In the stage from La Tour-du-Pin the pace was high from the start. After a very fast first hour, a large leading group was given the space to fight for the stage victory. Behind the breakaway, Team Jumbo-Visma controlled the stage. The yellow and black formation never got into any problems and neutralized a few attacks without any problems.

“Today was a great day for us”, Roglic said. “We had the stage under control and we retained the yellow jersey. The team did a fantastic job again by keeping me out of trouble. Also kudos to the team for the way in which they countered Tadej.”

Tom Dumoulin had expected the attack from Pogacar. “I think he wants to make the most out of it this week and take every opportunity to make it difficult for us. But we had it under control. We still have the yellow jersey and the team is very strong. We have great confidence for tomorrow and the days beyond.”

Birthday boy Wout van Aert did a lot of work for his leader in the final. “It was a controlled stage, but one with a tough final. The stage went as we expected. Although it took a while before we could let a breakaway escape. The points classification continues to play a role in this. When that breakaway finally had been established, we soon had the stage under control. We wanted to force as little as possible, knowing what is yet to come. Although we still had to stay focused and sharp when Guillaume Martin and Pogacar attacked.”

Tomorrow the Tour de France continues with the queen stage to the top of the Col de la Loze. “Tomorrow will be a very tough day”, Roglic looked ahead. “We are heading to the highest point in this Tour. It is a very steep final climb. A kind of goat path. We certainly expect the necessary attacks, but if you have the right legs, anything is possible. The team is very strong and we will do our best to defend the yellow. We will fight for every second. We have to focus on ourselves and on our own plan. That is the only thing we can control. It will be a big fight from start to finish. We are ready for that.”