Tadej Pogačar discusses Tour de France stages and friend’s crash on Stage 12

Tadej Pogačar has opened up about the next three stages of the 2026 Tour de France and his reaction to seeing a friend crash on Stage 12. The Slovenian superstar called the incident heartbreaking and admitted he had backed the rider to win.

What did Pogačar say about the crash?

Pogačar described the crash as “brutal” and said he felt helpless watching his friend go down. The incident happened on Stage 12 of the 2026 Tour de France, which ran from 11 July through the Alps. He told reporters he had picked the rider to take the stage before the fall. The crash forced the friend out of the race, leaving Pogačar visibly shaken.

Why does this matter for Pogačar’s Tour campaign?

The crash came just days before Pogačar’s own push for stage wins in the next three stages. Those stages-14, 15 and 16-feature punishing climbs in the Pyrenees and could decide the polka-dot jersey race. Pogačar is chasing a third Tour de France title and needs every point he can grab. His focus now shifts from shock to strategy as the peloton heads into the high mountains.

What’s next for Pogačar in the 2026 Tour?

Pogačar’s UAE Team Emirates squad will target breakaway opportunities on Stages 14 and 15. Stage 16 finishes atop the Col du Tourmalet, a climb where Pogačar has excelled before. He said his team is “laser-focused” on protecting him in the crosswinds and setting up late attacks. The Slovenian also hinted he might go all-in on Stage 16 if the race splits early.

How has Pogačar handled the emotional toll?

Pogačar admitted the crash hit him harder than most because of their close bond. He called the Tour de France “a brutal sport” and said riders push limits every day. Still, he vowed to keep racing hard for his own ambitions. His next target is the polka-dot jersey, where he currently trails Mathieu van der Poel by 18 points.