Thymen Arensman launched a daring solo attack on a long final climb and held on grimly to win the 19th stage of the Tour de France, while race leader Tadej Pogačar took a step closer to a fourth Tour title.

The 19th stage of the Tour de France has been shortened after cows infected by a contagious disease were culled in an area along the mountainous route.

Thymen Arensman claimed his second victory in this year's Tour de France when he benefited from the top guns' waiting game to prevail in the 19th stage, the last mountain trek of the race on Friday, as Tadej Pogacar took a giant stride towards a fourth title.