The Dimension Data rider had been frustrated by ending as the runner-up on stage seven and 16, as well as finishing in third place on two occasions.

Boasson Hagen’s prospects of ending a six-year wait for his third Tour de France stage win looked promising when he was involved in a 20-man breakaway group at the start of the 222 kilometre stage from Embrun.

The general classification contenders were content to allow the move to build a substantial lead, with none of the riders posing a threat at the top of the overall standings.

With less than 20km remaining, nine riders were able to split the group to reduce the potential stage winners.

Boasson Hagen was eyed as the favourite for victory, but Belgium’s Jens Keukeleire, Thomas De Gendt and Jan Bakelants were hopeful of success on their country’s national day.

The crucial moment came on a roundabout with three kilometres remaining, as Boasson Hagen chose to follow Germany’s Nikias Arndt to the right, while the other seven riders went left.

Boasson Hagen and Arndt emerged on the other side with a gap over their rivals and the Norwegian took advantage of a hesitation by Arndt to push clear.

The 30-year-old remained clear to win in a time of 5 hour, 6min and 9sec, with Arndt crossing 5sec adrift as the runner-up.

The yellow jersey group finished over 12 minutes behind, but Britain’s Chris Froome will be pleased to have moved one stage closer to victory.

Froome, the 2013, 2015 and 2016 winner, will head into tomorrow’s crucial 22.5km individual time trial in Marseille with a 23sec lead over second place Romain Bardet of France.

His biggest rival could be Colombia’s Cannondale-Drapac rider Rigoberto Uran, who lies 29sec behind, but has a greater time trial pedigree.

The race leader at the close of tomorrow’s stage will have virtually sealed overall victory, with the 103km stage from Montgeron to Paris on Sunday (July 23) being largely ceremonial.

The second and final day of La Course by the Tour de France will take place tomorrow, with Dutch rider Annemiek van Vleuten leading the event.

She will begin a 22.5km "chase" in Marseille with a 43sec head start on second place Lizzie Deignan of Britain, with riders will setting off according to time gaps established on the opening stage.