♂️ Critérium du Dauphiné: Tadej Pogačar Decimates Field on Stage 6 to Take Overall Lead
Tadej Pogačar reminded the world exactly why he’s considered one of the greatest cyclists of his generation with a brutal and brilliant attack on Stage 6 of the 2025 Critérium du Dauphiné. On a day marked by relentless climbs and tactical battles, the Slovenian superstar broke free in the final kilometers to claim a dominant solo victory and seize the yellow jersey.
A Mountain Stage Made for Mayhem
Stage 6 was never going to be easy. The route from Haut-Savoie to Combloux spanned 126.7 km of unforgiving terrain, with the infamous Côte de Domancy waiting in the final stretch. Known for its steep gradients and Tour de France history, the climb promised fireworks—and Pogačar delivered.
After a cagey start to the stage and a series of attacks from lesser GC threats, UAE Team Emirates took control in the second half of the race. With precision pacing from his teammates, Pogačar was perfectly positioned at the base of Domancy. Then, with just over 7 km to go, he launched.
The result? Devastation.
Solo Power Surge
Pogačar’s acceleration was immediate and unforgiving. None of his major rivals could follow. Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel, and Matteo Jorgenson—all strong climbers in their own right—were left trailing in his wake. By the time Pogačar crossed the line in Combloux, he had built a lead of over a minute on Vingegaard and nearly two minutes on the rest.
More than just a stage win, the effort moved Pogačar into the overall lead with a 43-second advantage over Vingegaard and a 54-second margin over Florian Lipowitz.
Statement of Intent
This was more than just an impressive ride—it was a statement. With just weeks to go before the Tour de France, Pogačar appears to be peaking at exactly the right moment. The way he rode away from the field wasn’t just physical dominance, it was psychological warfare.
For Vingegaard, Evenepoel, and the rest of the GC hopefuls, Stage 6 served as a reminder: beating Tadej Pogačar over three weeks in France won’t just take strategy. It will take something extraordinary.
What’s Next?
There are still big stages ahead at the Dauphiné, including the queen stage and another mountain test. But if Stage 6 is any indication, Pogačar has no plans to play it safe. He’s not here just to warm up for July—he’s here to win.
And if he rides like this in France? Yellow might just be his color once again.
