Tadej Pogačar said a combination of ideal racing conditions and strong teamwork among the breakaway and sprint squads helped produce the fastest road stage in Tour de France history during stage 11 of the 2026 edition.
The 161.3-kilometre route from Vichy to Nevers was completed at an average speed of 50.91kph, breaking a 27-year-old record set in 1999 by more than half a kilometre per hour. While Pogačar was not involved in setting the pace at the front, the yellow jersey safely finished in the peloton and celebrated another milestone by extending his tally to 61 days in the race lead, matching Miguel Induráin for the third-most days in yellow.
Pogačar admitted the speed was obvious from the outset, recalling how difficult it was to rejoin the peloton after a brief comfort stop. Although the stage itself was relatively straightforward, he said it was exciting to be part of such a historic day.
According to the Slovenian, the biggest factor behind the record-breaking pace was a powerful tailwind that pushed riders north across the exposed roads of central France. He also pointed to the strength of the four-man breakaway, which featured experienced riders including Julian Alaphilippe, Anthon Charmig and Nelson Oliveira. Their quality forced the sprint teams to chase relentlessly for most of the day, keeping the speed exceptionally high.
Once the escapees were finally caught, the peloton immediately eased off. Pogačar noted it was unusual that the pace actually slowed in the closing kilometres, a section that is typically raced at full throttle before the sprinters launch their final lead-outs.
Despite the largely uneventful stage, Pogačar experienced one anxious moment when a discarded water bottle became lodged in his front wheel. He managed to stay upright, later admitting he feared he was about to crash but was relieved to escape without incident.
The three-time Tour champion also expressed confidence in his current condition. Reaching the halfway point of the race, he described this as one of the best Tours he has experienced, saying everything from his physical form to his recovery, sleep and overall environment has gone smoothly. With no significant setbacks so far, Pogačar believes he is in outstanding shape as he continues his bid for another Tour de France title.
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