Here’s Jeremy Whittle’s report from the finish line.
With the closing stage in Paris on Sunday potentially subject to neutralisation, due to the threat of rain, the Slovenian is now on the threshold of achieving a fourth win in six years.
With many teams still desperately seeking a stage win, the competition to make the day’s breakaway was ferocious, with risky attacks and last-ditch moves characterising the final kilometres of racing.
Points leader/green jersey standings
1. Jonathan Milan (ITA) Lidl - Trek 352
2. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates - XRG 272
3. Biniam Girmay (ERI) Intermarché - Wanty 213
4. Jonas Vingegaard (DEN) Team Visma - Lease a Bike 182
5. Anthony Turgis (FRA) TotalEnergies 169
6. Tim Merlier (BEL) Soudal Quick-Step 156
7. Jonas Abrahamsen (NOR) Uno-X Mobility “
8. Quinn Simmons (USA) Lidl - Trek 123
9. Kaden Groves (AUS) Alpecin - Deceuninck 119
10. Oscar Onley (GBR) Team Picnic PostNL 115