“We fought hard today. I’m really happy with my performance, it’s one of the best of my career”, Vingegaard says afterwards. “I gave everything. It feels good to show what I’m capable of after the disappointment of yesterday.”

On the nearly eleven-kilometer course in southern France, the bike choice played a big role. From the start in Loudenvielle, there was almost exclusively climbing to Peyragudes. Jorgenson delivered a strong ride, followed shortly after by an good time from Vingegaard. The Dane overtook Remco Evenepoel - who had started ahead of him - just before the finish and solidified his second place in the general classification. The Team Visma | Lease a Bike leader had to concede 36 seconds to Pogacar in the second time trial of the Tour de France.

“He was the strongest today and deserved the win”, Vingegaard says. “My level yesterday was below what I expect from myself. That was disappointing. But today we turned things around”, he adds, also referring to Jorgenson's performance. The American explains: “I wasn’t in the mix for a podium spot today, but I wanted to test myself and get back in the fight. I managed to do that. I showed that I still have good legs.”

Head of Racing Grischa Niermann looks back on the race against the clock with satisfaction. “Jonas rode a really strong time trial. It wasn’t enough to win, but mentally this was an important result. He gained time on many rivals today. We never think about giving up. Now, we’ll make a plan for tomorrow and keep fighting.” On Saturday, the peloton faces another brutal mountain stage, featuring four categorized climbs, including the Col du Tourmalet and the summit finish on Luchon-Superbagnères.