Pogačar and Alpe d'Huez: "It will be crazy."

Tadej Pogačar already knows what awaits him on Friday at Alpe d'Huez, and he previews it with a quip that speaks volumes about the intensity of what he's about to experience: "I'm glad Urška isn't riding up with my car like last time." He's referring to his partner Urška Žigart, who in 2022 experienced firsthand the chaos and euphoria of world cycling's most legendary climb.

This year's Tour de France features a double date on Alpe d'Huez: Friday's stage 19 follows the classic route with its famous 21 hairpin bends, while Saturday's stage 20 promises to be the toughest day in terms of racing. This grand finale of cycling has already inspired thousands of fans to camp on the mountain several days in advance.

"It's going to be crazy," Pogačar said in one of his press conferences in the yellow jersey. "In 2022, I remember how dirty the car was because everyone was touching it and shaking it. I'm really happy I won't have my own car up there this year."

The Slovenian champion then further raised expectations: "This year we'll have two consecutive stages, the two most difficult, finishing at Alpe d'Huez. I expect it to be something crazy. At Markstein, on stage 14, I've never seen crowds like this, but I think Alpe d'Huez can do even better. It'll be fantastic. I hope nothing goes wrong. It'll be a great end to the Tour."

On a historical and symbolic level, Pogačar included Alpe d'Huez in an ideal top three of France's most iconic climbs, along with Mont Ventoux and the Tourmalet : "They're not necessarily the hardest climbs, but history makes them legendary. And this year they'll make history again, with two consecutive days at the summit."

In 2022, Pogačar had to settle for chasing Tom Pidcock , the solo stage winner, while he battled with Jonas Vingegaard in the leading group. This time, the pecking order is very different, and the UAE Team Emirates-XRG champion is clearly hungry for redemption on these hairpin bends.