Pogačar Threatens Pantani’s Untouchable Alpe d’Huez Record

Tadej Pogačar arrives at Alpe d’Huez surrounded by a challenge that has resisted every generation for more than three decades: Marco Pantani’s extraordinary climbing record. The Slovenian has not publicly promised to attack the time, but his performances and the design of stage 19 have made a new record a genuine possibility.

Pantani produced his fastest ascent in 1995. Depending on the precise point used to start the clock, historical lists place the time between 36 minutes and 40 seconds and 36 minutes and 50 seconds. The discrepancy is common in unofficial climbing comparisons, but there is no dispute that the Italian’s performance remains the reference on the traditional 13.7-kilometre climb.

Pogačar first raced up Alpe d’Huez in the 2022 Tour. He, Jonas Vingegaard and Geraint Thomas were timed at approximately 39:08 after a demanding previous stage and a tactical ascent containing several accelerations. This time, the approach appears more favourable to a sustained high-speed effort.

Stage 19 is only 127.9 kilometres long. It includes the Col Bayard, the steep Col du Noyer and the Col d’Ornon, but also a long central section in which the contenders can conserve energy. The final ascent averages 8.1% and contains the mountain’s famous 21 hairpins.

Recent evidence explains the expectation. Pogačar has broken long-standing climbing benchmarks on other iconic roads and has shown exceptional form throughout the season. He also reaches the Alpe with a comfortable advantage in the general classification, allowing him to choose whether to defend, seek the stage victory or turn the climb into an all-out test.

Conditions and race tactics will be decisive. Wind, temperature, the pace set before the climb and the moment of the first attack can alter the final time considerably. Comparisons between different eras must also account for equipment, road surfaces and the exact timing points.

Pogačar has only said that he feels confident, not that the stopwatch is his main objective. Even so, Pantani’s legendary mark will accompany every pedal stroke. If the yellow jersey attacks from the lower slopes, Alpe d’Huez could witness the fall of one of cycling’s most enduring records.