Pogačar conquers the rain-soaked La Plagne on stage 19

Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) launched a blistering attack on the final climb to take a solo victory on the rain-soaked stage 19 of the Tour de France 2026. The Slovenian distanced all his rivals on the hors-catégorie ascent to La Plagne.

He caught and passed the last remnants of the day's breakaway in the final kilometres, crossing the line six seconds ahead of a brilliant Lenny Martinez (Bahrain Victorious), with Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) taking third a further three seconds back.

The stage, marred by cold rain and treacherous descents, caused a significant shake-up in the general classification, with several pre-race favourites losing substantial time.

The 19th stage took the riders into the high Alps for a summit finish on La Plagne. After a frantic start, a powerful breakaway established itself on the hors-catégorie Col du Pré, with riders like Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor Pro Cycling Team) and Victor Campenaerts (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) present.

Lenny Martinez (Bahrain Victorious) proved strongest on the climb, taking maximum KOM points. The subsequent descent was made treacherous by rain, which saw the lead group splinter while the main GC group navigated cautiously behind.

On the final 17 km climb to La Plagne, the gap tumbled under the pace set by UAE Team Emirates-XRG. With 14.1 km remaining, Tadej Pogačar launched his attack on an 8% gradient, fracturing the favourites' group. Pogačar powered across to the leaders on the road, Martinez and Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost), before riding solo to victory in the final kilometres.

• Tadej Pogačar's victory was a masterclass in climbing, confirming his status as the race's strongest rider. His attack was perfectly timed and brutally effective, leaving no doubt about his superiority in the high mountains.
• Lenny Martinez continues to impress. His ride from the breakaway to secure second place was immense, showcasing a climbing talent that marks him as a future Grand Tour protagonist.
• The stage blew the GC race apart. Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) limited his losses to 2:29, but other favourites like Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) suffered badly in the cold and wet conditions, losing significant time.
• UAE Team Emirates-XRG once again demonstrated their strength. They controlled the stage perfectly, setting a hard tempo to neutralise the breakaway before Pogačar delivered the final blow.
• The treacherous weather was a key protagonist. The cold rain and wet roads created a war of attrition, favouring riders with excellent bike handling and resilience.