Two days later, on stage four to Rouen, Vingegaard resembled one of the world’s best puncheurs, as well as one of its best climbers. Following Pogacar’s attack in the closing kilometres, Vingegaard produced the best one-minute power effort of his career, matching the Slovenian’s famed acceleration.

Dane looks ahead to the mountains on stage 10 and into the second and third week, as he sits fourth on GC 1:17 behind close rival

Jonas Vingegaard's wife Trine was brutally honest in her assessment of the Visma-Lease cycling team, as she blamed them for pushing her husband too far.

Tadej Pogačar is the favorite to win this year’s Tour de France. The 26-year-old Slovenian cyclist's quest for a fourth Tour title starts Saturday in Lille after an impressive season, including victories in one-day races and the recent Critérium du Dauphiné.

Tour de France rolls out from Lille in France's north, all eyes will be on defending champion Tadej Pogačar, with two-time winner Jonas Vingegaard Hansen arguably the only rider in the way of total Tadej domination.

Wout van Aert and Quinn Simmons continue to push the pace. They are joined by Matteo Trentin and Jasper Stuyven, 25 seconds behind the lead trio. The new race leader Ben Healy is currently towards the back of the peloton.

Jonas Vingegaard aided by American duo in fight to try take back time on world champion on road to Le Mont Dore