Image: from andy brook X @northlancing
By Open Chronicle
Tadej Pogačar delivered a commanding performance to win Stage 3 of the 2026 Tour de France, taking both the stage victory and the coveted yellow jersey after a perfectly executed team effort by UAE Team Emirates,XRG.
The Slovenian accelerated away from his rivals on the final climb to Les Angles, completing the 195.9-kilometre stage from Granollers with a decisive attack that no one could match.
UAE Team Emirates Controls the Race
The stage began with an intense battle to establish the day’s breakaway before a large group eventually formed featuring Mads Pedersen, Alex Baudin, Nicolas Prodhomme, Luke Plapp, Magnus Cort, George Bennett, Michael Storer, Alex Aranburu and several other riders.
Pedersen collected valuable points during the intermediate sprint to strengthen his challenge for the green jersey, while the peloton remained firmly under the control of UAE Team Emirates,XRG.
Florian Vermeersch, Tim Wellens, Felix Großschartner and their teammates carefully managed the gap throughout the day, making it clear that the team intended to fight for the stage victory with Pogačar.
Baudin Earns the Mountains Jersey
French rider Alex Baudin proved to be the strongest member of the breakaway, launching a determined solo attack during the closing phase of the stage.
Although he was caught approximately 12 kilometres from the finish, his efforts were rewarded with enough mountain points to claim the King of the Mountains jersey.
The stage was also affected by wildfires in southern France. While organizers kept the planned route intact, spectators and the publicity caravan were not permitted in the final section for safety reasons.
Del Toro Delivers the Perfect Lead-Out
The decisive moment came on the final ascent to Les Angles.
With seven kilometres remaining, the peloton steadily reduced in size before Team Visma | Lease a Bike increased the pace through Sepp Kuss. Lidl Trek and Decathlon CMA CGM also attempted to position their leaders, but UAE Team Emirates had one final card to play.
Stage 2 winner Isaac del Toro produced a superb lead-out during the final kilometre, delivering Pogačar into the perfect position.
When the Slovenian launched his attack, Jonas Vingegaard briefly attempted to follow but was unable to match the acceleration. Pogačar quickly opened a gap and crossed the finish line two seconds ahead of the Danish rider.
Yellow Jersey by the Finest of Margins
The victory not only earned Pogačar his first stage win of the race but also moved him into the overall lead.
Remarkably, he is tied on time with Vingegaard after three stages. However, the yellow jersey belongs to Pogačar thanks to a 72 hundredths of a second advantage gained during the opening team time trial.
Stage 3 Results
| Position | Rider | Team | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tadej Pogačar | UAE Team Emirates,XRG | 4:45:11 |
| 2 | Jonas Vingegaard | Team Visma | Lease a Bike | +0:02 |
| 3 | Richard Carapaz | EF Education,EasyPost | +0:02 |
| 4 | Paul Seixas | Decathlon CMA CGM | +0:02 |
| 5 | Tobias Johannessen | Uno,X Mobility | +0:04 |
| 6 | Lennert Van Eetvelt | Lotto Intermarché | +0:04 |
| 7 | Florian Lipowitz | Red Bull,BORA,hansgrohe | +0:04 |
| 8 | Remco Evenepoel | Red Bull,BORA,hansgrohe | +0:04 |
| 9 | Isaac del Toro | UAE Team Emirates,XRG | +0:04 |
| 10 | Juan Ayuso | Lidl,Trek | +0:04 |
General Classification After Stage 3
| Position | Rider | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tadej Pogačar | 8:46:55 |
| 2 | Jonas Vingegaard | Same Time |
| 3 | Remco Evenepoel | +0:23 |
| 4 | Isaac del Toro | +0:24 |
| 5 | Juan Ayuso | +0:27 |
| 6 | Paul Seixas | +0:48 |
| 7 | Florian Lipowitz | +0:53 |
| 8 | Lenny Martinez | +1:09 |
| 9 | Tobias Johannessen | +1:11 |
| 10 | Ilan Van Wilder | +1:17 |
After three stages, the duel between Pogačar and Vingegaard has already become the defining storyline of the 2026 Tour de France. While the Slovenian now wears yellow, the razor thin margin suggests the battle for cycling’s biggest prize is only just beginning.