Right from the start it was climbing. With no less than five categorized climbs and almost five thousand altimeters the peloton had a tough time today. That did not stop Team Visma | Lease a Bike from making the race hard right from the start. 

The troops of the Dutch formation took turns at the head of the peloton. The group thinned out considerably and towards the end of the stage it was Wilco Kelderman and Matteo Jorgenson's turn to serve their leader Vingegaard. Thanks to the duo, Vingegaard and co started the final climb towards Plateau de Beille in a group of less than ten riders. 

After Jorgenson was completely depleted, Vingegaard placed an attack. Only Pogacar could follow the Dane's fast pace. Vingegaard tried to mat the Slovenian, but could not get the code cracked. After an extreme effort, Vingegaard had to allow Pogacar to attack from his wheel. Vingegaard fought for all he was worth, but Pogacar proved the strongest on the slopes of Plateau de Beille. The difference on the finish line was just over a minute.

Vingegaard doesn't blame himself. "Tadej was simply the strongest today. I can hardly be disappointed about today. The team did everything they could and gave their all. On the final climb I pedaled fine values. It's close to my best performance. Tadej was really strong. I can't do anything but congratulate him on the win. We are definitely not giving up yet. The Tour is not over yet. If Tadej encounters another bad day, maybe we can crack him. We are realistic enough to see that it will be difficult if he maintains his current level. As long as there's a chance, we'll keep fighting," Vingegaard shows himself combative. 

"The team did everything it could today," explained sports director Grischa Niermann. "It was our plan to exhaust the competition. I think we executed that plan well. Unfortunately, one person was stronger today. Jonas rode a bizarrely good ride, which we as sports directors can only be very proud of, as well as the work of the other guys. The Tour is certainly not done yet, but we have to be realistic. Right now, Tadej Pogacar seems unbeatable, but the leaden final week is still to come. We are certainly not bowing our heads yet, but we are taking a break."

The peloton will enjoy a well-deserved rest day tomorrow. On Tuesday, the peloton moves on, with a flat stage towards Nîmes.