Tadej Pogacar closes in on Cavendish's Tour de France stage win record

Tadej Pogacar claimed his 14th Tour de France stage victory on 18 July 2026, inching closer to Mark Cavendish's all-time record of 35 stage wins. The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider showcased his climbing prowess on the Col du Haag, finishing 38 seconds ahead of Isaac Del Toro and Paul Seixas.

How did Pogacar secure the win?

Pogacar attacked two kilometers from the summit of the Col du Haag, leaving his rivals behind. He extended his advantage on the 6km plateau into Le Markstein Fellering, where he also triumphed in 2023. The Slovenian now leads Jonas Vingegaard by 4½ minutes in the general classification.

What does this mean for Pogacar's Tour de France legacy?

With two more Tour titles and 14 stage wins since 2024, Pogacar is on track to equal Cavendish's record. His fifth win of this year's race also puts him in contention for a fifth overall Tour victory, matching the achievements of cycling legends like Jacques Anquetil and Eddy Merckx.

Who are Pogacar's closest challengers?

Jonas Vingegaard remains Pogacar's main rival, but the gap is widening. France's Paul Seixas impressed with a third-place finish, moving up to fourth overall and claiming the white jersey for best young rider. Remco Evenepoel holds third place, just 15 seconds ahead of Seixas.

What's next for Pogacar?

The Tour de France continues with more mountain stages, where Pogacar's climbing ability will be tested again. Fans are eager to see if he can maintain his dominance and add to his stage win tally, bringing him closer to Cavendish's historic record.