Pogačar Wins Dauphiné Stage 1 | Rivals Positive
- Tadej Pogacar secured victory on the first stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné, yet rivals Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel displayed promising form, setting the stage for a...
- Despite Pogacar's win, Vingegaard expressed satisfaction with his performance, especially after a nearly three-month absence due to a concussion sustained at Paris-Nice.
- Evenepoel echoed Vingegaard's positive sentiments,noting his surprise at contesting the stage win.
Pogacar Triumphs in Dauphiné Opener, Vingegaard and Evenepoel Show Strength
Updated June 09, 2025
Tadej Pogacar secured victory on the first stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné, yet rivals Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel displayed promising form, setting the stage for a potentially thrilling Tour de France. Pogacar outpaced Mathieu van der Poel in the final sprint to claim the yellow jersey.
Despite Pogacar’s win, Vingegaard expressed satisfaction with his performance, especially after a nearly three-month absence due to a concussion sustained at Paris-Nice. Vingegaard said he was happy with how he felt and that it was great to be up front right away and make an impact.
Evenepoel echoed Vingegaard’s positive sentiments,noting his surprise at contesting the stage win. He acknowledged the fast-paced nature of modern cycling and the unpredictable finales. Evenepoel said it was pretty special and pretty nice to be up there, so positive signs.
Vingegaard’s strong showing was particularly notable given his recent injury. He launched a powerful attack in the final 10 kilometers, putting Pogacar under pressure. Pogacar admitted he had to push himself to the limit to stay with Vingegaard.
Van der Poel, despite nursing a fractured wrist from a crash in May, also performed well, finishing third in the sprint. He acknowledged the difficulty of the final climb, given his weight, but was happy to be in the decisive move.
evenepoel, like Vingegaard, felt encouraged by the race. He believes he is in similar form to his debut Tour de France,where he finished third. He attributed his fourth-place finish to tactical decisions and headwinds.
“I think it might be the first time I’ve ever finished second in a bunch sprint,” Vingegaard beamed.
“It is a stage win.I can go home from Dauphiné happy already,” Pogacar said.
What’s next
As the Critérium du Dauphiné progresses, Pogacar remains uncertain about his form relative to vingegaard and Evenepoel, especially as they prepare for the Tour de France. The time trial and mountain stages later in the week will provide a clearer picture of each rider’s capabilities.