Pogacar at Dauphiné: Tour de France Prep & Key Insights
Pogacar is treating the Critérium du Dauphiné as a Tour de France dress rehearsal, calling Tuesday’s stage a true test. His UAE Team Emirates squad worked to control a dangerous breakaway, battling rivals like Lipowitz and Dunbar, who emerged as GC threats. Pogacar’s focus extends beyond stage wins; he is aiming for the overall title. The team’s efforts highlight their dedication to the general classification.News Directory 3 reported on the high speed and strategic maneuvers that characterized the demanding stage. Pogacar acknowledges the crucial role of teamwork and now faces a critical time trial and grueling mountain stages. Discover what’s next for Pogacar as he prepares to make a move for the tour de France.
Pogacar praises Hard-Fought Dauphiné Stage, Hints at Tour de France Battle
Updated June 10, 2025
Tadej Pogacar described Tuesday’s 207-kilometer stage at the Dauphiné criterium as a preview of the Tour de france, citing the demanding course and strategic team efforts. The hilly stage to Charantonnay saw a rapid average speed of 45.2 kph, despite 3,036 meters of climbing.
UAE Team Emirates,Pogacar’s squad,played a key role in managing a breakaway of 13 riders that included potential GC threats.Pogacar himself grabbed bonus seconds early in the stage, demonstrating his focus on the overall Critérium du dauphiné competition.
The presence of Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) and Eddy Dunbar (Jayco-AlAla) in the breakaway forced UAE Team Emirates to limit the group’s advantage. Pogacar, finishing 44th in the main pack, acknowledged the need to control such dangerous rivals.
“It was a proper Tour de France stage today, we committed to work as a team and we did a super job,” Pogacar said, noting the importance of teamwork in controlling the breakaway.
Pogacar added that while Visma-Lease a Bike offered some assistance, their primary focus seemed to be keeping him, a major rival, in check. He also noted soudal-QuickStep’s limited contribution to the chase.
Lipowitz ultimately gained 54 seconds on the peloton, while Dunbar finished 41 seconds ahead, underscoring the breakaway’s impact on the general classification. Pogacar now sits ninth 1 minute and 6 seconds behind stage winner Iván Romeo.
What’s next
Pogacar and other GC contenders will face a 17.4-kilometer individual time trial between Charmes-sur-Rhône and Saint-Péray on Wednesday. this will be followed by another transition stage before the decisive three days in the mountains, further shaping the tour de France hopefuls.