Pogacar Shatters Pantani’s Longstanding Record on L’Alpe d’Huez
By Matthias Seng
Tadej Pogacar (UAE – Emirates – XRG) on his way to stage victory and a new L’Alpe-d’Huez record | Photo: Cor Vos
24.07.2026 | In a spectacular display of climbing prowess, Tadej Pogacar, the captain of UAE Team Emirates, has obliterated Marco Pantani’s 31-year-old record for the grueling ascent to L’Alpe d’Huez. Following his thrilling ride through the legendary 21 hairpin bends, Pogacar crossed the finish line in just 35 minutes and 27 seconds, beating the previous best time set by Pantani in 1995 by an impressive 1 minute and 13 seconds.
Pantani’s Legacy and Achievements
Pantani, a cycling icon of the 90s, achieved the three fastest ascents of L’Alpe d’Huez. His formidable times remained unrivaled for decades, holding a remarkable 21-second lead over the infamous Lance Armstrong, who won the Tour de France seven times before being stripped of his titles due to doping allegations. Pantani himself faced controversy, as he was also implicated in EPO doping, which significantly marred his legacy. Tragically, he passed away in 2002 from a cocaine overdose.
When Pantani set his L’Alpe d’Huez records, Pogacar had not yet been born. For years, this record seemed untouchable, especially considering it was set during the peak of the EPO era. Even during his first attempt on this famed climb in the 2022 Tour, Pogacar finished significantly behind Pantani’s times, clocking in at 39 minutes and 8 seconds.
A Historic Moment on Stage 19
However, on the 19th stage of the 113th Tour de France, Pogacar showcased his extraordinary talent. After meticulous preparation from a UAE team weakened by illness, he launched an unyielding attack in the early stretches of the climb, distancing himself from the favorites’ group. This dynamic maneuver and his relentless pursuit of the two leading cyclists, Lenny Martinez (Bahrain Victorious) and Richard Carapaz (EF Education – EasyPost), culminated in Pogacar’s fifth stage victory of this year’s Tour.
Pogacar’s Attitude Towards the Record
In the post-race press conference, Pogacar expressed that breaking the record was not his primary goal. “To be honest, I had no idea what Pantani’s time was,” the 27-year-old confessed. “I have been away from the internet in recent weeks and didn’t think much about it. When I heard I had broken the record, it made me happy, but my main priority was to perform well and win today,” he added. His approach exemplified both humility and exceptional sportsmanship.
His decisive move, approximately twelve kilometers from the finish line, proved pivotal not just for achieving the record, but also for successfully overtaking Martinez, Carapaz, and others. Pogacar’s rapid ascent was a testament to his unmatched climbing ability and strategic racing mind.
With this remarkable achievement, Pogacar continues to solidify his status as one of the finest climbers in modern cycling history, and it raises the question: what other records will he challenge in the future?
