Tadej Pogacar exhibits a lack of energetic vigor, but manages to secure nearly indisputable victory in the Tour de France with his methodical riding performance.
Tadej Pogačar Plays it Safe in Stage 19 of the 2025 Tour de France
Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian cycling sensation, took a strategic approach in Stage 19 of the 2025 Tour de France, opting not to launch another attack after an initial fierce assault with 14 km remaining. This decision was a response to his rival Jonas Vingegaard's ability to follow and respond effectively.
Pogačar, who had won four of the first 13 stages of the Tour, appeared content to settle into a controlled rhythm, pacing Vingegaard and another rider toward the summit. This strategic choice reflected both a recognition of the high pace and the challenge of sustaining attacks against strong opposition, as well as potentially being affected by fatigue. With the final mountain test nearing its end, conserving energy seemed the wise choice.
As a result, Thymen Arensman, a Dutch climber, managed to punch clear late in the stage and hold on for the victory, marking his second stage win of the race. Vingegaard narrowly beat Pogačar in the final sprint for second place on the stage, ending a personal nine-stage mountain losing streak against the Slovenian. Despite losing these two seconds and conceding the stage win, Pogačar kept the yellow jersey (overall leader) and the polka-dot jersey (King of the Mountains).
Pogačar, who has won almost everything he has wanted to this year in the Tour de France, was in a group with Vingegaard, Florian Lipowitz, and Oscar Onley for most of the final effort. He came into the stage leading the race by 4:26 and ended it leading it by 4:24.
Looking ahead, Saturday's stage 20 is ripe for a breakaway, but it is expected to be controlled. The stage consists of four classified climbs, 2,916 meters of climbing in 184.2km. The final stage of the Tour de France, on Sunday, includes ascents of Monmartre, similar to the Olympic road race course.
Despite Pogačar's dominance in the race, everyone involved is tired. The Tour de France is almost over, with only two stages left. Pogačar, who seemingly wants to win as much as possible, expressed that he is satisfied with his yellow jersey and doesn't feel energized for the final racing. He argued he was still going for the stage win, but seemed to be exhausted after 19 stages of hard racing.
Regardless, Pogačar is well-positioned to secure a fourth overall Tour de France victory with two stages remaining.
Sports are a constant source of exhilaration in the Tour de France, and despite Tadej Pogačar's dominance this year, he opted to take a strategic approach in Stage 19, focusing on preserving energy for the upcoming stages. The high pace and formidable opposition, including his rival Jonas Vingegaard, necessitated conserving energy rather than repeatedly launching attacks.
