Tour de France 2017: Edvald Boasson Hagen Wins Stage 19, Chris Froome Keeps Lead

Edvald Boasson Hagen was victorious on Stage 19 of the 2017 Tour de France after the Dimension Data rider's late solo break gave him the win on Friday.

The Norwegian prevailed in very warm conditions to become a three-time stage winner, with Team Sky's Chris Froome holding on to the yellow jersey.

The sprinters had been expected to dominate the race, but with an all-important time trail in Marseille to follow, the focus remained on a conservative strategy.

The race took place over 222.5 kilometres between Embrun and Salon-de-Provence, representing the longest stage of this year's Tour de France.

Here are the stage results and current general classification, per ITV Cycling:

A hot day in the saddle faced the field as they launched from Embrun, and the race became a tactical affair as Froome set out his stall.

The riders had an almighty task as they raced to Salon-de-Provence among the final climbing of the competition before the last two stages.

Stage 19 was much flatter than the recent journey through the mountains, as CyclingNews.com provided the vital details:

As the tired sprinters abdicated the chance of victory, the peloton took control, with Team Sky positioning themselves at the front in the early stages.

Froome had an easier day than expected, able to sit in the main group without pressure or complication.

The time trail of Stage 20 was clearly on the mind of the top riders, and Froome's procession to victory should arrive in Marseille. 

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Julian Vermote and Pierre Rolland attempted to split the pack as they both pulled away, but the pair were soon reeled back in.

A group of eight finally threatened to get away, but BMC positioned themselves at the front of the chasing group and brought them back too.

Jens Keukeleire of Orica-Scott grabbed the lead on his own with 52 kilometres remaining of the grueling course, but he couldn't maintain that pace.

Fatigue was clearly a factor in the final 25 kilometres as the peloton fragmented due to a quickening pace.

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Team Sky remained disciplined with 16 kilometres remaining, and Froome appeared comfortable as his team-mates protected his position.

Led by Elie Gesbert, several sprinters positioned themselves in a small group at the front as they quickly stole a 10-minute advantage, but the reduced peloton stayed on course without panicking.

Jan Bakelants made a lightning-fast break for home with seven kilometres to go, but the Belgian didn't have the gas in the tank to sustain it.

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It was left Boasson Hagen to grab the initiative, and a clever approach to a roundabout saw him suddenly take control in the final stages.

Boasson Hagen went to the opposite side of the roundabout as he crossed, with the chasing pack taking the traditional route. The move gave the Norwegian space to pull away.

The Dimension Data star made no mistake on the run-in, sprinting clear ahead of the rest of the riders.

Froome rolled over the line with his team-mates, and the Brit will believe he can effectively seal a fourth Tour victory in Marseille.