Professional Cycling 2026 – The Prince That Was Promised?
Better late than never here is a thread for discussing the professional cycling season of 2026 – a season that is alread
The first mountain stage was a devastating blow to Vingegaard.
I don't understand why ASO would plan the Tour like this. It is an ideal Pogacar stage so early in the race. It was reminiscent of the Galibier stage of 2024, where Pogacar gapped Vingegaard on Galibier but then won an enormous amount of time on the descent. This time it was even worse, because following the descent, we had a climb that was infinitely more suited for Pogacar, who has much more power whereas Vingegaard is light and is, relatively speaking, closer on steeper climbs.
Naturally, this is a major disappointment as a Vingegaard fan. But Pogacar is just unbelievable. Mind, it's not like I'd expect Vingegaard to win on a more difficult final climb. However, this all but kills the excitement for the Tour with how strong Pogacar is.
That said, Vingegaard wasn't at his best, and as a Vingegaard believer, I hope he can at least make something of the rest of the Tour - perhaps a stage win if the stars align. But the GC looks all but settled, barring illness or a crash by Pogacar. In my opinion, we are witnessing the GOAT in the making.
I don't know how you even describe that. Vingegaard is so good and at no point could he close down even a few seconds on Pogacar. The gap went one way: Up. Just an indescribable tour de force of complete dominance.
The battle for third might end up being the story of the Tour and super fun to watch.
earlier in the year I bet Jonas at $4.80 to win the Tour. Which I thought was value given how well he was training & the chance of an injury/crash/illness etc. I support Pog of course, but money is money!
after he won the Giro, Jonas came into $4.60 & after stage 1 he was in to $4. He's now out to $9 which really seems to be pricing for a crash/injury to Pog
interestingly, re the battle for 3rd....Isaac Del Toro is now #3 in betting for the Tour at $26 with Seixas Remco & Lipowitz all paying $71!
it's a long tour.
