Tadej Pogačar just set the fastest time ever up Alpe d’Huez. He’s not sure it’s a big deal.
Cor Vos
ALPE D’HUEZ, France — Tadej Pogačar strides into the press conference in the weird little interview truck, crossing in front of the camera and into his seat. To his right is the Tour de France’s official translator; in front of him on the table, he is flanked by brand-compliant water bottles. He’s just ridden up Alpe d’Huez in the quickest time, ever – 35:27, more than a minute faster than Marco Pantani’s 1995 in-race record – but he looks perfectly calm, serene.
The translator looks over at him, says something softly, and Pogačar has a hint of a smile, raises his eyebrows, makes a little ‘pfft’ kind of sound. A few seconds later, he picks up his microphone for his fifth press conference as a stage winner in the 2026 Tour de France.
This post is for paying subscribers only
Subscribe now
Already have an account? Sign in
Did we do a good job with this story?
👍Yep
👎Nope