Tadej Pogacar has set a new record at the legendary mountain station in Alpe d'Huez. © APA/afp / LOIC VENANCE

Alpe d'Huez: Pogacar pulverizes Pantani record

Defending champion Tadej Pogacar won the mountain finish at the legendary ski resort in Alpe d'Huez in record time at the Tour de France and further extended his overall lead.

July 24, 2026

From: apa

The Slovenian rider secured a solo victory on the 19th stage after 127,9 km, triumphing for the first time since the historic climb to the cycling mecca. Frenchman Lenny Martinez and Richard Carapaz of Ecuador finished second and third, six and nine seconds behind, respectively.

In the overall standings, Pogacar now leads Remco Evenepoel by over seven minutes. The Belgian finished sixth on Friday, two and a half minutes behind. Pogacar's fifth overall victory is now virtually assured. For the Slovenian, it was also his fifth stage win in this year's Tour de France and the 26th of his career.

New best time: "I didn't know where the Pantani record was"

Pogacar stormed up the 21 most famous hairpin bends in the cycling world at record speed. Once again, the exceptional talent was in a league of his own when he increased his pace on the final climb. 900 meters from the finish, he dropped even the last remaining breakaway riders. Pogacar completed the 13,8 km climb in 35:26 minutes, finishing 1:24 minutes faster than Marco Pantani.

"I haven't been online much in the last few weeks." Tadej pogacar

The Italian had climbed the mountain in 36:50 minutes in 1995, according to data provider Velon. "I didn't know where Pantani's record stood. I haven't been online that much in recent weeks," said a "happy" Pogacar. "Breaking a 30-year-old record is good for us."

Madhouse on the final climb

More than half a million spectators on the mountain created a madhouse atmosphere. Thousands of fans had already spent the night in tents and caravans on the slopes. As the stars of the sport climbed the final ascent, which averaged an 8,1 percent gradient, the throngs of spectators left them with only a narrow passage.

Over half a million spectators celebrated Pogacar's record-breaking run. © APA/afp / ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT

Before his coronation on Sunday in Paris, Pogacar still has to master the queen stage on Saturday, a 170,9 km ride that finishes once again in Alpe d'Huez. This time, however, the ski resort will be reached via the Col de Sarenne, with a section of the route without spectators. In total, the riders face 5.450 meters of elevation gain and three category 1 climbs.