Pogačar produced the eighth-fastest time on the day, 57 seconds slower than van Aert, to maintain his place at the top of the general classification on 80 hours 16 mins 59 secs and will carry his lead of 5:20 into tomorrow’s final, processional 108.4km run from Chatou to the Champs-Élysées in Paris, when by tradition the leader is not challenged.

It is likely to be the biggest winning margin at the Tour de France, one of the sport's three Grand Tour road cycling events, since Italian Vincenzo Nibali triumphed by 7:39 in 2014.

Jumbo-Visma's Jonas Vingegaard, who finished third today, is set to conclude the race in second place, in front of Ecuador's Richard Carapaz of Ineos Grenadiers, who is 7:03 down on the defending champion.

Pogačar is set to win the polka dot jersey for King of the Mountains and white jersey for being the best rider under-25, as he did last year, with the green jersey for points winner set to be won by Britain's Mark Cavendish.

"I'm super happy to finish - it went so fast," Pogačar said.

"There was so much support on the course, I was just enjoying every moment though I was suffering as it was super hot.

"I cannot describe it.

“I was going flat out but totally different on stage five where there was much more adrenaline.

"But today I did my best, I was prepared.

"But not as good in the legs.

"I cannot compare - last year was something else.

"This year is just different."

Van Aert, riding for Team Jumbo-Visma, earned his second stage win of this tour in 35:53, in front of two Danish riders,  Kasper Asgreen of Deceuninck-Quick-Step, who was 21 seconds slower, and his team mate Vingegaard, who was 32 seconds adrift.

Two Swiss riders filled fourth and fifth places on the day, Stefan Keung of Groupama-FDJ, at 38 seconds, and Stefan Bissegger, riding for EF Education-Nippo, who was 44 seconds back.