On the way to the high mountains, six riders went on the attack. Team Visma | Lease a Bike rode in the front rows of the bunch throughout the stage and brought leaders Kuss and Uijtdebroeks into good position before the final climb. After a battle on the flanks of the Pyrenees giant, Tadej Pogacar emerged as the winner, crossing the finish line solo.

The weather conditions changed midway through the stage and made the race extra tough. Starting in brilliant weather, ending in fog and heavy rain. According to sports director Marc Reef, that certainly played a prominent role. "It rained really hard and the temperature dropped quite a lot," Reef said.

Kuss confirmed his sports director’s words, "It was a tough day and you definitely feel that in your legs. I don't think anyone was very fresh at the end," the American said afterwards. "It was maybe not our best day, but there is still a lot to come. Above all, we have to look forward, if you ask me."

Uijtdebroeks experienced the heavy stage as follows: ,"Actually, I felt myself more than good," explained the young Belgian. ,"Thanks in part to the team, we were able to start at the front of the final climb. When Pogacar attacked I had to pass, but in a group behind I was able to keep up. However, I got colder and colder and everything cramped up in the last kilometers. I couldn't put much power and then it was a matter of dragging to the top."

Reef: "I think Sepp and Cian did everything they could to ride a good result. They fought and for now we have to be satisfied with that. Sepp is ninth in the general classification, forty seconds off the podium. That still offers perspective."

Reef expects another chance for the general classification riders towards Port Ainé tomorrow, when the peloton will contest another mountain stage. "Another tough day is coming up with hopefully some better weather conditions. Then we will go for it again." Uijtdebroeks is also looking forward again. "I hope to find those good legs again. There are still plenty of chances and opportunities coming up for the team."