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"The yellow jersey is iconic. You go anywhere in the world and people will know the yellow jersey, how it signifies cycling and its history. So to be a part of that history and to win it, I just pinch myself."

Many hoped he would go on to challenge for the overall yellow jersey after his astonishing stage 12 victory on Alpe d’Huez in 2022, but it was becoming gradually acknowledged that he is more of a one-day specialist on a road or mountain bike.

Wearing the yellow jersey Pogacar, 25, finished the stage a blistering one minute and three seconds clear of second-placed Jonas Vingegaard.

He also spent 19 days in the yellow jersey, holding it exclusively from stage four.

Carapaz became the first Ecuadorian to wear the yellow jersey after moving into the overall lead on stage three but subsequently faded from contention for the overall race.