The 17th stage took the peloton from Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux to Superdévoluy. After a run-up over rolling roads, the riders were presented with three more categorised climbs at the end.   

After the start, the classification teams were immediately alert. The strong wind made it possible to form echelons. For a while the peloton broke into pieces, but there were no big separations. Then the long battle for a spot in the breakaway of the day began. Among others, Wout van Aert tried several times to set up a leading group.   

Only at a hundred kilometres from the finish, four riders - including Benoot - managed to break away from the peloton. Behind the four, a large chasing group of 48 riders was formed including Van Aert and Laporte. Benoot and his companions were eventually passed by eventual stage winner Richard Carapaz at the foot of Col du Noyer.   

On that Col du Noyer, the classification riders attacked each other. Towards the top, Tadej Pogacar accelerated. Vingegaard had a difficult moment. Thanks to the help of teammate Laporte, he was able to return. Remco Evenepoel then attacked again on the final climb to Superdévoluy. Vingegaard could again count on his teammates. Both Benoot and Van Aert provided work in the pursuit of the Belgian. The differences between the three podium contenders at the line remained minimal.   

“Today I have to thank my teammates”, Vingegaard responded afterwards. “The guys in the opening hours, but especially Christophe, Wout and Tiesj. They did important work on the final climbs. I feel that I am still getting better. Today was maybe not my best day, but that can happen. If this turned out to be my bad day, then I will be satisfied.”  

Benoot looks back on a spectacular stage. “I believed in the stage win, but I knew it would be difficult when I heard there was such a big group riding behind us. The strongest climbers, including Carapaz, passed us quickly. I'm glad I could still help Jonas in the final. Our plan was to have a few riders in front for when a situation like this would arise. Of course you'd rather win seconds than lose them, but we'll keep going for it in the coming days.”