The Ineos Grenadiers rider surged clear of South Africa’s Louis Meintjes of Intermarche-Wanty-Gobert Materiaux and compatriot Chris Froome of Israel-Premier Tech.

The mountainous stage from Briançon to Alpe d'Huez proved to be a challenging route with the Col du Galibier and the Col de la Croix de Fer proving intimidating mountain passes for the peloton.

However, it was a comfortable victory for Pidcock, who completed the 165.5-kilometre stage in 4hrs 55min 24sec.

This was 48 seconds faster than Meintjes and two minutes and six seconds quicker than Froome.

EF Education-EasyPost’s Neilson Powless of the United States and Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar of UAE Team Emirates finished fourth and fifth.

Despite the advantage, Pidcock admitted after the race that he did not believe he would win his first WorldTour stage until the final moments.

"Honestly, only with 800 metres to go," Pidcock said.

"I didn't really know what to do.

"I kept going because I didn't want to get caught.

"I don't know if I went too hard or whatever, but actually I paced it really well."

Denmark’s Vingegaard, who rides for Jumbo-Visma, finished the race in sixth to retain a 2min 22sec advantage over Pogačar in the overall standings.

Britain’s Geraint Thomas is third and trails the leader by 2:26.

The next stage is due to take place between Le Bourg-d'Oisans and Saint-Étienne tomorrow.