In the 164-kilometre long stage, all eyes were on La Loge des Gardes, the last climb of the day. The first clash between the classification riders was anticipated today in the “Race to the Sun" due to gradients of up to 10 percent. The day's escapees were caught just before the beginning of the final ascent, allowing the final to get underway. Vingegaard attacked early, but Tadej Pogacar parried his pinprick. The Slovenian counterattacked in pursuit of leader David Gaudu. Vingegaard had no answer to that attack. In the end, the Dane of Team Jumbo-Visma crossed the line in sixth place, 43 seconds behind the winner and new yellow jersey wearer Pogacar.

“Our goal was to conquer the yellow jersey with Jonas today”, sports director Grischa Niermann looked back. “He attacked and seized the opportunity because he felt really strong. Perhaps he should not have attacked at that moment. When Pogacar attacked, Jonas went over his limit and couldn't immediately close the gap.”

According to Niermann, things looked good for Team Jumbo-Visma until the final climb. “Even though we were aware that Jonas might end up there alone, everything went according to plan until the final ascent.” The German thinks it will be challenging to ride Pogacar out of the yellow leader's jersey. He presently leads number three Vingegaard by 44 seconds in the standings. “But we certainly don’t think we have no chance. We had hoped for more today, but nothing has been decided yet. In the last weekend, the winner will be determined. For Jonas, there will be two more great opportunities.”