Few rivalries in modern sport have unfolded with the raw emotion, tactical depth, and shifting power dynamics of Tadej Pogačar vs. Jonas Vingegaard at the Tour de France. Between 2021 and 2024, these two riders transformed the race from a test of endurance into an ongoing psychological chess match — one defined by dominance, collapse, and, ultimately, revenge.
What began with flashes of mutual respect soon hardened into an all-consuming struggle for control of cycling’s greatest prize. In four consecutive Tours, they traded blows in the high mountains, against the clock, and even in moments of silence — in the attacks that never came, or the glances exchanged on summit finishes. One soared in brilliance; the other chipped away with relentless precision. And every summer, the balance shifted.
This article revisits seven key moments that shaped their rivalry and, in the process, redefined an era of the Tour de France.
1. Stage 17, 2021 – Col du Portet
Winner: Tadej Pogačar
Their first head-to-head mountain duel. Pogacar, already in yellow, held off Vingegaard and Carapaz to win atop the Col du Portet. This was the first time Vingegaard showed he could challenge him, but Pogacar still had the upper hand.
2. Stage 11, 2022 – Col du Granon
Winner: Jonas Vingegaard
The true turning point of the rivalry. After relentless pressure from Jumbo-Visma, Pogacar cracked dramatically, losing the yellow jersey. Vingegaard took control of the Tour and never looked back. This was the moment the balance shifted.
3. Stage 18, 2022 – Hautacam
Winner: Jonas Vingegaard
The Tour was decided here. Vingegaard dropped Pogacar on the final climb after a show of sportsmanship earlier in the stage. It was a clean, dominant finish that cemented Vingegaard’s first Tour win and earned him admiration.
Stage 6, 2023 – Cauterets-Cambasque
Winner: Tadej Pogačar
Pogacar’s rebound after losing time the day before. He attacked late and left Vingegaard behind — a reminder of his killer instinct and refusal to surrender. The rivalry was alive and well, and fans knew this Tour would be a war.
5. Stage 16, 2023 – Time Trial to Combloux
Winner: Jonas Vingegaard
One of the most crushing time trial performances in modern Tour history. Vingegaard gained nearly two minutes over Pogacar in just 22 km. This moment arguably defined the 2023 Tour, with Vingegaard asserting complete control of the race.
Stage 17, 2023 – Col de la Loze
Winner: Felix Gall (but decisive for GC)
Pogacar cracked entirely, citing “no legs.” The time loss was enormous, and the dream was over. This stage showed that while Pogacar had unmatched brilliance, Vingegaard had the endurance and team control to wear him down.
Stage 14, 2024 – Plateau de Beille
Winner: Tadej Pogačar
After two years of defeat, Pogačar turned the tables. On this pivotal Pyrenean summit finish, he dropped Vingegaard in the final kilometers and regained the yellow jersey. His form in 2024 was measured, mature, and decisive — the win in Paris confirmed his comeback not just in the Tour, but in the rivalry itself.