Mountains, Mayhem and Mastery: Stage 7 Recap
Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates delivered a spectacular performance atop the queen stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné, taking his second mountain stage win in just two days and tightening his hold on the yellow jersey. His decisive solo attack began 12 km from the summit of Valmeinier 1800 (16.2 km long at a 6.8 % gradient. From that moment, nobody—not even Jonas Vingegaard of Visma–Lease a Bike—could match him .
Vingegaard, initially tethered by Florian Lipowitz of Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe, mounted a valiant chase but crossed the line 14 seconds behind, confirming his second place. Lipowitz held steady in third, 1 minute 21 seconds down, consolidating his position in the overall podium .
This victory—Pogacar’s 98th professional win—gives him a commanding lead of 1 minute, 1 second heading into the final stage.
Tactical Fireworks: UAE vs. Visma
The stage was a strategic duel. Visma–Lease a Bike mounted powerful attacks on climbs like the Col de la Madeleine and Croix de Fer to isolate Pogacar from his teammates. UAE Team Emirates rallied, with Pavel Sivakov orchestrating a defensive masterclass that nullified Visma’s aggression.
Pogacar reflected after the stage:
“Visma attacked towards the top of the Croix de Fer… Pavel came back, took control… then I launched with 12 km to go and maintained a good pace to the top.”
It was a textbook example of teamwork, timing, and tactical awareness.
Rising Stars and Shifting Standings
- Pogacar now leads the GC standings by 1:01 over Vingegaard and by 2:21 over Lipowitz .
- Remco Evenepoel, previous leader after stage 4, slipped to fourth, trailing Pogacar by 4:11 .
- Rising talents like Paul Seixas and Tobias Johannessen cracked into the top‑5/6 overall rankings.
It paints a vivid picture of how the peloton continues to evolve as riders launch into decisive attacks and contenders jockey for advantage.
What Lies Ahead: Final Day Showdown
With only the final stage left on Sunday, the Dauphiné offers one last challenge—another mountainous profile that could test Pogacar’s lead. But after the decisiveness of stage 7, and with UAE Team Emirates riding so cohesively, Pogacar looks well-positioned to secure his first-ever Dauphiné overall victory .
A final showdown could still spring surprises. Visma may seek revenge, and riders like Evenepoel or Lipowitz may gamble to unseat Pogacar. But with momentum squarely in his favor, the Slovenian superstar arrives at the last day with all the makings of a champion.
Human Touch: Inside the Yellow Jersey
Pogacar is more than a rapacious climber—he’s a sensitive soul. He credits his teammates and recalls personal moments:
- Memories from the Croix de Fer brought him closer to home emotionally.
- He emphasized that launching solo was as much about defending against threats as pursuing victory .
This blend of raw power, emotional insight, and tactical brilliance adds a humanized dimension to his dominance—proof that behind every legendary performance is a grounded athlete.
Why It Matters: A Tour de France Omen
The Critérium du Dauphiné is not just a standalone race—it serves as a dress rehearsal for the Tour de France. Pogacar’s confidence and form heading into stage 7 signal a formidable threat for a fourth Yellow Jersey come July . Meanwhile, Vingegaard’s resilience suggests the rivalry is far from decided—we’re witnessing the early dynamics of what could be the duel of the summer.
Final Thoughts
As the Alps whisper under the weight of cycling history, UAE Team Emirates and Tadej Pogacar have positioned themselves as prime contenders for both Dauphiné and Tour dominance. Whether Sunday brings a coronation or a showdown, one thing is clear: this is Pogacar’s moment, and he’s riding it with courage, craft, and heart.
Do follow UAE Stories on Instagram.
