Nicolas Prodhomme (Decathlon CMA CGM) has downplayed any hint of malice in the stare he received from the Tour de France winner-in-waiting Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) on the Col de Sarenne towards the end of stage 20.
It was one of the most striking images of the Tour so far, Pogačar sauntering up alongside Prodhomme and turning to look him in the eyes for a good few seconds as he slipped back following an acceleration at the head of the small yellow jersey group.