Tadej Pogačar took a scintillating solo victory on stage 13 of Tour de France 2025. Whatever happens from here, this victory arguably cements him as one of the greatest one-day talents in cycling. The 24-year-old UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider clearly had the stage won at the finish with a memorable show of skill. He broke his own record to become the youngest athlete to win a total of 21 stage wins in the Tour. He showed up to play in the individual time trial. His speed and skill combined to allow him to pad his yellow jersey overall lead even more.
Showcasing a challenging 11-kilometer individual time trial course that pushed riders’ stamina and tactical skills to the limit, the stage wrapped up intense energy and anticipation. Pogačar stomped over the course with a mindbending time. While reports given mid-race didn’t detail just how long the lead was, it was plenty enough to place him far ahead of his nearest challenger, Jonas Vingegaard. By the halfway mark, 7.6 kilometers into the climb, there was already serious separation as Pogačar had pulled a significant lead, finishing 23 seconds faster than Vingegaard. He opened with a blistering pace that ignited the entire room. He didn’t waste any time, opening with the first 4k in a blistering 5:28!
It was the start to a stunning performance that would see Pogačar become the fastest rider overall, his dominance never in doubt over the rolling time trial. He finished 23 minutes and 36 seconds ahead of his closest competitor—a notable victory margin in any race. Even more impressive, Vingegaard was runner-up. This massive margin further emphasized Pogačar’s stunning dominance as he heads into the final stages of the storied race.
Celebrating on the podium after his victory, Pogačar said he was giddy about reaching another high point of his career. His stellar performances have landed him several awards and honors. In the process, they’ve made him a fan favorite in the cycling community.
Jonas Vingegaard, reflecting on his own performance, remarked on the contrasting outcomes of the two days:
“Yesterday was one of my worst performances and today was one of my best.” – Jonas Vingegaard
As the Tour de France unfolds, the human drama accelerates with wild races and intense rivalries. Save as Pogačar, you’ve just won one of the most exciting races on the calendar! Fans and competitors alike can’t wait to see what this incredible athlete will do next. With every stage, Pogačar proves just how freakishly strong he is. He showcases his mental grit, which is crucial for performing well in such a challenging race.
As the race unfolds, all eyes will be on Pogačar. Will he be able to hold onto his lead, or will challengers such as Vingegaard find a way to challenge over stages to come? The Tour de France is an incredible test of endurance, strategy, and resilience. Each stage is important to the overall battle for the championship.