Jonas Vingegaard admitted that he has some work to do to reach his top level after another loss to Tour de France rival Tadej Pogachar, but insisted that Paris-Nice is not his "absolute main goal."

After crashing on the slopes of La Rogue des Gardes on stage 4, Vingegaard took revenge with a summit finish on stage 7 of Paris-Nice.

Jumbo-Visma laid the groundwork for Vingegaard to take the yellow jersey, with Nathan van Hooydonk pulling through the valley and Tobias Foss riding solo for about 10km of the 15.7km final climb. [However, once Foss was flanked, Vingegaard was quickly reversed by Pogachar, who held on desperately for the last few kilometers.

Vingegaard, who had seemingly collapsed on stage 4, was unable to withstand the sharp acceleration of Pogachar and Vingegaard and, while recovering several times, never lost his way on the Col de la Cuillol. He rejoined for the final kick, but had to settle for third place.

"The gears were a bit too powerful today. I decided to run at my own pace. That worked out well. I was able to come back every time I attacked, which gave me confidence anyway," said Vingegaard.

"But I know I still have to improve this season. This race is not one of my absolute goals for this season.

Like Pogachar, Vingegaard started the season with three stage wins and one overall victory at the Grand Camino. But even knowing that the Tour de France was still months away, he appeared to be a step or two behind the Slovenian in Paris-Nice.

Pogachar, who has set his sights on the Classics this spring, extended his overall lead in Paris-Nice to 12 seconds over David Gaudoux, with Vingegaard in third place, 58 seconds behind.

The last chance for the least likely upset comes on Sunday's famously tricky final stage in the mountains behind Nice.

"There's another stage tomorrow. A lot can still happen there.

"I'll keep fighting for it.