Tadej Pogacar Set to Claim Second Tour de France Title

As of Saturday, Pogacar had won three stages, but his superiority has been unquestioned. Over the past three weeks, Pogacar dominated his rivals in a time trial in Western France and knocked out challengers in the harrowing climbs of the Alps. Then, in the scenic landscapes of the Pyrénées this week, he claimed two impressive victories that drew admiration — and raised eyebrows — for the ease with which he dispatched two of the race’s top contenders, toying with them during the final miles of a daunting ascent.

“Is it a game for you?” a journalist asked Pogacar on Thursday after he completed the 18th stage at the top of the Luz Ardiden ski resort, where he had left behind his two most serious adversaries, Richard Carapaz and Jonas Vingegaard, with only a few powerful strides.

“Yes, of course,” Pogacar replied with a grin. “I enjoy playing it.”

Vingegaard of Denmark, and Team Jumbo-Visma, appeared set to finish second overall; he will enter Sunday 1 minute 43 seconds ahead of Carapaz of Ineos. No other rider is within 10 minutes of Pogacar.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/18/sports/cycling/tour-de-france-tadej-pogacar.html