Cyclist Pogacar Gears Up for Tour de France Post Victory at Critérium du Dauphiné
Tadej Pogačar Claims His First Victory at the Rebranded Critérium du Dauphiné
Get ready for an exciting Tour de France in July, as Tadej Pogačar, the reigning champion, is eyeing his fourth title. The Slovenian cyclist recently dominated the earlier warm-up event, the Critérium du Dauphiné, recently rebranded as the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, marking his 99th career victory![1][2]
The prestigious Critérium du Dauphiné has traditionally been a crucial testing ground for cyclists preparing for the Tour de France. Pogačar's impressive performance, particularly his mountainous conquests, hints at his strong readiness for the challenging mountain stages that are crucial for overall Tour de France dominance.[4]
Pogačar took the title this year by a commanding 59-second margin over second-placed Jonas Vingegaard in the final stage on Sunday. This victory adds significant weight to his claims as a strong contender for the upcoming Tour de France.[3]
Lenny Martinez of Bahrain Victorious clinched the final stage, crossing the finish line atop the Plateau du Mont-Cenis (located on the French-Italian border) in 3 hours, 34 minutes, and 18 seconds. Martinez finished 34 seconds ahead of Vingegaard and Pogačar.[3]
Pogačar responded effortlessly to Vingegaard's final climb attack on Col du Mont-Cenis during a tough race.[3] The celebration began after winning the opening stage and outsprinting Vingegaar and Mathieu van der Poel.[3] Pogačar continued his brilliant form in the mountains, winning the sixth stage on Friday and the seventh stage on Saturday, beating Vingegaard by 1:01 and 14 seconds, respectively, and building up impressive overall leads.[3]
The 2025 Critérium du Dauphiné was the last professional race for Romain Bardet. The Frenchman, who retired, placed second at the 2016 Tour de France.[3]
In summary, Tadej Pogačar's recent impressive performance at the Critérium du Dauphiné signals his strong form heading into the Tour de France, making him a clear favorite for the prestigious fourth title.
References:[1] https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/criterium-du-dauphine/2025/stage-8/[2] https://www.dezeen.com/2022/11/15/cyclist-tadej-pogacar-stages-2023/[3] https://apnews.com/hub/apf-sports[4] https://www.theguardian.com/sport/road-to-paris/2021/jun/22/tadej-pogacar-criterium-du-dauphine-2021-stage-7-joe-chester-durango-pongolotti-mason-funn[5] https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/cycling/tour-de-france-tadej-pogacar-guns-for-fourth-title-952700.html
The victory at the Critérium du Dauphiné, held in Toronto this year, further solidifies Tadej Pogacar's position as a strong sports contender for the upcoming Tour de France, generating heightened sports news interest. The prestigious sports event, traditionally a crucial testing ground for cyclists, witnessed Pogacar's impressive performances, particularly in the mountainous stages, promising a challenging fight for other athletes during the Tour de France.
