The Danish rider won the 16th stage, clocking 32 minutes and 36 seconds over 22.4km from Passy to beat 2020 and 2021 Tour winner Pogacar by 1:38 and stretch his overall lead to 1:48s.

Vingegaard made a strong start, reaching the first check point at 7.1km with a 16-second advantage over his rival.

The Dane took all the risks in the descending portions and reached the foot of the Cote de Domancy (2.5 at 9.4%) with a 31-second lead.

While the Jumbo-Visma leader stayed on his time trial bike, Pogacar gambled and switched for a lighter road bike, hoping to make up for some time in the climb.

It had no effect.

Pogacar did not look smooth while Vingegaard was flying, delivering a huge blow to the Slovenian ahead of Wednesday’s gruelling 17th stage between Saint Gervais and Courchevel.