Tadej Pogachar (UAE Team Emirates), who lost the yellow jersey on the Col de Granon, took the fight to race leader Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) in the Alpe d'Huez.

The Slovenian lost 2:51 to Vingegaard on the final climb of stage 11 of the Tour de France, 90 minutes west of Alpe d'Huez, and was over 2 minutes behind him in the overall standings.

However, as far as Thursday's 12th stage was concerned, the "end of the day" at Granon in Pogachar was a blip, not a sign of a future dip in form. On the final stage, following the crossing of the Galibier and the Croix de Fer, Pogachar attempted two major attacks on the summit of the Alpe d'Huez.

The first attack came with 3km to go, and the second attack came shortly after. However, Vingegaard caught up to these two attacks, and Geraint Thomas, in fourth place, attacked again.

"I tried a couple of times, but Jonas came with me. He was very strong. But today, after yesterday, I was able to motivate myself. I don't think the Tour is over yet."

"I'm going to work hard and give it my all until Paris," he added, suggesting that the battle would continue into the Pyrenees and the final time trial in Rocamadour.

Pogachar remains 2:22 behind Vingegaard, but has moved into second place overall after Romain Bardet, the previous runner-up, dropped out of the elite GC group with 5km to go.

The white jersey holder said the support of UAE Team Emirates boosted his confidence as afternoon temperatures topped 30°C.

"I felt good today," he said. I had a much better race than yesterday. The team was very good today. They brought a lot of ice and water, so I didn't feel 40 degrees. I'm more confident now."

On stage 11, the combined effort of Primos Roglic, Sepp Kuss, Wout van Aert, and Steven Kruijswijk helped Vingegaard achieve its mission to defeat Pogachar, and on stage 12, Kuss led hard in the last few kilometers of the Alpe d'Huez He pulled hard and came back to help after Pogachar's first attack.

Pogachar was also asked if Vingegaard's Jumbo Visma team was too strong.

"I don't think so," Pogachar replied. They are really strong, but you know what happens in the end."

"Jonas is one of the best climbers, but I'm as good as him and one day I will attack better than I did today. They are strong, but they are not invincible."