Pogačar Collides with Rival Team Car Ahead of Crucial Tour de France Stage
Tadej Pogačar, a key contender in the Tour de France, experienced a minor collision with a Visma-Lease a Bike team car before the start of Thursday’s challenging 18th stage. The incident, wich occured as Pogačar and his UAE Emirates XRG press officer rode to the start line in Vif, resulted in Pogačar hitting his chin but sustaining no significant injury.
The world champion recounted the event, stating, “We were riding to the start line. It was clear in the front, we were cruising behind the car, maybe a bit too close. I don’t know if he wanted to brake check my brakes … I was not ready because I didn’t see anyone in front.” He added, “I didn’t see the reason to stop earlier, so we crashed into the car. I hit my chin, but it’s ok.”
This pre-stage mishap precedes a stage widely anticipated by riders and fans alike. Stage 18 of the Tour de France is renowned for its demanding Alpine profile, featuring over 5,500 meters of climbing across three categorized climbs, including the formidable Col de la Loze. Pogačar acknowledged the significance of this “queen stage,” anticipating a strong challenge from his main rival, Jonas Vingegaard, who began the day 4 minutes and 15 seconds behind Pogačar in the general classification.
Vingegaard has indicated his willingness to take risks in pursuit of the yellow jersey, a sentiment Pogačar appears prepared for. “I’m ready for him to go full,” Pogačar commented. “Risk everything? That’s a little bit exaggerating, but risking second place, I understand. Today they will try. It’s D-Day.”
“He brake checked me”
Tadej Pogačar reveals he crashed into the Visma | Lease a Bike car this morning #TDF2025 pic.twitter.com/06XbCCuyhn
– ITV cycling (@itvcycling) July 24, 2025
