The peloton set off from the start and finish town of Orbe for a 176-kilometre ride over undulating roads. Seven riders formed the breakaway and built up a maximum two-minute lead. The riders from Team Visma | Lease a Bike stayed close to Nordhagen throughout and ensured that the youngster started the final and most difficult climb of the day, the Col du Mollendruz, in a good position.

Nordhagen held his own on this nine-kilometre climb and reached the summit with a select group. On the descent, the last remaining breakaway riders were reeled in, after which a sprint from a small peloton would decide who would take the victory. Dorian Godon proved to be the fastest, with Nordhagen crossing the finish line in the same time.

"We’re pleased with how the day went. The main objective was not to lose any time in the general classification, and we managed that", sports director Gaëtan Pons said. "We’d also liked to have had someone in the breakaway today, as we thought they’d make it to the finish. The lads certainly gave it a go, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be. After that, all focus was on Jørgen. They did an excellent job of that."

With two stages to go, Nordhagen is still in a strong position. The youngster occupies fourth place in the general classification. "So far, things are going exactly as we want. The original goal was to finish in the top five of the general classification, and after four days that is still a realistic prospect. There are two tough stages to come, so we will have to do our very best to see this through to a successful conclusion."