In a relatively short stage, Team Visma | Lease a Bike was very active from the start. Wilco Kelderman once again slipped into the breakaway of the day after Matteo Jorgenson, among others, tried his luck in the opening stage. Later, Jan Tratnik also joined Kelderman. On the final climb Kelderman stayed ahead for a long time, together with Richard Carapaz and Enric Mas, among others.

Remco Evenepoel attacked on the final climb to the top of the Col de la Couillole. Vingegaard parried seemingly easily, after which the Dane himself went into battle. At that point, only Pogacar was able to follow. Vingegaard maintained a high pace, gaining meter by meter on rival Evenepoel. Under Vingegaard's regime, the last remaining breakaway riders also got caught. In the last few hundred meters it appeared that Vingegaard had shot his powder. Pogacar sprinted to the stage win.

“It was a tough and hot day,” Vingegaard said afterwards. “I felt better today than yesterday. Then I had one of my worst days ever. I felt good when Remco attacked. I thought to myself that now it was my time. I rode after that mainly to secure second place. Remco is the best time trialist in the world, so it's definitely not over yet. I'm glad I was able to take almost a minute today.”

Vingegaard did regret just missing the stage win. “Tadej was in the wheel a little more today. I think I would have done the same thing if I were in his shoes. I'm happy with how I rode today, and that I was able to recover myself from the lesser days. To bounce back this way, that makes me feel fulfilled. The legs were really much better. I rode around all day with confidence. Tomorrow I will give everything again in the final time trial,” Vingegaard concluded with motivation.