Van Aert wins on comeback despite being caught behind massive crash

The 197.6 kilometre stage became increasingly difficult after 120 kilometres, when the wide roads of northern Jutland gave way to narrower and more technical sections. The finale featured three local laps and the 700 metre Molleparken climb, which averaged six per cent.

With 75 kilometres remaining, the race split after Visma | Lease a Bike increased the pace in the crosswinds. Moments later, a mass crash brought down Van Aert and several other riders. 

The Belgian landed on top of other fallen riders and was quickly back on his bike, but found himself in the second group while teammate Christophe Laporte remained at the front.

The groups came back together with just under 60 kilometres to go after the cooperation in the first peloton began to fade.

The decisive move developed inside the final 10 kilometres. Laporte joined a six rider group alongside Kubis, Tomas Kopecky (both Unibet Rose Rockets), Tim Torn Teutenberg (Lidl-Trek), Pier André Coté (NSN) and Henrik Pedersen (Uno-X Mobility). 

Their advantage quickly grew to around 15 seconds as the teams behind hesitated.

Van Aert responded on the final ascent of Molleparken, accelerating out of the peloton with Søren Kragh Andersen (Lidl-Trek). The Belgian led the chase and reached the front group with 2.5 kilometres remaining.

Kopecky attempted a late attack, but Laporte closed the gap and positioned Van Aert for the sprint. Van Aert opened his effort early and held off Kubis in the final metres to take the stage and the overall race lead. 

Pedersen finished third, while the peloton crossed the line 16 seconds later.