Geraint Thomas, the 2018 champion, also limited the damage when he finished in Vingegaard’s group.

Australian Ben O’Connor, a surprising fourth overall last year, failed to make his way back into the bunch and lost more than three minutes to Pogacar.

There was more heartbreak for the Bahrain Victorious team as their leader, Jack Haig, abandoned the race after a crash.

Overall, Van Aert leads American Neilson Powless, fourth on the day, by 13 seconds, and Boasson Hagen by 14.

Pogacar sits in fourth position, 19 seconds off the pace.

Before the race even hits the mountains, he leads Vingegaard by 21 seconds.

AP, Reuters

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