Jonas Vingegaard has produced one of the classic time-trial performances in the history of the Tour de France to move to the brink of defending his title.
The Dane begun the day just 10 seconds ahead of nearest rival Tadej Pogacar, setting up a titanic duel over 22.4km between Passy and Combloux which started and ended with substantial inclines.
However, Vingegaard delivered a display that was barely believable, finishing one minute 38 seconds ahead of Pogacar to almost catch him as the stage drew to a close.
At the first check point, Vingegaard was 16 seconds ahead, it being visibly clear that he had gone off strong, yet the gaps kept being extended throughout the individual time trial.
🔄 Bike change for @TamauPogi!
— Tour de France™ (@LeTour) July 18, 2023
🔄 Changement de vélo pour @TamauPogi #TDF2023 pic.twitter.com/SAYzi4Yqt6
The margin was 31 seconds and one minute five seconds at checkpoint two and three respectively, helped by Pogacar choosing to change bikes for the remaining 10 minutes of the stage.
Vingegaard lost time during the closing 500 metres, yet the damage had already been done as he established a one minute 48 second advantage in the general classification.
Wout van Aert's, who had topped the standings for much of the final phase of the time trial, ultimately ended up in third, a massive two minutes 51 seconds adrift of Vingegaard.
Darren Plant
