The mythical Pyrenean passes are being tackled at the level of the now-deceased superstars of the infamous era. Pogacar takes only slightly longer (35 min:08 s) to climb Hautacam than Rijs did in 1996 (34 min:38 s) [25], the latter, as is well known, not having achieved his grueling ascent on mineral water, oatmeal, and apple rings. Pogacar even outshines Vingegaard and Visma with his crash injuries: “You never know how your body will react after a crash. But it wasn’t so bad. I only feel my hip during acrobatic exercises. Here I’m just riding my bike, so I don’t have to bend over. You do sweat a bit more, though,” says the 26-year-old. [26] Well, increased perspiration rates at an average temperature of 30°C, a 180km race distance with an average speed of 41.5km/h and 3800m of elevation gain are certainly inevitable [27]. The Dane lost 2min:10s by the mountain finish, which, combined with his deficit before this stage, adds up to a total of 3min:31s in the overall standings. On this day, the Visma mountain team of Vingegaard, Kuss, Yates, Jorgenson & Co. completely failed. It is quite astonishing and very unusual that so many top-class riders from one team have a bad day at the same time, even though they still lead the team classification well ahead of UAE. Jorgenson dropping out of the general classification is a huge tactical disadvantage; the option of alternately attacking Pogacar and forcing him to follow both Visma captains is thus eliminated [28]. For Vingegaard, it was already the second jour mal (French: jour maladie = the bad day) [29]. Perhaps something special was tried that completely backfired; this phenomenon is called “overgrown” in technical terms. Of course, this is pure speculation for which there is (as yet) no evidence. In any case, incredible speeds are being achieved both uphill and downhill:
[1] Mit Zeitfahrsieg auf Platz zwei der Tour Evenepoel: ”Ein großer Schritt in Richtung Podium“ https://www.radsport-news.com/sport/sportnews_142306.htm
[2] Thumbnail ARD 09.07.2025 und https://www.sportschau.de/radsport/tourdefrance/5-etappe-die-siegerehrung,video-tdf-5-etappe-siegerehrung-100.html
[3] CFD analysis of chest fairings in time trial cycling https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167610524000722
[4] https://www.eurosport.de/radsport/tour-de-france/2025/tony-martin-vergleich-zeitfahrrader-2005-jan-ullrich-t-mobilevs-2025-jayco-technik-aerodynamik-experte_vid60017026/video.shtml Ullrich vs. O´Connor
[5] https://www.procyclingstats.com/race/tour-de-france/2025/stage-6
[6] Van der Poel entgeht komplettem Fehlschlag um eine Sekunde https://www.radsport-news.com/sport/sportnews_142323.htm
[7] Belgier nach Krankheit bei Tour von Tag zu Tag besser https://www.radsport-news.com/sport/sportnews_142330.htm
[8] https://www.procyclingstats.com/race/tour-de-france/2025/stage-7
[12] https://www.procyclingstats.com/race/tour-de-france/2025/stage-9
[13] https://www.radsport-news.com/sport/sportnews_142366.htm 170-km-Flucht: Van der Poel und Rickaert entflammten die Herzen 800m vor dem Ziel eingeholt
[14] Nach Rutsch auch Zimmermann durch Sturz schwer lädiert https://www.radsport-news.com/sport/sportnews_142369.htm
[15] Bei Gall ist trotz Erkältung “alles im Grünen Bereich“ https://www.radsport-news.com/sport/sportnews_142384.htm
[16] Platz drei trotz Krankheit auf 11. Tour-Etappe https://www.radsport-news.com/sport/sportnews_142400.htm
[17] https://tkp.at/2025/10/01/studie-urteilt-ueber-deutsche-corona-presse/
[18] Van der Poel auf 12. Etappe von Insekt am Auge gestochen https://www.radsport-news.com/sport/sportnews_142420.htm
[19] Niederländer muss Tour de France aufgeben https://www.radsport-news.com/sport/sportnews_142465.htm
[20] Norweger bekam nach Sturz Social-Media-Hass ab Pogacar schützt Johannessen: “Hört auf, ihn anzukacken!“ https://www.radsport-news.com/sport/sportnews_142401.htm
[21] Angriffe auf 11. Tour-Etappe Pogacar: “Habe gelernt: Stoppe nicht mehr zum Pinkeln!“ https://www.radsport-news.com/sport/sportnews_142402.htm
[22] Ehrenkodex rettet den Topfavoriten der Tour Als Pogacar stürzte, rief Evenepoel: “Stop, Stop, Stop!“ https://www.radsport-news.com/sport/sportnews_142398.htm
[23] Grand-Tour-Achterbahnfahrt hält an Remco-Rätsel: Evenepoels Aus lässt auch Pogacar ratlos zurück https://www.radsport-news.com/sport/sportnews_142441.htm, Belgier verschwieg die Verletzung Evenepoel fuhr die Tour mit gebrochener Rippe https://www.radsport-news.com/sport/sportnews_142506.htm
[24] Mental stark an schlechtem Tour-Tag https://www.radsport-news.com/sport/sportnews_142415.htm
[25] Konfrontation mit der Vergangenheit https://www.radsport-news.com/sport/sportnews_142414.htm
[26] Pogacar in Hautacam eine Klasse für sich https://www.radsport-news.com/sport/sportnews_142407.htm
[27] https://www.procyclingstats.com/race/tour-de-france/2025/stage-12
[28] Bei Visma Realismus und Hoffnung in gleichem Maße https://www.radsport-news.com/sport/sportnews_142429.htm
[29] Die Stimmen zur 13. Etappe der Tour de France https://www.radsport-news.com/sport/sportnews_142423.htm
Source of featured image: https://www.radsport-news.com/sport/sportnews_142369.htm
The author studied chemistry and sports science, worked at the Institute for Biochemistry and Doping Analysis at the German Sport University Cologne, was a founding member of the NADA DKS Commission (National Anti-Doping Agency, Doping Control System), co-authored the book “Doping in Cycling,” and worked as a lecturer in sports medicine training and as a course instructor in coach education. For decades, he coached up-and-coming athletes in performance centers, supported professional cycling in various capacities, and continues to be an active cyclist himself.
©Copyright by Dieter Quarz, publication only against payment and a copy of the publication.
