Without Per Strand Hagenes and Jørgen Nordhagen, who were unable to start due to illness, Team Visma | Lease a Bike remained attentive in support of team leader Jorgenson. While several riders, including Paul Seixas, crashed during the nervous opening phase of the stage, the Dutch team managed to avoid any setbacks.

On the day’s decisive climb, the Grand Colombier, Jorgenson once again demonstrated his strong form. After an impressive pull from Tulett, the American managed to stay with the leading group for a long time on the demanding final ascent. He fought all the way to the finish and eventually crossed the line in fourth place, behind stage winner Isaac del Toro.

“I’m happy with my performance today,” Jorgenson reflected afterwards. “It was a stage that became very difficult to control early on. With Jørgen and Per out, we started with a small team, but I received strong support throughout the stage. On the final climb, I rode at my own pace and tried to get to the top as quickly as possible. I’m pleased to be second in the general classification now, and I’m looking forward to tomorrow. It’s a stage that should suit me well.”