Pogacar takes command of Tour after big climb in the Alps

LE GRAND-BORNAND, France (AP) — Tadej Pogacar has dealt a demoralizing blow to his remaining Tour de France rivals on the first day in the Alps. The defending champion claimed the yellow jersey in the grueling eighth stage. The Slovenian set off on his own on the fourth of five categorized climbs, shedding Richard Carapaz, the last man — and possible contender — to have kept on his wheel. Pogacar finished the 151-kilometer trek over five mountain passes from Oyonnax to Le Grand-Bornand in fourth place, seconds behind stage winner Dylan Teuns. Wout van Aert remained in second place but fell from 30 seconds behind at the start of the stage to 1 minute, 48 seconds behind Pogacar.