The Tour de France has posed two main questions for the peloton: how to cope with extreme heat, and how to beat Tadej Pogacar.
The second question found a clear answer on the Tourmalet, where Pogacar's devastating attack left Jonas Vingegaard and others scrambling for second place.
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Pogacar's relentless improvement suggests a fifth Tour title is almost certain if he stays healthy.
Rivals are left wondering how he achieves such dominance in an era of marginal gains.
Green Jersey Battle Intensifies
With the GC seemingly decided, attention shifts to the points classification. Today's flat stage to Bordeaux offers sprinters another opportunity.
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Olaj Kooij claimed his first Tour stage win on stage five in a reduced bunch sprint.
Mads Pedersen won stage four from a breakaway in scorching 40°C heat.
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Sprinters' teams will aim to control the stage for contenders like Jasper Philipsen and Tim Merlier. Pedersen also looks to strengthen his green jersey campaign.
