The stage was coloured by an early breakaway. The leading group was caught up in the final by Team Jumbo-Visma. On the penultimate climb, stage winner Fuglsang attacked. After that, Yates and Roglic competed for the classification. The Slovenian could not follow the pace of the Briton in the steep final kilometre.

“It was a tough stage and a difficult finish. I gave everything I had, but I just couldn’t go any faster”, Roglic said. “Yates was just too strong today. I don’t have any regrets and I can’t blame myself. I will keep doing my best to win in the coming stages. It is going to be difficult, but it is not impossible. The team worked well for me today again. I still feel good and we will keep trying in the coming days.”

Sports director Addy Engels saw his leader lose valuable seconds for the classification, but remained optimistic nevertheless. “We were hopeful that Primoz could respond to Yates’ attack. In the end it just didn’t work out. That’s a pity. It will depend on the shape of the day whether Roglic can still win the overall in Tuesday’s time trial. We will keep trying.”