The stage through the central massif was completed with a high average speed. A leading group of four riders coloured the stage and eventually competed for the stage win. Behind them, the peloton systematically got thinned out on the climbs. Besides Kruijswijk and Bennett, Team Jumbo-Visma was well-represented with Wout van Aert and Laurens De Plus. For a moment, Kruijswijk seemed to be facing some difficulties on the penultimate climb after a crash from Alaphilippe. The situation was quickly resolved by Van Aert and De Plus.

“This was a tough day. The speed was very high from the start until the finish”, Kruijswijk said. “Every year, you have these kind of hectic stages in the Tour. It was constantly going up and down and there was one corner after the other. It was very important to race attentively in the front of the peloton. With the help of George, Wout and Laurens, it worked out well. In the beginning of the stage, everyone wants to race in the front, but at some point not everyone is able to do that anymore. Then it becomes easier for us to move up. I felt good and better than at La Planche des Belles Filles. On a day like today, it’s all about finishing the stage safely, staying calm and not losing any time. We succeeded well.”