By Julien Pretot LA PLAGNE, France (Reuters) -Such is Tadej Pogacar’s domination on the Tour de France that what began as a frantic chase for stage wins has morphed into a racing masterclass - a reigning champion pulling the strings on his way to a fourth title.

Tadej Pogacar is set to win his fourth Tour de France after defending his lead on on stage 19, won by Thymen Arensman after a gruelling ascent to La Plagne.

The Tour de France comes to a head with one final Alpine stage - and it’s now or never for Jonas Vingegaard to seize Tadej Pogacar’s crown

Pogačar did not deliver any last-minute fireworks as the rain and hail teemed down at La Plagne, his one attack halfway up the climb reducing the front group to the four top names on the GC, after which he seemed content to lead at a steady but not relentless pace ahead of Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike).

It was O'Connor's second stage win at the Tour, four years after his victory in Tignes. The team Jayco AlUla leader dropped his last breakaway companion, Einer Rubio, with 16 kilometers to go and then held off the return of the main contenders.

Ben O'Connor won the toughest mountain stage of the 2025 Tour de France, while Tadej Pogačar ensured there was little drama with the yellow jersey.

Analysis of the latest day's action in the 2025 race - 171km from Montpellier up to the summit of the iconic Mont Ventoux

When the reigning champion suffered a 40 mph crash, his title defense was in jeopardy. Until a man in blue overalls jumped off his motorbike and leapt into action.