From the top of the Pla d’Adet you could see him coming. The almost perfect amphitheatre of cycling allowed you to see the little yellow dot in the distance, alone from 4km to go on the Pyrenean climb on stage 14 of the Tour de France. The roars followed him, with fans cheering his every move, whether they were watching him on the roadside or on the big screen. Nearby, a French tween clenched his fists, squealing “Pogi” as it looked like the Slovenian might not have made a decisive move.
It was a crucial move, though, and the French tween got his wish. Tadej Pogačar is the most destructive rider in the world when he attacks on a mountain like this, quickly bridging a 30 second gap, putting time into his rivals. It happens so quickly, it leaves you gasping for breath, let alone the rider himself.
