Alpe d'Huez has a new king. Tadej Pogacar has written another page in the history of the Tour de France by conquering the most iconic climb in world cycling with a performance destined to remain in the annals. The Slovenian won the stage with an extraordinary performance and, above all, shattered the climbing record that for over thirty years belonged to Marco Pantani.

The UAE Team Emirates-XRG champion covered the 13.8 kilometers of the ascent in just 35 minutes and 27 seconds, lowering by 1 minute and 23 seconds the time set by the "Pirate" in 1995, when Pantani conquered Alpe d'Huez in 36 minutes and 50 seconds. A record that seemed destined to stand the test of time and instead fell under the blows of a simply irresistible Pogacar.

With this victory, the Slovenian achieved his fifth win in this Tour de France and his twenty-sixth overall at the Grande Boucle, numbers that bring him ever closer to the greatest champions in history. But, beyond the record, the Alpe d'Huez victory was one that Pogacar had circled in red for some time.

«It's no longer a secret, my goal was to win here, on Alpe d'Huez, and we managed it thanks to my teammates – Pogacar said after the finish - It's been a fantastic day. It was tough because the breakaway riders raced intelligently and we had to work very hard. Throughout the climb I thought about my teammates and gave my all until the finish line».

The achievement takes on an even more special meaning because the Slovenian's first success at the Tour came precisely on Alpe d'Huez. Returning to the mountain that symbolizes cycling and signing another legendary feat represents almost a circle closing.

«It's fantastic to win here. The atmosphere along the entire climb was incredible. There was an extraordinary crowd and this victory is thanks to all my teammates. Today I raced mainly for them».

Behind what from the outside seemed like a show of strength, however, there was a very precise plan. UAE Team Emirates-XRG had decided to make the race extremely difficult from the first slopes of Alpe d'Huez.

«It was quite an ambitious plan», Pogacar explained. «When I saw that some riders were already losing contact while Felix Großschartner was imposing a very high pace, I understood it was the right moment to attack. I felt I had excellent legs and knew there weren't many riders left who could follow me».

A courageous choice, considering that several breakaway riders still had a significant advantage ahead.

«The breakaway leaders still had an important advantage, but we raced very hard throughout the stage. Then I also found Adam Yates ahead of me. Pedaling a few kilometers with him was important, both tactically and morally. I was really happy to find him again after a difficult day».

In the final kilometers Pogacar had to close the gap on Richard Carapaz and Lenny Martinez, but in that case too he knew how to turn the situation to his advantage. «They were two very strong riders, but at some point they started controlling each other and attacking one another. This allowed me to catch up and then complete the work to the finish line».

Alpe d'Huez, as always, delivered an extraordinary spectacle at the roadside as well, with hundreds of thousands of fans crowded along the twenty-one hairpin turns. A unique atmosphere that Pogacar experienced firsthand.

«I expected it to be even worse, instead the spectators behaved quite well, even though in some places they were really very close. It's an indescribable feeling to pedal in the middle of that crowd cheering you on. I was even ready to argue with some fans, instead they were polite, behaved well and gave us incredible energy».

The Slovenian also wanted to emphasize the strength of the UAE Team Emirates-XRG group, which in recent days had faced some difficulties.

«The last few days haven't been easy for us. I'm very happy that we stayed united as a team. Even when things don't go as we'd like, we continue to support each other and fight together. This victory is a great reward for everyone».

Despite the now substantial advantage in the general classification, Pogacar continues to look ahead without being distracted by the enthusiasm.

When asked about the second consecutive high mountain finish and the queen stage the next day, he answered with a smile.

«I would have preferred to go straight to Paris - he joked - But tomorrow we have the queen stage, a great mountain day ahead of us. I'm confident, but we'll need to stay focused».

The goal of UAE Team Emirates-XRG is not just about the yellow jersey.

«We must continue to work for Isaac Del Toro. We want to help him defend the white jersey and secure a final podium finish. I really believe we can do it».

Meanwhile, however, the day at Alpe d'Huez belongs entirely to Tadej Pogacar. His ride enters history not only for the stage victory or for his fifth win in this edition of the Tour, but also because he rewrote one of the most celebrated time references in world cycling.

For over thirty years Marco Pantani's time was the symbol of the most famous climb of the Tour de France. Today that record belongs to another extraordinary champion. Pogacar continues to collect victories, records and pages of history, consolidating his place among the greatest champions that cycling has ever known.