Power Analysis: How Pogačar Wrote More History with Record-Breaking Climb of Alpe d'Huez - Outside Magazine

What the report says

Outside reported that Tadej Pogačar delivered a record-setting ride on Stage 19 of the Tour de France, attacking solo with 12 kilometers remaining on Alpe d’Huez despite already holding an overall lead of nearly five minutes. The Slovenian, racing in the yellow jersey for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, went on to win the stage and surpass Marco Pantani’s long-standing benchmark on the climb, adding another major mark to his career record.

According to the Outside analysis, the performance came in difficult team circumstances. Illness had affected UAE Team Emirates-XRG in the preceding stages, with Brandon McNulty abandoning and teammates taking precautions such as eating and sleeping separately. Adam Yates, who had appeared badly affected earlier in the race, entered the day’s breakaway and later helped Pogačar after the yellow jersey bridged forward on the final climb.

The article said the early break included riders such as Richard Carapaz, Lenny Martinez and Sepp Kuss, and began Alpe d’Huez around three and a half minutes ahead of the peloton. Pogačar’s acceleration quickly separated him from the general classification group, and he eventually caught the leaders before making a final move on the flatter closing section to distance Carapaz and Martinez.

Outside estimated Pogačar’s Alpe d’Huez time at 35:27, with power around 6.9 watts per kilogram, and said he beat Pantani’s time by more than a minute. The piece framed the ride as one of Pogačar’s greatest performances, while noting it may not clearly surpass his 2024 Plateau de Beille effort.