In pictures: Vingegaard decimates the competition
James Startt captures the Tour de France stage 16 time trial, where Jonas Vingegaard stamped his authority on the general classification
And then it was minutes! After more than a week where the yellow jersey was separated by only a handful of seconds, defending Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard suddenly blew the race open with a stunning time trial. In what can be described as a Danish Blitz, Vingegaard bested two-time Tour winner Tadej Pogacar by 1:38. While only 22.4km long, the race against the clock went up the Côte de Dommancy, made famous by Bernard Hinault, who destroyed the field in the 1980 World Championships on this same climb. But today, it was Vingegaard who made history here, on a day that promises to go down in Tour legend.
Fans had to get their choose their spots early on the Côte de Dommancy.
Wout van Aert not only posted the fasted time earlier in the stage, but also provided Vingegaard crucial additional time splits.
Tadej Pogačar bested Van Aert at each time split, but Vingegaard was still closing in.
Vingegaard powers up the Côte de Dommancy.
A wall of fans greets Vingegaard as he enters the final kilometer of the Côte de Dommancy.
Vingegaard powers into the final slopes to Combloux with victory in hand.
Vingegaard makes his first podium appearance as stage winner.
The smile of satisfaction… and relief!
