Image: from @UAE-TeamEmirates X @TeamEmiratesUAE
By Open Chronicle
Tadej Pogačar delivered a commanding performance on the first major mountain stage of the 2026 Tour de France, spectacularly winning Stage 6 and reclaiming the yellow jersey after a long solo attack across the Pyrenees. The Slovenian champion launched his decisive move on the legendary Col du Tourmalet before extending his advantage all the way to the summit finish at Gavarnie Gèdre.
The 186.2-kilometre stage from Pau to Gavarnie Gèdre featured two of cycling’s most iconic climbs, the Col d’Aspin and the Tourmalet, providing the first true showdown between the general classification contenders.
🇸🇮 Pogacar coming down the Tourmalet 💨
🎥 adventurebear1 pic.twitter.com/uYaLvJtpkT
— Domestique (@Domestique___) July 10, 2026
Attack on the Tourmalet
UAE Team Emirates XRG once again controlled the race, with Isaac del Toro setting a fierce tempo on the slopes of the Tourmalet before Pogačar launched his trademark acceleration just over four kilometres from the summit.
Only Jonas Vingegaard initially attempted to limit the damage, but the Dane gradually lost contact as Pogačar powered away alone. By the summit of the Tourmalet, the four-time Tour de France champion had built a decisive advantage before extending it on the descent and the final climb to Gavarnie Gèdre.
Pogačar crossed the finish line after 4 hours, 32 minutes and 7 seconds, claiming his second stage victory of the 2026 Tour and the 23rd Tour de France stage win of his career.
It looks like Pogacar has won the #TDG already with this Blowout Stage 6 Win! Plus the Leader of #TDF in Yellow Jersey goes down in a crash with teammate #Torstein in this clip too. WATCH! the Full Highlights here on #YouTube https://t.co/IKQl0EL5ao pic.twitter.com/YNiq5Zbfx0
— Celestial Gamify (@RemnantVoice) July 10, 2026
Vingegaard Suffers Heavy Time Loss
Jonas Vingegaard finished second but conceded 2 minutes and 38 seconds, a significant setback in the battle for the overall title.
Isaac del Toro completed another outstanding day for UAE Team Emirates XRG by winning the sprint for third place, finishing 2 minutes and 57 seconds behind his teammate ahead of Remco Evenepoel and impressive French youngster Paul Seixas.
The dominant display allowed Pogačar to erase his previous deficit and move back into the overall race lead.
General Classification
Following Stage 6, Pogačar now leads the Tour de France by 2 minutes and 42 seconds over Vingegaard, with teammate Isaac del Toro climbing into third place overall at 3 minutes and 27 seconds.
The result represents the first major turning point of this year’s Tour, giving UAE Team Emirates XRG control of both the yellow jersey and two places on the provisional podium after just six stages.
Despite the substantial gap, the race remains far from over, with several mountain stages and an individual time trial still to come. However, Pogačar’s performance in the Pyrenees has reinforced his status as the overwhelming favourite to capture another Tour de France title.