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Pogacar increased his lead atop the general classification to six minutes and 41 seconds after winning the stage in Livigno – a monster, 222-kilometre trek containing more than 5,000 metres of climbing.
The UAE Team Emirates rider was at his unbeatable best; overtaking Nairo Quintana (Movistar) on the steep climb with two kilometres remaining before crossing with 29 seconds to spare.
Georg Steinhauser (EF Education-EasyPost) eventually crossed over in third place, followed by Romain Bardet (DSM-Firmenich PostNL), and Daniel Felipe Martinez (Bora-Hansgrohe).
“Today was a really good route with nice climbs,” Pogacar said after the race.
“I’m super happy that we kept it under control. We had to be smart all day.
“It was a strong breakaway but I gave it my all for the last 10 kilometres and I’m super-happy to win the queen stage in Livigno, one of my favourite places in Italy.”
Pogacar’s fourth stage win of this year’s Italian Grand Tour now leaves Thomas with a mountain to climb in the GC battle, with the Ineos Grenadiers rider second overall ahead of Martinez.
Meanwhile, Australian Ben O’Connor (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale) remains in fourth, a further 47 seconds adrift of Martinez after finishing eighth on the queen stage.
The riders will now enjoy a much-deserved rest day ahead of Stage 16, where they will travel from Livigno to Monte Pana on a route spanning 206 kilometres with over 4,300 metres of climbing.
