In pictures: Vingegaard decimates the competition

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

Photos: James Startt Words: James Startt

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.

Stage 16 Tour de France

Fans had to get their choose their spots early on the Côte de Dommancy.

Stage 16 Tour de France
Wout van Aert not only posted the fasted time earlier in the stage, but also provided Vingegaard crucial additional time splits.

Stage 16 Tour de FranceTadej Pogačar bested Van Aert at each time split, but Vingegaard was still closing in.

Stage 16 Tour de FranceVingegaard powers up the Côte de Dommancy.

Stage 16 Tour de FranceA wall of fans greets Vingegaard as he enters the final kilometer of the Côte de Dommancy.

Stage 16 Tour de FranceVingegaard powers into the final slopes to Combloux with victory in hand.

Stage 16 Tour de FranceVingegaard makes his first podium appearance as stage winner.

Stage 16 Tour de FranceThe smile of satisfaction… and relief!

Photos: James Startt Words: James Startt

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