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Slovenian cycling sensation Tadej Pogacar has sent shockwaves through the peloton with a commanding victory at the 77th Criterium du Dauphine, cementing his status as the man to beat at next month's Tour de France.
The reigning Tour champion secured his first Dauphine title in spectacular fashion, claiming three stage wins before wrapping up Sunday's final mountain stage with a podium finish behind French rising star Lenny Martinez. Pogacar finished the prestigious week-long race a staggering 59 seconds clear of chief rival Jonas Vingegaard - sending an ominous warning to his Tour competitors.
"It's been an absolutely incredible week," beamed the UAE Team Emirates superstar. "The team performed perfectly again today to defend the yellow jersey. We're heading home satisfied and fully focused on our Tour preparation."
The final 133.3km mountain test from Val-d'Arc to Val-Cenis saw drama unfold as 21-year-old Martinez claimed France's lone stage victory of this year's Dauphine, overtaking Spain's Enric Mas in the closing kilometers. While Vingegaard attempted to chase down Martinez in vain, Pogacar shadowed his Danish rival every move before both eased up to cross together.
Germany's Florian Lipowitz rounded out the overall podium (+2:38), with Belgian phenom Remco Evenepoel settling for fourth (+4:21). The result marks another milestone for Pogacar who now boasts 99 career victories - a record for active riders that seems certain to grow given he only turned 26 last September.
"We've turned every challenge into an opportunity this week," reflected Pogacar about overcoming his disappointing time trial performance earlier in the race. "There aren't major changes needed before July - some rest and maybe extra time trial work will have me ready."
The three-time Tour winner appears poised for greatness when cycling's biggest event rolls out from Florence on June 29th through July 21st. Having conquered all before him at this year's Dauphine while displaying both climbing prowess and tactical maturity, bookmakers have already installed Pogacar as overwhelming favorite for yellow jersey glory come Paris.
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