With the world champion set to seal a fourth Tour title this weekend, this is how he ensured his supremacy in the sport's biggest race

The ascent to hell on the punishing slopes of Mont Ventoux is one of the Tour de France's most formidable and iconic theatres and has a history dotted with drama and tragedy.

The only word that really works to describe what that's like is chaos, and Ventoux was no different. Firstly, there was the usual level of craziness, but because this is the Tour and it's Ventoux, there was of course, extra chaos.

Valentin Paret-Peintre fought for the line with Ireland's Ben Healy toward the end of the high-altitude stage 16, on the Mont Ventoux, followed by defending champion Tadej Pogacar and Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard.

Mathieu van der Poel's withdrawal means that 19 riders have now abandoned this year's Tour de France, with 165 lining up in Montpellier for the start to week three. Get Involved: #bbccycling on X, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)