After a fast opening stage, nineteen riders escaped from the peloton. Team Jumbo-Visma handed control to UAE Team Emirates and never tried to seize the initiative until the final climb.

"We didn't mind if the breakaway went for the win”, Vingegaard said.

Pogacar's teammate Adam Yates attacked on the Grand Colombier. A strong Sepp Kuss closed the gap for Vingegaard before Pogacar's expected attack in the closing stages. Vingegaard jumped on his rival's wheel but eventually lost a few seconds. The Jumbo-Visma leader was not too upset. "This stage didn't suit me. I am happy that I was able to limit the gap. I felt strong, and the team rode excellently.”

Vingegaard is looking forward to the Alps. "We will face more and longer climbs in the coming days. That’s more to my liking, and I am still improving. I am happy to be wearing the yellow jersey, and I am happy with my current form. I'm going to give everything next week. We'll see in Paris if that's enough to win the general classification.”

Kuss stayed with his leader until the final kilometre and spoke of a successful day for the yellow and black team. "It was an explosive climb, but we had everything under control. We expected it to come down to the last few metres, and that’s what happened. There was no need for us to take the initiative today. We can be happy with where we are. It will be a matter of finding the right moments.”