Pogacar Escapes Crash Scare as Evenepoel Wins Tour de France Time Trial

Posted : 22 July 2026

Tour de France leader Tadej Pogacar admitted he was fortunate to avoid a crash during Stage 16 after nearly losing control in the same corner that forced Florian Lipowitz to abandon the race.

The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider finished second behind world and Olympic time trial champion Remco Evenepoel, who delivered a dominant performance to claim victory in the individual time trial and hand Pogacar one of his few defeats of this year's race.

Pogacar revealed he became more cautious after seeing he was already trailing Evenepoel at the intermediate time check.

"At the top of the climb, I was 15 seconds behind Remco. Then I thought I wasn't going to take any more risks until the finish," the Slovenian said after the stage.

Despite easing off, Pogacar still experienced a frightening moment in a high-speed right-hand corner where Germany's Florian Lipowitz crashed heavily earlier in the day. The Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe rider was forced to abandon the Tour following the incident.

Pogacar explained that the dangerous section had also caused problems during the reconnaissance ride before the stage.

"During the reconnaissance there were some organisation cars parked there, so I couldn't properly see the corner. I almost crashed there too," he said.

The defending champion expressed sympathy for Lipowitz, whose withdrawal further reduced the number of general classification contenders remaining in the race.

"I hope Lipo is okay and recovers quickly. It's always sad to see another rider leave the general classification battle," Pogacar added.

Although he admitted he was disappointed not to win the stage, Pogacar praised Evenepoel's outstanding ride.

"Of course I wanted to win, but Remco is the Olympic and world time trial champion. Hats off to him. He produced a brilliant time trial," the yellow jersey holder said.

Evenepoel's victory reduced Pogacar's overall advantage, but the Slovenian remains in a commanding position heading into the final mountain stages of the race.

Pogacar insisted the battle for the yellow jersey is far from over despite maintaining a healthy lead in the general classification.

"It's not over yet. We still have a difficult week ahead. The lead is good, but you never know what can happen. We're feeling confident and looking forward to the remaining stages," he said.

Attention now turns to Stage 17, a 174.7-kilometre route from Chambéry to Voiron. Although classified as a flat stage, the course includes 2,200 metres of climbing and could provide opportunities for breakaway riders before the race returns to the mountains.

Pogacar Escapes Crash Scare as Evenepoel Wins Tour de France Time Trial

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