Pogacar Wins Stage 3, Takes Yellow Jersey at Tour

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-07-07

The world champion is on fire. Tadej Pogacar made it two wins in two days for UAE Team Emirates-XRG at the Tour de France, and he also grabbed the overall race lead. That's a big deal. This wasn't just about one rider. It was a full team effort, and every single one of the eight guys on the squad played a part in making this happen. Let's break down what went down. ### The Stage 3 Finish: A Punchy Uphill Sprint The stage ended with a tough uphill finish to Les Angles. You need serious power and timing to win there, and Pogacar had both. He waited, then unleashed a massive acceleration that no one could match. The four-time defending champion just packed the biggest punch when it mattered most. It was a tactical masterpiece. The team controlled the race all day, keeping Pogacar out of trouble and positioning him perfectly for the finale. Then he did his thing. ### What This Means for the General Classification Now Pogacar is wearing the Yellow Jersey. That's the leader's jersey in the Tour de France, and it's a huge psychological advantage. He's not just winning stages; he's controlling the whole race. For UAE Team Emirates-XRG, this is exactly the kind of start they dreamed of. But here's the thing: the Tour is long. There are still three weeks of racing ahead, with mountains, time trials, and plenty of chances for things to go wrong. Holding onto that jersey is harder than winning it. ### The Team Effort Behind the Win Let's give credit where it's due. This wasn't a solo show. The whole team worked together to set up the win. They chased down breakaways, protected Pogacar from the wind, and delivered him to the base of the final climb in perfect position. Then he finished the job. - The team controlled the pace all day - They kept Pogacar safe and out of the wind - They set him up perfectly for the uphill sprint - He delivered the knockout punch That's how you win a Tour de France stage. It's a team sport, even if one guy gets the glory. ### What's Next for Pogacar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG So what happens now? Pogacar is the man to beat. Every other team will be watching him, trying to crack his armor. But with the form he's showing, it's going to take something special to stop him. He's already won four straight Tours, and he looks stronger than ever. The next few stages will be interesting. There are flat stages for the sprinters, then some tricky terrain. But for now, Pogacar is in control. This is a story about dominance, teamwork, and a rider who just keeps winning. The Tour de France is wide open, but the Yellow Jersey is on the right shoulders.