Domestique Pogačar got goosebumps from the Del Toro moment: 'Finally got to experience it myself'

The 20th stage of the Tour de France was perhaps the most beautiful of the three weeks, thanks in part to Tadej Pogačar. Not because he went on the attack again, but because he completely put himself second to teammate Isaac Del Toro. It made for some spectacular scenes at the finish. But will the yellow jersey wearer go for the stage win again on Sunday?

We saw Pogac3ar take the lead as early as seventy kilometers before the finish. On the Col du Galibier, he picked up the pace, after which he dominated the entire valley and a good portion of the Col de Sarenne as well. On the final ascents to Alpe d’Huez, he pulled Del Toro along once again. The pair crossed the finish line together, arm in arm and heads touching. The bull gesture spoke volumes.

Pogačar’s role as a domestique was also new to him. “I did my best to help Isaac today,” he told Eurosport. “Juan (Ayuso, ed.) put some pressure on us up front. But I have enormous respect for what everyone has shown over these three weeks; I’ve finally been able to experience it for myself,” he said, referring to his work for Del Toro. "I already appreciated my teammates, but now even more so. I have to thank everyone for these last three weeks."

Riding alongside Del Toro meant a lot to Pogačar. “It gave me goosebumps—if I hadn’t shaved my arms. It was fantastic, one for the memories.” People might be talking a lot now about how I helped Isaac get on the podium, but they should also know that he helped me get the yellow jersey first. The whole team helped even more. It was an honor to ride for Isaac today.”

Del Toro made his debut in the Tour de France and immediately won the first road stage in Barcelona. The Mexican then fought for a spot on the podium and managed to secure it in the Alps: on the double finish at Alpe d'Huez, he finished seventh and fifth, respectively. He holds a lead of more than two minutes over Paul Seixas in the general classification, as well as in the race for the white jersey.

Pogačar sees his teammate as a worthy successor in the future. “I won’t be doing this for much longer, and Isaac has shown tremendous potential. We don’t want to put any pressure on him—he’s still very young, a quick learner, very smart, and has tremendous talent and a lot of stamina. We’ll see where this path takes us, but I’m glad to have him on the team and that we can ride together like this for now.”

There’s just one more stage left in the Tour de France. After years of the Champs-Élysées being a sprinter’s paradise, that changed last year with the addition of the climb to Montmartre. Last year, Pogačar once again proved himself there, but after three grueling weeks, he had to concede defeat to Wout van Aert. This year’s stage is slightly different— and shorter. Will we see the yellow jersey wearer in action again?

He doesn't want to say too much, but his ambitions shine through his vague answers. "Unfortunately, Wout isn't here—one less major competitor," Pogacar laughs. “I think it ’s going to get a little messy , but we’ll see. If my legs feel good, maybe I can try something. I don’t want to say anything yet, but I’m definitely going to enjoy Paris.”