Defending champion Tadej Pogacar captured the overall race lead at the Tour de France on Monday by winning Stage 3, a grueling mountain ride from Granollers to Les Angles.
The Slovenian cyclist made a late surge alongside UAE Team Emirates XRG teammate Isaac Del Toro on the final section of the 195.9-kilometer route.
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Pogacar finished two seconds ahead of Danish rival Jonas Vingegaard of Team Visma | Lease A Bike, who had held the yellow jersey at the start of the stage.
Teamwork Pays Off
"It's because of Isaac today, I got some extra power in the finale," said Pogacar, praising his Mexican teammate.
The 27-year-old noted that the squad shifted its strategy midway through the mountainous course.
"Actually in the middle of the stage we decided that it's possible to go for the stage win," he said.
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Tour officials closed the finish area due to a nearby forest fire along the Spain-France border, leaving the dramatic finale without spectators.
The stage results reshaped the general standings, putting Pogacar and Vingegaard at identical overall times. Remco Evenepoel follows 23 seconds behind the leader.
Alex Baudin secured the mountain classifications jersey for EF Education | Easypost, while Isaac Del Toro took over the white jersey as the top young rider.
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The race continues on Tuesday with Stage 4, a hilly 181.9-kilometer route from Carcassonne to Foix.
