Stage 16 ended in a sprint - but no regular sprinter's sprint. Amongst a sprinkling of out-and-out fastmen, also contesting the finale were a contrasting mix of puncheurs, rouleurs and climbers.
The 209KM stage in to Berne took its toll on all but the very best of the best and provided a thrilling finish. Dan's legs carried him safely to the finish, but the final climb of the day took away any thoughts of contesting the finish. He rolled home in a small group 7:23 down on the stage winner in position 163.
But does any of that really matter when you you can wear a casquette like an absolute boss. Chapeau Sir....Chapeau!
Racing during a pandemic has proved to be a very strange time for cycling. The 2020 season was affected in ways unseen since the two world wars. Shane Stokes looks at the prospects for the current year, which once again sees Covid-19 having a negative effect on the sporting calendar.
In the first of what will be a regular column looking at the 2021 season, Shane Stokes speaks to British Cycling’s Matt Brammeier about the twin complications of a pandemic and an exit from the European Union.