Wout Van Aert masters Mont Ventoux at Tour de France to take stage win

Van Aert left Kenny Elissonde behind 11km from the top of the Giant of Provence, riding solo to the finish in Malaucene

Wout Van Aert took a solo victory on stage 11 of the Tour de France (Christophe Ena/AP)

Wout Van Aert rode clear on the second ascent of the famous Mont Ventoux to take a superb stage win as Tadej Pogacar came under pressure but extended his overall lead in the Tour de France.

Twenty-four hours after finishing second to Mark Cavendish in a sprint finish, Van Aert put on a display of a very different kind to take glory on one of the most anticipated days of this year’s Tour, featuring a double ascent of one of its most famous mountains.