Tadej Pogacar Hautacam REVENGE against Vingegaard | Tour de France 2025 Stage 12 with Lanterne Rouge
Video Tadej Pogacar Hautacam REVENGE against Vingegaard | Tour de France 2025 Stage 12 with Lanterne Rouge
Video Tadej Pogacar Hautacam REVENGE against Vingegaard | Tour de France 2025 Stage 12 with Lanterne Rouge YouTube Channel.
Tadej Pogacar Hautacam REVENGE against Vingegaard | Tour de France 2025 Stage 12
Lanterne Rouge: The Dramatic First Mountain Stage of the Tour
In the world of cycling, the Tour de France stands out as one of the most prestigious and challenging events. The excitement reaches its peak during the mountain stages, where riders are pushed to their limits. The first mountain stage of this year’s Tour was particularly gripping, marked by strategic moves, fierce competition, and dramatic individual performances.
The Anticipation of Climbing
With more than a year since the last significant category 1 climb, cyclists prepared for this pivotal stage with extra focus. The memory of the Galibier climb in Stage 4 last year lingered in the minds of both riders and fans. This time, the focus shifted to the famed Hautacam, featuring a challenging ascent spending 13.5 kilometers at a gradient of 7.5%. Coupled with 120 kilometers of flat terrain leading to the climb, the stage promised both testing endurance and tactical brilliance.
The Breakaway Shuffle
The day began with a palpable sense of urgency. A whopping 50 riders surged forward, eager to establish a breakaway. Among them was Neils Pollitt of UAE Emirates, whose disciplined pacing kept the gap manageable. As teams scrambled to position themselves favorably, tension rippled through the peloton. Santiago Buitrago and Harry Sweeney found themselves a bit isolated, knowing they lacked sufficient support for a successful bid.
The presence of Carlos Rodriguez, a prominent figure on the General Classification (GC) leaderboard, was critical as the stakes heightened. Team INEOS, fielding a formidable five-man squad, ensured their leaders—Geraint Thomas and others—were primed for both attack and defense. The intricate dynamics unfolded, setting the stage for what would become a rollercoaster day of racing.
Early Climb: The Salure
As the race approached the first climb of the Salure, the athletes began experiencing the physical toll of competitive cycling.
Pacing and Strategy
Rodriguez found his rhythm early, aided by a well-coordinated effort from INEOS as they aimed to create a buffer against their rivals. Though several teammates like Benoot and Wellens dropped back, they had their game plan set: ensure that strong riders were around to assist their primary contenders. Notably, Tadej Pogačar had already faced challenges from a previous crash, prompting curiosity about how he would perform under pressure.
With a gradient of 7.5%, the Salure climb began testing both physical strength and strategic acumen. INEOS’s aggressive tactics initially created a significant gap, shifting the race dynamics considerably.
Ride or Die: The Fight for Position
The Salure wasn’t just a climb; it was a defining moment in the race, where riders needed to dig deep to maintain their chances.
Team Dynamics Unraveled
Pogačar found himself isolated as his teammates struggled to keep pace. As several riders fell behind, others like Simon Yates managed to stay in contention. The situation grew dire for race favorites as Remco Evenepoel also faced a difficult scenario, contending with a growing gap that would see him more reliant on his own strength than team support.
Defending Against the Odds
The strategy for Team Jumbo-Visma became increasingly complicated as tactical decisions loomed. Various riders began to feel the effects of both the steep ascent and the relentless pace. While the breakaway appeared to surge, the racing realization hit that individual performances would be tested in profound ways—transforming the goal from helping teammates to sheer survival.
The Valley of Challenge
Emerging from the Salure, the race entered a critical valley section that was anything but a respite.
Breakaway Tension
With 20 kilometers of descents and flat stretches, the breakaway had an opportunity to recover and recharge. Alberto Wellens, who had been building a lead while navigating through the valley, was caught in a strategic tug-of-war between furthering his advantage or conserving energy for what lay ahead.
The gap fluctuated as Pogačar and his remaining teammates pressed hard, with Yates proving a reliable ally through pace-setting duties. The dynamic flow showed how strategic cycling often mixes numbers and individual exploits, pushing riders to recalibrate their plans on-the-fly.
The Climactic Ascent: Hautacam
As the race approached the Hautacam, feelings of anticipation morphed into sheer determination. It was time for the final showdown.
Setting the Stage for Team Pogačar
With just under 12 kilometers left to the summit, Team UAE Emirates escalated the pressure, led by Yates’ relentless attacking style. Pogačar, visibly hungry for victory, latched onto the strategy set by his teammate. As gaps opened between GC contenders, the implications loomed large for the yellow jersey.
The Final Push
Each pedal stroke transformed into a battle, and Pogačar displayed exceptional form. As he accelerated away from the pack, the growing separation from his rivals articulated his intent clearly. While competitors scrambled to respond, Pogačar’s momentum was unstoppable.
Van Aert’s earlier exertions on his lead-out attempt began to wear thin as he faced the valley of fatigue rushing in. Remember, the grueling climb tested everyone, but Pogačar emerged as a master of the ascent.
Victory and Defiance
Reaching the peak of the Hautacam, Pogačar crossed the finish line victorious, illustrating his tenacity in a race marred by obstacles.
GC Implications
In the end, both dramatic and decisive shifts rippled through the General Classification standings. Pogačar not only won the stage but also expanded his lead significantly over his competitors, with Vingegaard suffering substantial time losses.
Final Thoughts on a Crucial Stage
Pogačar’s words post-victory reflected what many riders feel upon overcoming adversity—it was about reclaiming the narrative on the mountain. The active interplay of strategy and survival defined the landscape of the race, making clear that modern-day Tour de France cycling holds unpredictable truths.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
This first mountain stage was a vivid reminder of the joys and uncertainties that cycling brings to the fans and participants alike. As the Tour de France continues, with its dynamic climbs and sprawling routes, the lessons learned during this stage will resonate throughout the competition. Only time will tell who will emerge not just as stage winners but as the overall champion.
The spirit of competition will run high, and as viewers continue to watch this exhilarating sport, the memories created on the slopes of Hautacam will be etched in history, defining this year’s Tour de France in unforgettable ways.
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