“I find it more comfortable and use it 95% of the year,” he stated. “I also opted out of using a radio, relying on the time clocks positioned along the route.”

Reigning champion

Upon completing stage 13 at the Peyragudes Altiport, famously featured in the opening scene of the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies, Pogačar was 36 seconds faster than Vingegaard, with Primoz Roglic trailing at 1 minute and 20 seconds behind.

Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard rides through the 13th stage of the 112th Tour de France cycling event. Source: AFP / Anne-Christine Poujoulat

Evenepoel was overtaken close to the line by Vingegaard, but said he was too tired to care.

Australian champion Luke Plapp set the early pace and sat in the hot seat all day before suddenly packing his case and vacating it on seeing Vingegaard storm up the mountain.