Greig Leach

Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek) set out at the start of the stage with just one goal, to secure the Maillot a Pois. He was led to the top of the first climb, the Ballon d'Alsace, by none other than Mads Pedersen and it was Mattias Skjelmose who took him to the line. As he went over in first place, he was followed in turn by both teammates, with Skjelmose taking second and Pedersen taking third. Dylan Van Baarle (Jumbo-Visma) in his Dutch Champion's jersey just watched them get on with it. He had a more important job to do. He was on the front to look after his leaders Maillot Jaune. Ciccone will need to go first over the first four climbs of the day to put the King of the Mountains title out of anyone else's reach. His closest competitor, Felix Gall (Ag2r-Citroen) wasn't in the early break, so it is unlikely he will put up any resistance. And the other, is Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) who is far more concerned with making sure he keeps his Maillot Jaune to bother with sprinting for KOM points.