Pogacar Set For Fourth Triumph As Arensman Edges Stage 19

Tadej Pogacar is group to triumph his 4th Tour de France aft defending his lead connected nan last upland shape of this year's race, arsenic Thymen Arensman held connected for a melodramatic triumph aft a gruelling ascent to La Plagne.

Barring a singular turnaround, Pogacar will corroborate his latest triumph successful Paris connected Sunday aft he crossed nan statement pinch Jonas Vingegaard, conceding conscionable 2 prize seconds to his rival.

The Slovenian's lead stands astatine 4 minutes 24 seconds, pinch 2 importantly flatter stages remaining.

In an epic conclusion to nan last shape successful nan precocious mountains, nan apical 4 wide classification riders chased Arensman to nan finish, astatine 2,052m supra oversea level, but Vingegaard fell 2 seconds short of nan Dutchman.

Britain's Oscar Onley, 22, mislaid touch successful nan last 2 kilometres successful pursuit of what would person been a singular podium finish, allowing Florian Lipowitz to consolidate his clasp connected third.

Organisers altered Friday's way because of a herd of diseased cattle connected nan Col des Saisies, reducing nan shape region from 130km to 95km and dropping 2 of nan 5 planned categorised climbs successful nan Alps.

The way still featured 2 hors categorie climbs - pursuing nan 3 tackled connected Thursday's queen shape - pinch nan Col du Pre preceding nan decorativeness connected La Plagne.

More to follow.