Overnight leader Ben Healy of Ireland meanwhile wilted to a 13min deficit on the day.

In the overall standings, Pogačar now leads by 3 minutes 31 seconds over Visma rider Vingegaard while Evenepoel is third at a daunting 4 minutes 45 seconds.

‘Like a fairytale’

“On the last climb it was really hot but I was really feeling good,” he said, explaining how he shattered the 12-man group still clinging on at the foot of the final climb.

Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar has taken the yellow jersey after the 12th stage of the Tour de France cycling race. Source: AAP / Mosa’ab Elshamy/AP

He also offered a broader explanation.

“You don’t know how your body reacts after a crash. It wasn’t so bad. The team did a super job.”

Tough day for Irishman

“Healy tried, he showed big spirit. It was hard for everybody today,” said Pogacar.

“The race isn’t over, just look at the next few stages and then there’s next week too,” he said.

The 12th stage of the Tour de France cycling race is180.6km from Auch to Hautacam. Source: AAP / Martin Divisek / EPA

Pogačar also took over the polka dot king of the mountain jersey while Jonathan Milan has the green sprint jersey and Evenepoel the white jersey as the best young rider.