Stage 7, dubbed the first real opportunity for the breakaway, saw Mohorič capitalise and attack the breakaway on Côte-de-Glux-en-Glenne, never looking back,  and winning the longest stage of the Tour since the year 2000.

The 249.1km stage started Vierzon going over five categorised climbs finishing in Le Creusot. An early breakaway of around 30 riders formed that included Mohorič and the yellow jersey Van Der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix). The peloton let the break take a big gap, having an advantage of over six minutes putting pressure on race favourite Tadej Pogacar (UAE Emirates). On the Cote-de-Glux-en-Glenne and 70 kilometres remaining, Mohorič and Van Moer (Lotto Soudal) attacked, holding a gap of over one minute from the rest of the peloton.

In the final 10km, the break began chasing down Mohorič. However, his strong descending skills kept him away, dropping Van Moer and take his first stage win at the Tour de France. Matej has now won a stage in every Grand Tour. He also moved into the polka-dot jersey and was awarded the most combative rider.

Mohorič: “It’s unbelievable! My legs were screaming in the last 20 kilometres, but I didn’t listen to them. This was my best victory because firstly it’s Tour de France, the biggest race in the world. Secondly, I did it through the breakaway, beating some of the best riders.

I was fighting for the polka-dot jersey today and took the five points, and then I was hoping they would look at each other, allowing me to win the stage. And to do this wearing my national championship jersey is even more special for me.”

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