Pogačar Wins Stage 14, Nears Historic Fifth Tour de France

Tadej Pogačar is writing himself into cycling history, one mountain climb at a time.

The Slovenian champion won stage 14 of the Tour de France on Saturday with a trademark late attack that left his rivals gasping in his wake. With his arms raised in celebration at Le Markstein ski resort, Pogačar claimed his fourth stage victory of this year's race and his 25th Tour stage win overall.

The victory puts him within touching distance of joining one of cycling's most exclusive clubs. Only four men have ever won the Tour de France five times: Belgium's Eddy Merckx, Spain's Miguel Indurain, and French legends Jacques Anquetil and Bernard Hinault.

Pogačar now leads second-place Jonas Vingegaard by four and a half minutes with less than two weeks of racing remaining. The Danish rider, who has won the Tour twice before, has struggled to match Pogačar's power on the big climbs this year.

The 155-kilometer stage through France's Alsace region featured three brutal Category 1 climbs in rainy conditions. Pogačar's UAE Emirates team controlled the pace throughout, setting up their leader for a decisive move.

With 1.6 kilometers left in the final climb, Pogačar attacked. Vingegaard couldn't respond, and the gap opened quickly as screaming fans lined the mountainside.

Why This Inspires

Pogačar's teammates are thriving alongside their leader's success. Isaac Del Toro, a 22-year-old Mexican rider, finished second on the stage, showing the next generation is learning from the best. Meanwhile, 19-year-old French talent Paul Seixas claimed third place and sits fourth overall, giving home fans someone to cheer for.

The moment captures what makes sports special: watching greatness unfold in real time. Pogačar thanked the passionate fans who braved the rain to cheer riders up the mountain, saying their energy "gives you an additional boost to go to the top."

The race continues Sunday with an even harder climb in the French Alps before Monday's rest day. The Tour concludes with its traditional finish in Paris on July 26, where Pogačar is expected to claim his place in cycling immortality.