riders classification has now been taken by Seixas, who is just three seconds ahead of Spain's Juan Ayuso of Lidl-Trek. This competition is crucial for young riders, as it provides them with the opportunity to showcase their talents on one of 's biggest stages.
Tour de France stage 14 results
1. Tadej Pogacar (Slo/UAE Team Emirates-XRG) 4hrs 7mins
2. Isaac del Toro (Mex/UAE Team Emirates-XRG) +38secs
3. Paul Seixas (Fra/Decathlon-CMA CGM) same time
4. Jonas Vingegaard (Den/Visma-Lease a Bike) +44secs
5. Remco Evenepoel (Bel/Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) +48secs
6. Florian Lipowitz (Ger/Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) +50secs
7. Juan Ayuso (Spa/Lidl-Trek) same time
8. Richard Carapaz (Ecu/EF Education-Easypost) +1min 18secs
9. Tobias Halland Johannessen (Nor/Uno X Mobility) +1min 40secs
10. Mattias Skjelmose (Den/Lidl-Trek) same time
Tour de France general classification after stage 14
1. Tadej Pogacar (Slo/UAE Team Emirates-XRG) 51hrs 18mins 28secs
2. Jonas Vingegaard (Den/Visma-Lease a Bike) +4mins 30secs
3. Remco Evenepoel (Bel/Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) +5mins 4secs
4. Paul Seixas (Fra/Decathlon-CMA CGM) +5mins 19secs
5. Juan Ayuso (Spa/Lidl-Trek) +5mins 22secs
6. Florian Lipowitz (Ger/Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) +5mins 44secs
7. Isaac del Toro (Mex/UAE Team Emirates-XRG) +5mins 50secs
8. Mattias Skjelmose (Den/Lidl-Trek) +7mins 35secs
9. Tom Pidcock (GB/Pinarello-Q36.5) +7mins 59secs
10. Lenny Martinez (Fra/Bahrain-Victorious) +8mins 25secs
As the Tour de France progresses, the dynamics of the race continue to evolve, with each stage presenting new challenges and opportunities for the riders. With Pogacar's commanding lead and the competitive field chasing behind, the remaining stages will be critical in determining who ultimately claims the prestigious yellow jersey. The implications of this race extend beyond just the individual standings; they reflect the broader narratives of resilience, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that define the world of professional .
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