Pogačar edges nearer to the GC podium in Pau

After a well earned rest day, stage 9 winner Tadej Pogačar came fast out of the blocks with a solid performance over the technical 36.2km course from Jurançon to Pau.

In his first race in the Slovenian TT champion skin suit, Pogačar (photo Bettini) went fastest at the first time check though would eventually lose time on the heavier TT specialists on the flatter sections. The stage would go to his compatriot Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma).

Pogačar remains 5th overall, at 3’05 from Primoz Roglic and second in the young riders classification, 55″ down on Miguel Angel Lopez (Astana).

Pogačar speaking after the line : “It was a hard TT but I felt great so I just went full gas when I could. On the downhills I rested a bit but after the second hill I was struggling a bit so had to pace myself. It was my dream to wear the Slovenian TT jersey in a Grand Tour and today I got to do it and represent my country. I think today was perfect for Roglic so it’s not a surprise he won”.

Tomorrow takes the riders on an undulating route from Saint-Palais to Urdax-Dantxarinea (180k) and will likely favour the sprinters or a daring breakaway.

Stage 10 results
1 Primoz Roglic (Slo) Jumbo-Visma 47’05”
2 Patrick Bevin (Nzl) CCC Team 25″
3 Remi Cavagna (Fra) Deceuninck-Quick Step 27″
11 Tadej Pogačar (Slo) UAE Team Emirates 1’29”

General classification after stage 10
1 Primoz Roglic (Slo) Jumbo-Visma 36h05’29”
2 Alejandro Valverde (Esp) Movistar 1’52”
3 Miguel Angel Lopez (Col) Astana 2’11”
4 Nairo Quintana (Col) Movistar 3′
5 Tadej Pogačar (Slo) UAE Team Emirates 3’05”