Stefan Küng set the early benchmark, and for much of the day, it appeared as if the European Champion would take the stage.

Tadej Pogacar produced a staggering ride to take the stage from Küng, assert himself as the outright GC favorite, and prove that he can hold his own on flat time trials as well as climbing courses such as the won which earned him the 2020 yellow jersey.

Primoz Roglic took risks throughout the entire stage to claw back time which he lost in the hectic opening stages, but his respectable result paled in comparison to the younger Slovenian's ride.

Geraint Thomas did not produce the race many expected of him. Thomas told the press that he did not start out hard enough.

Mathieu Van Der Poel was on a mission to retain the yellow jersey. The Dutchman continues to amaze the world with his versatility.