"I don't think he will have a crisis" - French pundit believes Pogacar has Tour under control as peloton heads to Alps

The Tour de France 2025 begins its final battle in the high mountains on Thursday. In the Alps, Tadej Pogacar will be looking to seal the general classification against Jonas Vingegaard. The Dane is 4 minutes and 15 seconds behind, although there has been debate in recent days as to whether the Visma leader will be able to mount a comeback on the Col de la Loze and La Plagne. Some believe it is possible. Others believe that, barring an accident of the world champion, the race is doomed.

Speaking to Cyclism'Actu, former cyclist Stéphane Goubert addressed this debate, taking the side that says there is nothing left to be decided in the fight between the UAE Team Emirates - XRG star and the Visma | Lease a Bike star.

"Unless Tadej Pogacar has an incident, there will be no problem. He's over the top. I don't think he will have a crisis because of this weather," Goubert said in reference to whether the weather conditions in the Alps will take their toll on him. Pogacar is known to not favor extreme heat, but that shouldn't be a factor this week.

"The weather can create difficulties, it's clear that it's going to be really problematic. Today there was only a risk of a fall, but that didn't cause anything compared to this change of weather. However, in the passes, it's different, because with the cold and wet descents, they will be colder. So, even though it's not winter temperatures, the body is used to the heat and it will feel like winter," he added.

"And that's the big problem for tomorrow's stage. Beyond the positive elevation gain, it will be these extreme conditions. And what to do? Well, you have to pray that the body reacts well. It's like when you go into extreme heat: the body has to be able to adapt."

Referring to the adaptation of Pogacar, Vingegaard and company to these circumstances, Goubert explained the following: "Week after week, every body reacts completely differently."